http://www.thaiconnections.org en Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Copyright 2026 Tim Dunham Tim Dunham timdunham@thaiconnections.org false Sun, 26 Jul 2026 02:20:00 +0000 Jared Higgins The Struggle: rejected, anxious, alone, ashamed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, stuck What should I do when I don't know what to do? Talk to God Think about God Trust God The Struggle: rejected, anxious, alone, ashamed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, stuck What should I do when I don't know what to do? Talk to God Think about God Trust God The Struggle: rejected, anxious, alone, ashamed, overwhelmed, vulnerable, stuck What should I do when I don't know what to do? Talk to God Think about God Trust God… Jared Higgins 2333 https://ccf.sermon.net/22544919/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trustgod/id/4364766.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22544919 Series: Summer in the Psalms Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:07:00 +0000 Keegan Brady ○ Psalm 139: Known by God ○ Keegan Brady A Dangerous Thing ○ In a famous poem written in 1709, Alexander Pope writes: "A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again." Psalms - The prayer book of the Bible ○ The Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. ○ "The Lord’s prayer tells you, in a nutshell, what to pray. But it’s the Psalms that teaches you how to pray." — Tim Keller ○ More often than not, the Psalms are not what God is saying to us, but rather what we should be saying to God. Four Attributes, Four Applications ○ Omniscience: God’s complete knowledge of me (vv. 1–6) ○ Omnipresence: God with me in every place (vv. 7–12) ○ Creatorship: God’s sovereign ownership of every part of me (vv. 13–18) ○ Holiness: God’s will that I be like Him (vv. 19–24) Point 1: God Knows Us (vv. 1–6) (Could maybe each be a different slide) ○ Genesis 3:7 - Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. ○ Deut. 34:10 - And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face ○ Gen 4:17 - Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. ○ Exodus 2:25 - God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Point 2: God is With Us (vv. 7–12) ○ The Psalms encounter every human condition. You are not alone. Point 3: God Made Us (vv. 13–18) ○ “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” — Psalm 139:14 ○ This world doesn’t need more edited, filtered faces; it needs more praise of the Creator. Point 4: God Calls Us to Walk in Obedience (vv. 19–24) ○ “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” — Psalm 139:23–24 ○ Following Jesus is not about being "superior" or "cultural"—it is about displaying His grace and goodness to the world. ○ Psalm 139: Known by God ○ Keegan Brady A Dangerous Thing ○ In a famous poem written in 1709, Alexander Pope writes: "A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again." Psalms - The prayer book of the Bible ○ The Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible. ○ "The Lord’s prayer tells you, in a nutshell, what to pray. But it’s the Psalms that teaches you how to pray." — Tim Keller ○ More often than not, the Psalms are not what God is saying to us, but rather what we should be saying to God. Four Attributes, Four Applications ○ Omniscience: God’s complete knowledge of me (vv. 1–6) ○ Omnipresence: God with me in every place (vv. 7–12) ○ Creatorship: God’s sovereign ownership of every part of me (vv. 13–18) ○ Holiness: God’s will that I be like Him (vv. 19–24) Point 1: God Knows Us (vv. 1–6) (Could maybe each be a different slide) ○ Genesis 3:7 - Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. ○ Deut. 34:10 - And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face ○ Gen 4:17 - Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. ○ Exodus 2:25 - God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Point 2: God is With Us (vv. 7–12) ○ The Psalms encounter every human condition. You are not alone. Point 3: God Made Us (vv. 13–18) ○ “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” — Psalm 139:14 ○ This world doesn’t need more edited, filtered faces; it needs more praise of the Creator. Point 4: God Calls Us to Walk in Obedience (vv. 19–24) ○ “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” — Psalm 139:23–24 ○ Following Jesus is not about being "superior" or "cultural"—it is about displaying His grace and goodness to the world. ○ Psalm 139: Known by God ○ Keegan Brady A Dangerous Thing ○ In a famous poem written in 1709, Alexander Pope writes: "A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, An… Keegan Brady 3001 https://ccf.sermon.net/22544917/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_knownbygod/id/4364763.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22544917 Series: Summer in the Psalms Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:12:00 +0000 Allen Rea “Crying in the Cave: Psalm 142” Op: Jn11:35; Heb 5:7; Lk 7:36-50 “Try Tears.” - William Booth David’s Desperation (v.1-4) Abundance of Foes My complaints, my troubles, my enemies B. Absence of Friends 1. “No One” - Prov. 18:24— 400 men II. David’s Realization (v.5-7) A. God Alone is his Refuge B. God Alone is his ONLY Desire C. God Alone is his Rescuer D. God Alone is his Liberator (for praise) E. God Alone gives Goodness (testimony/witness) CL: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.You have recorded each one in your book.”- Ps 56:8 “Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil." Gandalf at the Grey Havens “Crying in the Cave: Psalm 142” Op: Jn11:35; Heb 5:7; Lk 7:36-50 “Try Tears.” - William Booth David’s Desperation (v.1-4) Abundance of Foes My complaints, my troubles, my enemies B. Absence of Friends 1. “No One” - Prov. 18:24— 400 men II. David’s Realization (v.5-7) A. God Alone is his Refuge B. God Alone is his ONLY Desire C. God Alone is his Rescuer D. God Alone is his Liberator (for praise) E. God Alone gives Goodness (testimony/witness) CL: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.You have recorded each one in your book.”- Ps 56:8 “Well, here at last, dear friends, on the shores of the Sea comes the end of our fellowship in Middle-earth. Go in peace! I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil." Gandalf at the Grey Havens “Crying in the Cave: Psalm 142” Op: Jn11:35; Heb 5:7; Lk 7:36-50 “Try Tears.” - William Booth David’s Desperation (v.1-4) Abundance of Foes My complaints, my troubles, my enemies B. Absence of Friends 1. “No One” - Prov. 18:24— 400 men II.… Allen Rea 2189 https://ccf.sermon.net/22540520/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_cryinginthecave/id/4360511.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22540520 Series: Summer in the Psalms Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:59:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil How does God expand our faith when wicked people prosper?

 Main Point: God expands our faith by drawing us near to see that He Himself is our true prosperity. 1. Distrust of God’s goodness pulls us away from God (v1-16)
 2. God reorders what we see and what we treasure when we draw near to Him (v17-25).
 3. God Himself, not His gifts, is our true prosperity. (V26-28) Psalms 44 - God expands our faith through lament rooted in His lovingkindness. 

 Psalms 73 - God expands our faith by drawing us near to see that He Himself is our true prosperity. How does God expand our faith when wicked people prosper?

 Main Point: God expands our faith by drawing us near to see that He Himself is our true prosperity. 1. Distrust of God’s goodness pulls us away from God (v1-16)
 2. God reorders what we see and what we treasure when we draw near to Him (v17-25).
 3. God Himself, not His gifts, is our true prosperity. (V26-28) Psalms 44 - God expands our faith through lament rooted in His lovingkindness. 

 Psalms 73 - God expands our faith by drawing us near to see that He Himself is our true prosperity. How does God expand our faith when wicked people prosper?

 Main Point: God expands our faith by drawing us near to see that He Himself is our true prosperity. 1. Distrust of God’s goodness pulls us away from God (v1-16)
 2. God reorders what we… Ross Pospisil 3075 https://ccf.sermon.net/22540517/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenthewickedprospershakenbuts/id/4360510.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22540517 Series: Summer in the Psalms Sun, 28 Jun 2026 06:16:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Ross Pospisil 3018 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536512/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_shakenbutsurrendered/id/4356618.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536512 Series: Summer in the Psalms Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is genuine worship? Is my worship in spirit and in truth? Am I the kind of worshipper God is seeking? the Father is seeking worshippers who draw near to the real God through his Spirit and his Son, and in Christ, the search is over for anyone willing to be found. Big Idea - What is genuine worship? Is my worship in spirit and in truth? Am I the kind of worshipper God is seeking? the Father is seeking worshippers who draw near to the real God through his Spirit and his Son, and in Christ, the search is over for anyone willing to be found. Big Idea - What is genuine worship? Is my worship in spirit and in truth? Am I the kind of worshipper God is seeking? the Father is seeking worshippers who draw near to the real God through his Spirit and his Son, and in Christ, the search is over for … Tim Dunham 3226 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536511/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trueworship/id/4356613.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536511 Series: John Sun, 14 Jun 2026 05:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When we come to Jesus, desperate for help, what does he want our faith to finally hold onto? Not the sign we ask for, nor even the promise we're given, but the Person himself — the Christ whose cross and empty tomb give a life that death cannot take." Big Idea - When we come to Jesus, desperate for help, what does he want our faith to finally hold onto? Not the sign we ask for, nor even the promise we're given, but the Person himself — the Christ whose cross and empty tomb give a life that death cannot take." Big Idea - When we come to Jesus, desperate for help, what does he want our faith to finally hold onto? Not the sign we ask for, nor even the promise we're given, but the Person himself — the Christ whose cross and empty tomb give a life that death can… Tim Dunham 3180 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536507/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_signswonders/id/4356611.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536507 Series: John Sun, 07 Jun 2026 05:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Where does joy come from? We know the Sunday School answer: “God, Jesus, the Bible!” But the real test of where we think joy comes from is to examine our priorities. We prioritize the things we believe will give us joy, directly or indirectly. Where does joy come from, and do the priorities we have in life line up with the true source of joy? Joy comes from God alone, which means we will prioritize worship over worldly pursuits, but even more than that, joy comes from doing God's work, which means we will prioritize the work of the harvest over looking out for myself. This joy overflows from our heart into action, not the forced priority of duty or obligation. But joy is not always that simple or easy. The good news is that Jesus is the ultimate example of finding HIs greatest joy through HIs deepest suffering! Big Idea - Where does joy come from? We know the Sunday School answer: “God, Jesus, the Bible!” But the real test of where we think joy comes from is to examine our priorities. We prioritize the things we believe will give us joy, directly or indirectly. Where does joy come from, and do the priorities we have in life line up with the true source of joy? Joy comes from God alone, which means we will prioritize worship over worldly pursuits, but even more than that, joy comes from doing God's work, which means we will prioritize the work of the harvest over looking out for myself. This joy overflows from our heart into action, not the forced priority of duty or obligation. But joy is not always that simple or easy. The good news is that Jesus is the ultimate example of finding HIs greatest joy through HIs deepest suffering! Big Idea - Where does joy come from? We know the Sunday School answer: “God, Jesus, the Bible!” But the real test of where we think joy comes from is to examine our priorities. We prioritize the things we believe will give us joy, directly or indirect… Tim Dunham 3124 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536504/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_timefortheharvest/id/4356609.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536504 Series: John Sun, 31 May 2026 05:24:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2847 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536503/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyofsowingreaping/id/4356608.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22536503 Series: John Sun, 24 May 2026 04:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - "We can only lose well — and find lasting joy — when our life orbits the Son who is both above all and loves us as our Bridegroom." Big Idea - "We can only lose well — and find lasting joy — when our life orbits the Son who is both above all and loves us as our Bridegroom." Big Idea - "We can only lose well — and find lasting joy — when our life orbits the Son who is both above all and loves us as our Bridegroom." … Tim Dunham 2787 https://ccf.sermon.net/22525958/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hemustincrease/id/4346293.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22525958 Series: John Sun, 17 May 2026 04:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Because God loved a hostile world enough to give His Son, the question is no longer whether we are loved, but whether we will trust that love enough to step into the light. Big Idea - Because God loved a hostile world enough to give His Son, the question is no longer whether we are loved, but whether we will trust that love enough to step into the light. Big Idea - Because God loved a hostile world enough to give His Son, the question is no longer whether we are loved, but whether we will trust that love enough to step into the light. … Tim Dunham 3298 https://ccf.sermon.net/22523943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forgodsolovedtheworld/id/4344310.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22523943 Series: John Sun, 10 May 2026 02:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - "Your greatest need is not more knowledge but new life — and new life comes only by looking to the lifted-up Son." Big Idea - "Your greatest need is not more knowledge but new life — and new life comes only by looking to the lifted-up Son." Big Idea - "Your greatest need is not more knowledge but new life — and new life comes only by looking to the lifted-up Son." … Tim Dunham 3046 https://ccf.sermon.net/22522041/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bornagain/id/4342451.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22522041 Series: John Sun, 26 Apr 2026 02:12:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This passage ends with the words "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." It raises two very important questions that are highly relevant to us. First, how did turning water into wine reveal God's glory in Jesus? And secondly, what does it mean that it resulted in the disciples believing in Him? Didn't they already believe? We often use the term 'believing in Jesus' to mean that we got saved. We describe our conversion as putting our faith in Christ, and so we were saved. This is not wrong, but this is not the way John uses the phrase. His audience is primarily Greek-speaking Jewish Christians who lived throughout the Roman Empire, not in Judea. But John writes, "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). John implies that believing is not just a one-time thing, or only something we do to get saved. Believing in Jesus and having life in His name are both things that Christians need to grow in. But how does this passage help us believe and have life in His name? In this story, Jesus rescues a wedding on the verge of disaster. To save the wedding, He must sacrifice religious ritual, but Jesus chooses celebration over ceremony, and the bridegroom's honor over tradition. Jesus also performs a miracle similar to Moses turning the Nile into blood. This miracle is spectacular in both quantity and quality. On one level, it was a very kind act to prevent what would have been a shameful and very unpleasant ending to what should have been a joyful event. But it was more than that. John tells us it wasn't just a miracle or a rescue operation, it was a sign. That means that it was more than just an act of kindness to help out a friend. It is a message, a prophetic object lesson to teach reveal to us something about His glory. This sign reveals that 1) The messianic age has arrived, 2) Jesus is replacing the old with the new, 3) The new is essentially the joy of a wedding, 4) God saves the best for last, and 5) The coming hour Big Idea - This passage ends with the words "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." It raises two very important questions that are highly relevant to us. First, how did turning water into wine reveal God's glory in Jesus? And secondly, what does it mean that it resulted in the disciples believing in Him? Didn't they already believe? We often use the term 'believing in Jesus' to mean that we got saved. We describe our conversion as putting our faith in Christ, and so we were saved. This is not wrong, but this is not the way John uses the phrase. His audience is primarily Greek-speaking Jewish Christians who lived throughout the Roman Empire, not in Judea. But John writes, "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). John implies that believing is not just a one-time thing, or only something we do to get saved. Believing in Jesus and having life in His name are both things that Christians need to grow in. But how does this passage help us believe and have life in His name? In this story, Jesus rescues a wedding on the verge of disaster. To save the wedding, He must sacrifice religious ritual, but Jesus chooses celebration over ceremony, and the bridegroom's honor over tradition. Jesus also performs a miracle similar to Moses turning the Nile into blood. This miracle is spectacular in both quantity and quality. On one level, it was a very kind act to prevent what would have been a shameful and very unpleasant ending to what should have been a joyful event. But it was more than that. John tells us it wasn't just a miracle or a rescue operation, it was a sign. That means that it was more than just an act of kindness to help out a friend. It is a message, a prophetic object lesson to teach reveal to us something about His glory. This sign reveals that 1) The messianic age has arrived, 2) Jesus is replacing the old with the new, 3) The new is essentially the joy of a wedding, 4) God saves the best for last, and 5) The coming hour Big Idea - This passage ends with the words "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." It raises two very important questions that are highly relevant to us. First, how did… Tim Dunham 3727 https://ccf.sermon.net/22517421/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_waterwineweddings/id/4337922.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22517421 Series: John Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:44:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Question: Who is the one that John came to announce, and why does it matter that we know Him? Answer: Jesus is the Son of God — one so much higher than any human messenger, whose ministry is so much greater than anything that came before. John was merely the forerunner, but the King he announced is the Lamb of God who takes away sin, the revelation of God to humanity, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, uniting our very souls with God. The real question is not "Who are you?" but "Who is He?" — and once you have truly seen Him, that seeing changes you permanently and compels you to bear witness. Big Idea - Question: Who is the one that John came to announce, and why does it matter that we know Him? Answer: Jesus is the Son of God — one so much higher than any human messenger, whose ministry is so much greater than anything that came before. John was merely the forerunner, but the King he announced is the Lamb of God who takes away sin, the revelation of God to humanity, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, uniting our very souls with God. The real question is not "Who are you?" but "Who is He?" — and once you have truly seen Him, that seeing changes you permanently and compels you to bear witness. Big Idea - Question: Who is the one that John came to announce, and why does it matter that we know Him? Answer: Jesus is the Son of God — one so much higher than any human messenger, whose ministry is so much greater than anything that came before. Jo… Tim Dunham 3120 https://ccf.sermon.net/22512670/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewitnessofohn/id/4333288.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22512670 Series: John Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:33:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2771 https://ccf.sermon.net/22512666/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresurrection/id/4333286.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22512666 Series: Easter Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:24:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why does the King who hid now choose to be seen? Because He came not to reign but to die — and He must die as a rejected King, not a misunderstood teacher. The cross only means what it means if the One hanging on it is the rightful King. And that forces a decision on every one of us: Will we reduce Jesus to a teacher whose words we can take or leave, or will we surrender to the only King who uses all His power not to take from us, but to give everything for us? Big Idea - Why does the King who hid now choose to be seen? Because He came not to reign but to die — and He must die as a rejected King, not a misunderstood teacher. The cross only means what it means if the One hanging on it is the rightful King. And that forces a decision on every one of us: Will we reduce Jesus to a teacher whose words we can take or leave, or will we surrender to the only King who uses all His power not to take from us, but to give everything for us? Big Idea - Why does the King who hid now choose to be seen? Because He came not to reign but to die — and He must die as a rejected King, not a misunderstood teacher. The cross only means what it means if the One hanging on it is the rightful King. And… Tim Dunham 3301 https://ccf.sermon.net/22507526/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_therockscryout/id/4328232.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22507526 Series: Easter Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does it mean that the Word became flesh — and why does it matter for us? In Jesus, God didn't just visit from a distance — He moved in. The eternal, all-powerful Creator took on full humanity and tabernacled among us so that we could finally see God's glory: not a display of terrifying power, but the overwhelming reality of His gracious love and covenant faithfulness. And through the cross, He resolved the great tension of how a holy God can forgive the guilty while still upholding justice — by taking the punishment Himself. Now, through His Spirit dwelling in us, we don't see less of God's glory than the first disciples did — we see more, with unveiled faces, being transformed by what we see. Big Idea - What does it mean that the Word became flesh — and why does it matter for us? In Jesus, God didn't just visit from a distance — He moved in. The eternal, all-powerful Creator took on full humanity and tabernacled among us so that we could finally see God's glory: not a display of terrifying power, but the overwhelming reality of His gracious love and covenant faithfulness. And through the cross, He resolved the great tension of how a holy God can forgive the guilty while still upholding justice — by taking the punishment Himself. Now, through His Spirit dwelling in us, we don't see less of God's glory than the first disciples did — we see more, with unveiled faces, being transformed by what we see. Big Idea - What does it mean that the Word became flesh — and why does it matter for us? In Jesus, God didn't just visit from a distance — He moved in. The eternal, all-powerful Creator took on full humanity and tabernacled among us so that we could fi… Tim Dunham 3220 https://ccf.sermon.net/22505332/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewordbecameflesh/id/4326088.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22505332 Series: John Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:28:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Getting John the Baptist right v.6-8 The True Light v.9-11 Reject or Receive him? The right to become children of God v.12-13 Getting John the Baptist right v.6-8 The True Light v.9-11 Reject or Receive him? The right to become children of God v.12-13 Getting John the Baptist right v.6-8 The True Light v.9-11 Reject or Receive him? The right to become children of God v.12-13… Andrew Carter 3493 https://ccf.sermon.net/22503005/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetruelight/id/4323822.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22503005 Series: John Sun, 08 Mar 2026 03:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In order to really understand what someone has written, you need to know their purpose in writing. Normally, people will give you some idea of their purpose at the beginning of the book. But, John gives us his purpose in writing at the end of the book - John 20:30–31 (ESV) — 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. At first glance, it could sound like Jesus is writing to people who don't know anything about Jesus, unbelievers, so that they can be saved. But he is actually writing to Christians, the majority of whom were believing Jews. He is most likely writing after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and many of these Jewish Christians were scattered all over the Roman Empire. They gathered together with other believers in small Churches, but they also felt a deep connection to their Jewish roots, and many still gathered in the local Synagogue. They did not see their faith in Jesus as anti-Jewish or as something that required them to separate themselves from their Jewish roots. They believed Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and the fulfillment of all that was taught in the Old Testament. Therefore, they saw themselves as the true Israelites, walking in the true and complete Judaism. But they were increasingly coming under attack and persecution from Jewish Rabbis and leaders. These leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and they were accusing the Jewish Christians of heresy. The Jewish believers claimed that Jesus was not only the Messiah but also God. But the Jewish Rabbis said that this was in direct violation of the Shema, which was at the very center of the Jewish understanding of God - Deuteronomy 6:4 (ESV) — 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." How could the Jewish Christians be faithful to the revelation of God in the Old Testament, and worship two Gods, the God of the Old Testament, and also Jesus as God? So, when John says his purpose is that they would "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," he is writing to Christians who need to stand firm in the right understanding of who Jesus is, that He is the true Messiah and savior of Israel and all who will believe. He is seeking to strengthen their faith by deepening their understanding of who Jesus really is. Even though we are not facing the same attacks or may not be wrestling with the same theological problems, the Gospel of John can be of great benefit to us, because the foundation of all our faith is a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, and to know Him fully as the Messiah, Son of God. John wastes no time telling us exactly who Jesus is. In the prologue of his Gospel, he makes one of the most profound and direct statements in all of the Bible, that Jesus is indeed the Messiah of the Old Testament, and the very Son of God who came to earth and took on human flesh. But what exactly does all that mean? Do we really understand what it means for Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God? What exactly was Jesus claiming to be when He said He was the Son of God? We will examine what it means, and then look at why it matters to us. First, what does it mean - The Christ, the Son of God? 1) He is God and God is One 2) He is God and He is not alone, 3) He made everything, 4) He is life, 5) He is light. Second, why does it matter to me? 1) Our faith is built on a solid and ancient foundation, 2) We were made for relationship with Him, 3) He is our life, and that life is life eternal in Him, 4) There is darkness, which is blind to the truth, and resistant to the Gospel, but the darkness cannot defeat the light, instead the light defeats the darkness. Big Idea - In order to really understand what someone has written, you need to know their purpose in writing. Normally, people will give you some idea of their purpose at the beginning of the book. But, John gives us his purpose in writing at the end of the book - John 20:30–31 (ESV) — 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. At first glance, it could sound like Jesus is writing to people who don't know anything about Jesus, unbelievers, so that they can be saved. But he is actually writing to Christians, the majority of whom were believing Jews. He is most likely writing after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and many of these Jewish Christians were scattered all over the Roman Empire. They gathered together with other believers in small Churches, but they also felt a deep connection to their Jewish roots, and many still gathered in the local Synagogue. They did not see their faith in Jesus as anti-Jewish or as something that required them to separate themselves from their Jewish roots. They believed Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and the fulfillment of all that was taught in the Old Testament. Therefore, they saw themselves as the true Israelites, walking in the true and complete Judaism. But they were increasingly coming under attack and persecution from Jewish Rabbis and leaders. These leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah, and they were accusing the Jewish Christians of heresy. The Jewish believers claimed that Jesus was not only the Messiah but also God. But the Jewish Rabbis said that this was in direct violation of the Shema, which was at the very center of the Jewish understanding of God - Deuteronomy 6:4 (ESV) — 4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." How could the Jewish Christians be faithful to the revelation of God in the Old Testament, and worship two Gods, the God of the Old Testament, and also Jesus as God? So, when John says his purpose is that they would "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," he is writing to Christians who need to stand firm in the right understanding of who Jesus is, that He is the true Messiah and savior of Israel and all who will believe. He is seeking to strengthen their faith by deepening their understanding of who Jesus really is. Even though we are not facing the same attacks or may not be wrestling with the same theological problems, the Gospel of John can be of great benefit to us, because the foundation of all our faith is a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, and to know Him fully as the Messiah, Son of God. John wastes no time telling us exactly who Jesus is. In the prologue of his Gospel, he makes one of the most profound and direct statements in all of the Bible, that Jesus is indeed the Messiah of the Old Testament, and the very Son of God who came to earth and took on human flesh. But what exactly does all that mean? Do we really understand what it means for Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God? What exactly was Jesus claiming to be when He said He was the Son of God? We will examine what it means, and then look at why it matters to us. First, what does it mean - The Christ, the Son of God? 1) He is God and God is One 2) He is God and He is not alone, 3) He made everything, 4) He is life, 5) He is light. Second, why does it matter to me? 1) Our faith is built on a solid and ancient foundation, 2) We were made for relationship with Him, 3) He is our life, and that life is life eternal in Him, 4) There is darkness, which is blind to the truth, and resistant to the Gospel, but the darkness cannot defeat the light, instead the light defeats the darkness. Big Idea - In order to really understand what someone has written, you need to know their purpose in writing. Normally, people will give you some idea of their purpose at the beginning of the book. But, John gives us his purpose in writing at the end o… Tim Dunham 3307 https://ccf.sermon.net/22500795/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthebeginning/id/4321738.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22500795 Series: John Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The stories we tell ourselves determine how we face our present circumstances, and it can actually shape what our future will be. That is because the way we tell our story defines the kind of story we are actually living out day by day. So, we need to make sure we are living in the right story by repeating the right narrative, the right storyline. What storyline are you telling yourself? If it is not the right storyline, how can you change it? 1. What story are we in? First, how do we view our history? There are only two options - a redemption narrative or a broken narrative. Second, our view of the past conditions or trains us for how we see the present. Third, the narrative we are living in now shapes the rest of the story to the extent that it determines the very outcome of our future. 2. How can we change our story? But first we need to see why our broken narratives have such a firm hold on us - we don't trust God, but even worse, we don't really want God. Second, we need to see how God will redeem everything, but this doesn't mean He will protect us from everything. Third, we need to admit that our story is way too small, and the only way it can be big enough is if it is no longer about me, but about God. Big Idea - The stories we tell ourselves determine how we face our present circumstances, and it can actually shape what our future will be. That is because the way we tell our story defines the kind of story we are actually living out day by day. So, we need to make sure we are living in the right story by repeating the right narrative, the right storyline. What storyline are you telling yourself? If it is not the right storyline, how can you change it? 1. What story are we in? First, how do we view our history? There are only two options - a redemption narrative or a broken narrative. Second, our view of the past conditions or trains us for how we see the present. Third, the narrative we are living in now shapes the rest of the story to the extent that it determines the very outcome of our future. 2. How can we change our story? But first we need to see why our broken narratives have such a firm hold on us - we don't trust God, but even worse, we don't really want God. Second, we need to see how God will redeem everything, but this doesn't mean He will protect us from everything. Third, we need to admit that our story is way too small, and the only way it can be big enough is if it is no longer about me, but about God. Big Idea - The stories we tell ourselves determine how we face our present circumstances, and it can actually shape what our future will be. That is because the way we tell our story defines the kind of story we are actually living out day by day. So, … Tim Dunham 3094 https://ccf.sermon.net/22498492/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thestorywetellourselves/id/4319532.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22498492 Scripture: Joshua 24, Series: Joshua Sun, 22 Feb 2026 02:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Joshua is coming to the end of his life, and on two occasions, he gathers the people to challenge them to keep trusting God and following Him. He wants to encourage them, but also to warn them what will happen if they turn away from following God. Sis desire is to see the people continue in the right direction after he has gone. How do you make sure people keep following God when you aren't around to lead them on the right path? Ultimately, we are all in the business of preparing people to continue on without us - Parents sending kids off to college, turning our ministry over to the next leader or next generation, transitioning out of your position and leaving it in the hands of a new person/leader, even Jesus had to hand everything over to 12 men who had just deserted Him at the cross! We all have to pass the baton at some point. Are we preparing people for our departure? What can we do or say to prepare the next generation to carry the baton to the finish? What does it look like to finish well by preparing others to run to the end and finish well? Joshua leaves the leaders with three important truths to live by. To stress their vital importance for all of life, he tells them three times. But we will take them one by one. First, focus your attention on what God has done for you. Second, stay on the right path by staying close to God. Third, trust in God alone, for He alone is trustworthy. Do this, and things will go well; if you fail to do this, things will go terribly wrong. Big Idea - Joshua is coming to the end of his life, and on two occasions, he gathers the people to challenge them to keep trusting God and following Him. He wants to encourage them, but also to warn them what will happen if they turn away from following God. Sis desire is to see the people continue in the right direction after he has gone. How do you make sure people keep following God when you aren't around to lead them on the right path? Ultimately, we are all in the business of preparing people to continue on without us - Parents sending kids off to college, turning our ministry over to the next leader or next generation, transitioning out of your position and leaving it in the hands of a new person/leader, even Jesus had to hand everything over to 12 men who had just deserted Him at the cross! We all have to pass the baton at some point. Are we preparing people for our departure? What can we do or say to prepare the next generation to carry the baton to the finish? What does it look like to finish well by preparing others to run to the end and finish well? Joshua leaves the leaders with three important truths to live by. To stress their vital importance for all of life, he tells them three times. But we will take them one by one. First, focus your attention on what God has done for you. Second, stay on the right path by staying close to God. Third, trust in God alone, for He alone is trustworthy. Do this, and things will go well; if you fail to do this, things will go terribly wrong. Big Idea - Joshua is coming to the end of his life, and on two occasions, he gathers the people to challenge them to keep trusting God and following Him. He wants to encourage them, but also to warn them what will happen if they turn away from followin… Tim Dunham 3168 https://ccf.sermon.net/22496075/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_passingthebaton/id/4319534.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22496075 Scripture: Joshua 23:1-23:16, Series: Joshua Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How do you make sure a blessing stays a blessing? After over four hundred years, the children of Abraham are finally receiving the land promised to Abraham. It is described as a land flowing with milk and honey, which was a picture of a land that truly was blessed with good things in abundance! Joshua and the people have now experienced two complete victories, and there is much to celebrate. Now, they travel some distance to Mt. Gerizim to announce the blessings and curses of their covenant with God in a dramatic ceremony. The point of all this is that the Promised Land would only be a blessing if they remained faithful to the covenant; if they did not keep the covenant, it would be a land of curse, and there was the risk of losing the land altogether. God's gifts are intended to be a tremendous blessing, but God's gifts can turn into a curse if we are not careful! The land was a wonderful gift, but the real blessing was God Himself, and not just the land they could call home. We live under a new covenant in Christ, but we need to keep in mind the same lesson taught here. The gifts of God are a blessing only if we are faithful to Him. How do we make sure we do not miss the blessing of the blessing? First, we must come to the altar of worship where we celebrate God's gift of atonement and forgiveness, and through that we enjoy true fellowship with Him and live life in His presence. Second, we are to walk in obedience to His commands. This does not mean doing good works to earn His blessing. Nor is it a matter of doing the right things, so that God will give you all the things you want or need. Instead, the idea is that God has blessed them ultimately with a life with Him. He is the greatest blessing of all. The commands are given to show how they can walk with God and enjoy Him in uninterrupted fellowship. In short, how to love Him, and as they love Him, how to then love each other. That is the greatest blessing of all, and without Him all the treasures of the world can only be a curse. Thirdly, we must trust in the Lord alone as the one and only God who is the source of all things and who alone can give us true joy and blessing. The covenant was based on God's promises and the people's faithfulness to follow the covenant conditions. Who would not want all these blessings, and who would choose the curses? And yet, Israel chose the curses by turning away from God over and over until they lost the promised land and suffered all the curses spelled out here! Why would they do that? Only two explanations are possible. One is that they were stupid. Or, they didn't really believe God was enough. They were not lacking intelligence, but they were lacking faith. In practice, they thought that God was one source of blessing, but not the only source. They came to believe that they were missing out on blessings, protection, and good things that other gods could give them, that the God of Abraham could not. So, they worshipped Yahweh, Baal, and any number of other gods. But the God of all creation is the God of every good and perfect gift. He is God alone, and everything ultimately comes from Him, good and bad! We live under a new covenant in Christ. And under the new covenant, every blessing comes to us because Jesus kept the commands perfectly. And all of our failures, rebellion, and sin that brings on us the curse of death, Jesus Himself bore on the cross. So, in Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. There is no condemnation, no curse under the new covenant. But that does not mean that it is impossible for us to miss out on the blessing of the blessings. All of God's good gifts in our lives will cease to be a blessing to us when we love the gifts of God more than we love the gift-giver, when we trust in God's gifts to bring us joy rather than God Himself, when we fail to see that the only true blessing is life with God, and substitute anything else in His place by thinking that we will only be truly happy when we have God and anything else. The secret to a life where we can truly enjoy all the blessings of God is when we love and enjoy God above all else, and trust in Him as the only source of all that we need to live and be happy. Big Idea - How do you make sure a blessing stays a blessing? After over four hundred years, the children of Abraham are finally receiving the land promised to Abraham. It is described as a land flowing with milk and honey, which was a picture of a land that truly was blessed with good things in abundance! Joshua and the people have now experienced two complete victories, and there is much to celebrate. Now, they travel some distance to Mt. Gerizim to announce the blessings and curses of their covenant with God in a dramatic ceremony. The point of all this is that the Promised Land would only be a blessing if they remained faithful to the covenant; if they did not keep the covenant, it would be a land of curse, and there was the risk of losing the land altogether. God's gifts are intended to be a tremendous blessing, but God's gifts can turn into a curse if we are not careful! The land was a wonderful gift, but the real blessing was God Himself, and not just the land they could call home. We live under a new covenant in Christ, but we need to keep in mind the same lesson taught here. The gifts of God are a blessing only if we are faithful to Him. How do we make sure we do not miss the blessing of the blessing? First, we must come to the altar of worship where we celebrate God's gift of atonement and forgiveness, and through that we enjoy true fellowship with Him and live life in His presence. Second, we are to walk in obedience to His commands. This does not mean doing good works to earn His blessing. Nor is it a matter of doing the right things, so that God will give you all the things you want or need. Instead, the idea is that God has blessed them ultimately with a life with Him. He is the greatest blessing of all. The commands are given to show how they can walk with God and enjoy Him in uninterrupted fellowship. In short, how to love Him, and as they love Him, how to then love each other. That is the greatest blessing of all, and without Him all the treasures of the world can only be a curse. Thirdly, we must trust in the Lord alone as the one and only God who is the source of all things and who alone can give us true joy and blessing. The covenant was based on God's promises and the people's faithfulness to follow the covenant conditions. Who would not want all these blessings, and who would choose the curses? And yet, Israel chose the curses by turning away from God over and over until they lost the promised land and suffered all the curses spelled out here! Why would they do that? Only two explanations are possible. One is that they were stupid. Or, they didn't really believe God was enough. They were not lacking intelligence, but they were lacking faith. In practice, they thought that God was one source of blessing, but not the only source. They came to believe that they were missing out on blessings, protection, and good things that other gods could give them, that the God of Abraham could not. So, they worshipped Yahweh, Baal, and any number of other gods. But the God of all creation is the God of every good and perfect gift. He is God alone, and everything ultimately comes from Him, good and bad! We live under a new covenant in Christ. And under the new covenant, every blessing comes to us because Jesus kept the commands perfectly. And all of our failures, rebellion, and sin that brings on us the curse of death, Jesus Himself bore on the cross. So, in Christ, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. There is no condemnation, no curse under the new covenant. But that does not mean that it is impossible for us to miss out on the blessing of the blessings. All of God's good gifts in our lives will cease to be a blessing to us when we love the gifts of God more than we love the gift-giver, when we trust in God's gifts to bring us joy rather than God Himself, when we fail to see that the only true blessing is life with God, and substitute anything else in His place by thinking that we will only be truly happy when we have God and anything else. The secret to a life where we can truly enjoy all the blessings of God is when we love and enjoy God above all else, and trust in Him as the only source of all that we need to live and be happy. Big Idea - How do you make sure a blessing stays a blessing? After over four hundred years, the children of Abraham are finally receiving the land promised to Abraham. It is described as a land flowing with milk and honey, which was a picture of a land… Tim Dunham 2832 https://ccf.sermon.net/22481209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_missingtheblessingoftheblessin/id/4302646.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22481209 Series: Joshua Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:07:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2884 https://ccf.sermon.net/22479080/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifeofoseph/id/4300542.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22479080 Life of Joseph Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:10:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This passage makes the point that Mary was blessed. Some in the Church have taken this to mean that Mary was more blessed than any woman who ever lived, but that is not quite what it says. But she was extremely blessed, to be sure. It was an incredible privilege to be chosen as the one who would bring Jesus, the incarnate Son of God into the world. Her unique place as the mother of Jesus has been taken to great extremes by the Catholic Church, but not without reason. Cyril of Alexandria argued for the important doctrine of the unity of Jesus' divine and human natures by claiming rightly that Mary was the Theotokos, the God-bearer or Mother of God. But what does this passage actually say about what it means to be blessed? Luke shines a spotlight on Mary here, but what is he seeking to highlight by shining the light on Mary? It is important to see that Luke is shining a spotlight on Mary in order to hold her up as an example that we all can follow! In other words, being greatly blessed is something that is available to anyone, not just Mary! So what is it about Mary that made her so blessed, and how can we have the same kind of blessed life? First, Mary was blessed most of all, not so much because she was the mother of Jesus, as great as that was, but more importantly, because of her faith. She simply believed that God would accomplish exactly what He said He would do. This is what makes her life most remarkable and an example to follow. And this is not just Luke's take on things, or even Elizabeth's opinion. It is a prophetic word from God given to Elizabeth through the Holy Spirit. Her life, and indeed the whole world, was blessed because of who this child is, but she was chosen by God for this job because she was a woman of faith. There is absolutely nothing more important in the Christian life than to believe that God is who He says He is and is going to do what He says He will do. This is the first and most fundamental requirement for a blessed life! And, as it turns out, it is easier said than done. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary stands in sharp contrast to Zechariah, who does not believe God will do what He says! So, we need this kind of faith! But anyone who has tried to increase the measure of their faith knows that it is not as simple as dialing it up, like turning up the heat in your oven. In fact, trying to increase your faith by just trying harder to believe doesn't work. What can we do then to increase our faith? We learn a great deal about Mary from her song of praise. What we can learn is the kind of life where faith grows and thrives. Faith is like a seed planted in the soil. The seed grows all on its own, but in order to grow, it has to be in the right kind of soil. Mary's life was the right kind of soil where faith could grow and flourish. We cannot control how the seed grows, but we can do something about the soil where it is planted! Here is what we can learn from Mary about preparing the soil of our hearts to be a place where faith thrives. First, faith thrives in a heart full of worship. What is worship? Mary shows us that worship is seeing the greatness and majesty of God. Worship is also finding our greatest joy and delight in God because He is the one who saves or rescues us. One reason that we lack faith is that we worship the wrong things. We look to the things of this world to save us and to make us happy. In fact, most people define a blessed life in terms of material possessions and earthly prosperity! But faith grows in a heart that finds its greatest joy and happiness in God alone! Secondly, faith cannot grow anywhere but in the soil of humility. Mary was humble. She knew who she was, a person of the lowest status and position. The reason this is an essential requirement is that faith is ultimately trusting in God alone to work, based on His gracious love, not based on my goodness or merit. Mary declares that God had done great things for her, even though she was nothing. She rightly calls this God's mercy. As long as we think we have any right to God's help or His saving power, we will be trusting in ourselves, and not in God's grace and kindness that is undeserved and based on His goodness alone. As soon as we fail, mess up, or fall short, we will begin to doubt God's promises, because we think He will keep His promises because we need to earn them. Thirdly, faith grows in the heart of those who fear God. Mary is now looking beyond herself, and she is proclaiming that the blessed life belongs to all those who, like her, "fear Him." But what exactly is the fear of the Lord? This young maiden, who scholars often look down on as uneducated and unwise, because she is young and poor, gives us one of the clearest and most profound pictures of the fear of the Lord in all of Scripture. She says that the fear of the Lord is seeing God's great power at work to do two things at once. First, it is His power to bring down the powerful. The powerful are described as those who are proud in their own thoughts, mighty because of the positions of authority, and rich. In a word, it is those who think they are in control of themselves and often of the whole world because they know what is best, and they have the positions of power and the resources to do what they think is best, at least for themselves. It is the very opposite of what Mary is, a humble servant who trusts in God to save her. Instead, these are the people who trust in themselves to save themselves. But God, with the strength of His arm, will bring them to nothing. He will scatter their proud thinking, He will remove them from their positions of power, and He will send them away empty, with nothing to satisfy their hunger. In the end, they will find out who is really in control, and it is not them. What is more, they will find out that they cannot save themselves. But the fear of God is rooted in the power of God, which is doing something else at the same time. He is also doing great things by showing mercy to the humble. He is lifting up and exalting those who are nothing. He is filling those who are hungry. And most importantly of all, He is helping His servant Israel by keeping the promise He made to Abraham. In a word, God is helping those who are not in control, and who are not trying to save themselves, but are seeking God's mercy. What does it mean, then, to fear the Lord? It ultimately means to know that we are not in control; He is, and we cannot control Him. It is the lack of control that is at the heart of every fear. And of course, when we are in control, we do not need faith, for faith is trusting someone else to be in control. This is probably the single most significant step toward faith when we come to accept that we are not in control. The pride of our own thinking, our confidence in our positions of power, and our trust in our own resources and wealth to save us and fix ourselves may give us the illusion that we are in control, but we are not. And God, who is in control, will bring to nothing everyone who trusts in themselves! But He will lift up and exalt everyone who humbly trusts in Him for mercy. Mary believed that God would accomplish what He said, but that was not only that she would give birth to the Messiah, even though she was a virgin. It also meant that she believed that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham through this child. When God made a covenant with Abraham, He told Abraham to cut in half several animals and walk between them. The idea was that if Abraham failed to keep his end of the bargain, he would be cut in pieces like those animals. But when it came time to walk between the animals, God walked between them. Which meant that if Abraham failed to keep the covenant, God Himself would pay the price! The child being born to Mary was coming to fulfill the covenant which had already been broken so many times that it was beyond counting. He was coming as the only man who ever truly kept the covenant, but more than that, He was coming as the Son of God to be torn in two, and by His death to pay the great price for breaking the covenant, so that those who trust in God may be restored to covenant relationship with Him! Big Idea - This passage makes the point that Mary was blessed. Some in the Church have taken this to mean that Mary was more blessed than any woman who ever lived, but that is not quite what it says. But she was extremely blessed, to be sure. It was an incredible privilege to be chosen as the one who would bring Jesus, the incarnate Son of God into the world. Her unique place as the mother of Jesus has been taken to great extremes by the Catholic Church, but not without reason. Cyril of Alexandria argued for the important doctrine of the unity of Jesus' divine and human natures by claiming rightly that Mary was the Theotokos, the God-bearer or Mother of God. But what does this passage actually say about what it means to be blessed? Luke shines a spotlight on Mary here, but what is he seeking to highlight by shining the light on Mary? It is important to see that Luke is shining a spotlight on Mary in order to hold her up as an example that we all can follow! In other words, being greatly blessed is something that is available to anyone, not just Mary! So what is it about Mary that made her so blessed, and how can we have the same kind of blessed life? First, Mary was blessed most of all, not so much because she was the mother of Jesus, as great as that was, but more importantly, because of her faith. She simply believed that God would accomplish exactly what He said He would do. This is what makes her life most remarkable and an example to follow. And this is not just Luke's take on things, or even Elizabeth's opinion. It is a prophetic word from God given to Elizabeth through the Holy Spirit. Her life, and indeed the whole world, was blessed because of who this child is, but she was chosen by God for this job because she was a woman of faith. There is absolutely nothing more important in the Christian life than to believe that God is who He says He is and is going to do what He says He will do. This is the first and most fundamental requirement for a blessed life! And, as it turns out, it is easier said than done. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary stands in sharp contrast to Zechariah, who does not believe God will do what He says! So, we need this kind of faith! But anyone who has tried to increase the measure of their faith knows that it is not as simple as dialing it up, like turning up the heat in your oven. In fact, trying to increase your faith by just trying harder to believe doesn't work. What can we do then to increase our faith? We learn a great deal about Mary from her song of praise. What we can learn is the kind of life where faith grows and thrives. Faith is like a seed planted in the soil. The seed grows all on its own, but in order to grow, it has to be in the right kind of soil. Mary's life was the right kind of soil where faith could grow and flourish. We cannot control how the seed grows, but we can do something about the soil where it is planted! Here is what we can learn from Mary about preparing the soil of our hearts to be a place where faith thrives. First, faith thrives in a heart full of worship. What is worship? Mary shows us that worship is seeing the greatness and majesty of God. Worship is also finding our greatest joy and delight in God because He is the one who saves or rescues us. One reason that we lack faith is that we worship the wrong things. We look to the things of this world to save us and to make us happy. In fact, most people define a blessed life in terms of material possessions and earthly prosperity! But faith grows in a heart that finds its greatest joy and happiness in God alone! Secondly, faith cannot grow anywhere but in the soil of humility. Mary was humble. She knew who she was, a person of the lowest status and position. The reason this is an essential requirement is that faith is ultimately trusting in God alone to work, based on His gracious love, not based on my goodness or merit. Mary declares that God had done great things for her, even though she was nothing. She rightly calls this God's mercy. As long as we think we have any right to God's help or His saving power, we will be trusting in ourselves, and not in God's grace and kindness that is undeserved and based on His goodness alone. As soon as we fail, mess up, or fall short, we will begin to doubt God's promises, because we think He will keep His promises because we need to earn them. Thirdly, faith grows in the heart of those who fear God. Mary is now looking beyond herself, and she is proclaiming that the blessed life belongs to all those who, like her, "fear Him." But what exactly is the fear of the Lord? This young maiden, who scholars often look down on as uneducated and unwise, because she is young and poor, gives us one of the clearest and most profound pictures of the fear of the Lord in all of Scripture. She says that the fear of the Lord is seeing God's great power at work to do two things at once. First, it is His power to bring down the powerful. The powerful are described as those who are proud in their own thoughts, mighty because of the positions of authority, and rich. In a word, it is those who think they are in control of themselves and often of the whole world because they know what is best, and they have the positions of power and the resources to do what they think is best, at least for themselves. It is the very opposite of what Mary is, a humble servant who trusts in God to save her. Instead, these are the people who trust in themselves to save themselves. But God, with the strength of His arm, will bring them to nothing. He will scatter their proud thinking, He will remove them from their positions of power, and He will send them away empty, with nothing to satisfy their hunger. In the end, they will find out who is really in control, and it is not them. What is more, they will find out that they cannot save themselves. But the fear of God is rooted in the power of God, which is doing something else at the same time. He is also doing great things by showing mercy to the humble. He is lifting up and exalting those who are nothing. He is filling those who are hungry. And most importantly of all, He is helping His servant Israel by keeping the promise He made to Abraham. In a word, God is helping those who are not in control, and who are not trying to save themselves, but are seeking God's mercy. What does it mean, then, to fear the Lord? It ultimately means to know that we are not in control; He is, and we cannot control Him. It is the lack of control that is at the heart of every fear. And of course, when we are in control, we do not need faith, for faith is trusting someone else to be in control. This is probably the single most significant step toward faith when we come to accept that we are not in control. The pride of our own thinking, our confidence in our positions of power, and our trust in our own resources and wealth to save us and fix ourselves may give us the illusion that we are in control, but we are not. And God, who is in control, will bring to nothing everyone who trusts in themselves! But He will lift up and exalt everyone who humbly trusts in Him for mercy. Mary believed that God would accomplish what He said, but that was not only that she would give birth to the Messiah, even though she was a virgin. It also meant that she believed that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham through this child. When God made a covenant with Abraham, He told Abraham to cut in half several animals and walk between them. The idea was that if Abraham failed to keep his end of the bargain, he would be cut in pieces like those animals. But when it came time to walk between the animals, God walked between them. Which meant that if Abraham failed to keep the covenant, God Himself would pay the price! The child being born to Mary was coming to fulfill the covenant which had already been broken so many times that it was beyond counting. He was coming as the only man who ever truly kept the covenant, but more than that, He was coming as the Son of God to be torn in two, and by His death to pay the great price for breaking the covenant, so that those who trust in God may be restored to covenant relationship with Him! Big Idea - This passage makes the point that Mary was blessed. Some in the Church have taken this to mean that Mary was more blessed than any woman who ever lived, but that is not quite what it says. But she was extremely blessed, to be sure. It was an… Tim Dunham 2919 https://ccf.sermon.net/22474161/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ablessedlife/id/4295706.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22474161 Series: Advent 2025 Sun, 07 Dec 2025 01:07:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Advent Advent Advent … Andrew Carter 3317 https://ccf.sermon.net/22472397/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_andgodcamedown/id/4293961.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22472397 Series: Advent 2025 Sun, 30 Nov 2025 04:29:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The people of Israel had met with a great defeat at Ai, but God revealed it was because they had broken faith and had taken some of the things devoted to destruction. That sin had been dealt with, so now they get a second chance. God speaks to Joshua, "Do not fear and do not be dismayed." One of the natural results of failure and defeat is that we lose courage, and we are tempted to give up. Our faith is shaken, and we may feel stuck, unable to move forward, fearing that we will only fail again. As followers of Christ, we are fighting different battles than Joshua and Israel, but we are fighting battles nonetheless, and they are just as serious and the need for victory just as significant and vital to our survival. Like Israel, sin can creep into our lives, and the result is that we meet with significant failure and disappointment. The immediate consequences may not be as great, but the spiritual consequences are every bit as damaging and real. It can result in a spirit of fear and dismay that robs us of faith and leaves us feeling like giving up because we have come to believe that it doesn't work. We settle for a life that is marked with defeat and fails to take possession of all that God has for us. The result is that we never really enter into life in the Kingdom, the life with Christ and all its blessings and all the victories that God has promised us! But this will not do. God comes to us and proclaims, "Do not fear and do not be dismayed!" There always stands before us a second chance to go into battle with the great hope of victory and success. The reason for this confidence is that we do not fight in our own strength but in the power of God. He has guaranteed our success. The Israelites went into battle for the first time in their own strength, without God's help or power, and they failed. They got a second chance, and this time they went in the power of God and gained an incredible and total victory. The big question for us is what they did right the second time to ensure that they fought this battle in the power of God, which was the only way to win? How can we be certain we are fighting our battles and confronting our enemies by the power of God and with the certainty that we will be victorious? First of all, we need to deal decisively with sin through confession and through faith in the perfect work of Christ to remove our sin and guilt. Second, we need to check that we are living for God's purpose and plan and not our own. Our great worry is that God's plans have nothing to do with what we want or need. But this is the great lie of Satan. The truth is, God's plans are ultimately for our greatest good and blessing! The heart of the matter is really about who is in control. Living for myself means I seek my good my own way. But when we submit our lives and plans to the purpose and will of God, we are seeking our own good and best life, but God's way, in God's time, allowing Him to be in charge of everything! Third, if we are truly submitting fully to God's purpose and plan, then we must be diligent to be directed and led by Him. Joshua listened to God, and God spoke to Joshua His plans. God told Joshua what to do, what the results and rewards would be, and He gave him the specific strategy to use to be successful. We do not know how God spoke to Joshua, and that is not really important. The fact is that He did speak to Joshua, and likewise He speaks to us. God speaks to us through His Word, the living Scriptures, through His Holy Spirit living in us, through the counsel of godly people, through circumstances, and in our hearts through our own thinking. God will make His plans and purpose known to us, and He will make it clear. The problem is not so much with God speaking as with our willingness to submit to what He is telling us to do! We will never hear the voice of God until we are fully surrendered to His rule over our lives and committed to following Him no matter what! Fourth, we do our part, walking in obedience and faith, and at the same time keep our eyes firmly fixed on the true source of our power and success. Sometimes God does work supernaturally, apart from anything we do. But more often, God works in us and through us. In other words, sometimes God holds the weapon in His own hand, and we only watch what He does. But other times, we are the weapon in His hand, and He uses our efforts and our labor to accomplish His plan. But there is always a great danger here that we begin to trust in our own strength and abilities rather than understanding that it is the power of God at work, giving us success and victory in what we put our hands to. The Israelites looked to the sword, or javelin of Joshua, as the symbol of God's power at work in their midst. But we look to the cross, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who is the guarantee of God's power at work in us. As this story shows, the cross is a picture of the most humiliating and crushing defeat imaginable. A king, hanging on a tree, is a picture of the most complete and humiliating loss possible. Jesus suffered total defeat on the cross, and Satan, the powers of darkness, and every enemy that hated Him so, gloried in triumph over the King of glory who seemed to flee in defeat before them. Jesus lay buried under a mountain of stone and rock. But then God turned the tide, from His throne in heaven, God stood and stretched out His mighty hand toward the tomb, and Jesus rose victorious over sin and death and the grave! And then Satan, and darkness, and every enemy of man fled in terror before the resurrected King. It is this King who goes before us into battle, and He is the one who guarantees our victory! So, do not fear and do not be dismayed!! Big Idea - The people of Israel had met with a great defeat at Ai, but God revealed it was because they had broken faith and had taken some of the things devoted to destruction. That sin had been dealt with, so now they get a second chance. God speaks to Joshua, "Do not fear and do not be dismayed." One of the natural results of failure and defeat is that we lose courage, and we are tempted to give up. Our faith is shaken, and we may feel stuck, unable to move forward, fearing that we will only fail again. As followers of Christ, we are fighting different battles than Joshua and Israel, but we are fighting battles nonetheless, and they are just as serious and the need for victory just as significant and vital to our survival. Like Israel, sin can creep into our lives, and the result is that we meet with significant failure and disappointment. The immediate consequences may not be as great, but the spiritual consequences are every bit as damaging and real. It can result in a spirit of fear and dismay that robs us of faith and leaves us feeling like giving up because we have come to believe that it doesn't work. We settle for a life that is marked with defeat and fails to take possession of all that God has for us. The result is that we never really enter into life in the Kingdom, the life with Christ and all its blessings and all the victories that God has promised us! But this will not do. God comes to us and proclaims, "Do not fear and do not be dismayed!" There always stands before us a second chance to go into battle with the great hope of victory and success. The reason for this confidence is that we do not fight in our own strength but in the power of God. He has guaranteed our success. The Israelites went into battle for the first time in their own strength, without God's help or power, and they failed. They got a second chance, and this time they went in the power of God and gained an incredible and total victory. The big question for us is what they did right the second time to ensure that they fought this battle in the power of God, which was the only way to win? How can we be certain we are fighting our battles and confronting our enemies by the power of God and with the certainty that we will be victorious? First of all, we need to deal decisively with sin through confession and through faith in the perfect work of Christ to remove our sin and guilt. Second, we need to check that we are living for God's purpose and plan and not our own. Our great worry is that God's plans have nothing to do with what we want or need. But this is the great lie of Satan. The truth is, God's plans are ultimately for our greatest good and blessing! The heart of the matter is really about who is in control. Living for myself means I seek my good my own way. But when we submit our lives and plans to the purpose and will of God, we are seeking our own good and best life, but God's way, in God's time, allowing Him to be in charge of everything! Third, if we are truly submitting fully to God's purpose and plan, then we must be diligent to be directed and led by Him. Joshua listened to God, and God spoke to Joshua His plans. God told Joshua what to do, what the results and rewards would be, and He gave him the specific strategy to use to be successful. We do not know how God spoke to Joshua, and that is not really important. The fact is that He did speak to Joshua, and likewise He speaks to us. God speaks to us through His Word, the living Scriptures, through His Holy Spirit living in us, through the counsel of godly people, through circumstances, and in our hearts through our own thinking. God will make His plans and purpose known to us, and He will make it clear. The problem is not so much with God speaking as with our willingness to submit to what He is telling us to do! We will never hear the voice of God until we are fully surrendered to His rule over our lives and committed to following Him no matter what! Fourth, we do our part, walking in obedience and faith, and at the same time keep our eyes firmly fixed on the true source of our power and success. Sometimes God does work supernaturally, apart from anything we do. But more often, God works in us and through us. In other words, sometimes God holds the weapon in His own hand, and we only watch what He does. But other times, we are the weapon in His hand, and He uses our efforts and our labor to accomplish His plan. But there is always a great danger here that we begin to trust in our own strength and abilities rather than understanding that it is the power of God at work, giving us success and victory in what we put our hands to. The Israelites looked to the sword, or javelin of Joshua, as the symbol of God's power at work in their midst. But we look to the cross, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who is the guarantee of God's power at work in us. As this story shows, the cross is a picture of the most humiliating and crushing defeat imaginable. A king, hanging on a tree, is a picture of the most complete and humiliating loss possible. Jesus suffered total defeat on the cross, and Satan, the powers of darkness, and every enemy that hated Him so, gloried in triumph over the King of glory who seemed to flee in defeat before them. Jesus lay buried under a mountain of stone and rock. But then God turned the tide, from His throne in heaven, God stood and stretched out His mighty hand toward the tomb, and Jesus rose victorious over sin and death and the grave! And then Satan, and darkness, and every enemy of man fled in terror before the resurrected King. It is this King who goes before us into battle, and He is the one who guarantees our victory! So, do not fear and do not be dismayed!! Big Idea - The people of Israel had met with a great defeat at Ai, but God revealed it was because they had broken faith and had taken some of the things devoted to destruction. That sin had been dealt with, so now they get a second chance. God speaks … Tim Dunham 3120 https://ccf.sermon.net/22469805/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asecondchance/id/4291465.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22469805 Series: Joshua Sun, 23 Nov 2025 05:31:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The Israelites had experienced an incredible victory at Jericho. The great takeaway was that even the most impenetrable fortress would fall before them with ease because God would do it. God would make the impossible seem easy! But the next lesson they must learn is that what should have been an easy win would prove impossible if they were not careful. Joshua sent spies to scope out Ai, and they reported that Ai would be an easy win, so they only needed to send a small army. But when they went, they were easily defeated and fled before the enemy, and as a result, 36 men were killed. Joshua and all the people are shocked and dismayed. How could this happen? But the author gives us the reason before the spies are even sent. The people have broken faith with God by taking some of the things dedicated to destruction at Jericho. There is sin in the camp, and until that sin is dealt with, things are not going to go well. As we look at this story, we might find it somewhat troubling. Why should the actions of one man move God to abandon and even punish the entire nation? We might feel that this is just not fair. When Achan is finally caught, he is stoned and burned along with everything that belongs to him. This seems quite extreme, and the punishment is far too severe for his crime, especially given that he willingly confessed to all he had done. What are we to think about these things? How could God hold the entire nation guilty for the sins of one man? Why is this such a big deal? The truth is, we take sin far too lightly and fail to see how truly devastating and far-reaching sin is, and all its consequences. We have become so comfortable with sin, and it is so much of our daily experience that we don't see that it is a very big deal! So the question we want to answer today is, why is sin such a big deal? First, sin is a big deal because it is the root cause of every defeat and every failure in life. There is no such thing as a little sin, because all sin is breaking faith with God. It is a betrayal of God's love and faithfulness. It is idolatry. As a result, the ultimate consequence of sin is that God is no longer with us. We lose His active presence and help. We are defeated because we are on our own. Not only is sin no small thing, but it is also never just a personal problem. That is because we are far more connected to each other than we realize. The consequences of sin not only affect us, but its ripple effects touch the lives of all those around us. We are in this together. Life is a group project, and our families, our workplace, our Church community are all impacted when we choose sin. Like it or not, what we are, we are collectively, not just individually. So then, sin is a big deal, and it is what is wrong with the world. Society is messed up because the individual sins of everyone affect us all. Therefore, we are to be in the world but not of the world. But, for us, the problem comes when there is sin in the camp, that is, in the Church. Just as Joshua had to deal with sin in the camp, so we must deal with sin in the Church. But, how do we know if there is sin in the camp? How do we diagnose the problem when we meet with a devastating failure? Only God can diagnose the problem, and He will reveal it to us when we earnestly and humbly fall before Him in prayer. Joshua's prayer is both honest and concerned about God's honor and glory among the nations. God is quick to respond to this kind of prayer, and He reveals the root problem. Not only that, but God also reveals the cure. Joshua and the people must confront the sin and deal with it. Someone has kept the things dedicated for destruction, and now all Israel has been dedicated to destruction as a result. They must give the dedicated things to God, and the one who took them is now under the same curse as the Canaanites, and he must be devoted to destruction. In dramatic fashion, Achan is caught in his sin. Nothing is hidden from God, and in time every sin will be revealed. There are no secret sins, and when the judge comes, all will be brought into the light! Joshua demands that Achan give glory to God by confessing his sin. Confession is the first step to making things right, because we agree with God, and it brings Him glory and praise. But confession is not enough. Achan is still under the curse of guilt, and as a result, he has now become a thing devoted to destruction. But, just as the sin of one man brought guilt upon all the people, so also, by devoting him to destruction, all the people were made right with God. Indeed, the wages of sin is death. Who among us can stand before God without guilt? Nothing is hidden, and one day God will bring everything out into the light. How can any of us stand before God? If this story teaches us anything, it is that sin is a big deal because God is absolutely holy and sin is breaking faith with Him. It is the greatest betrayal of His love and kindness toward us when we delight in things instead of delighting in Him. When we love anything and everything else, rather than loving Him, that is why it is such a big deal. It is personal, and it is against the very person of God who made us and loved us. When we love what is devoted to destruction, instead of loving God, we come under a curse and are devoted to destruction. We must pay with our very life, to be burned in the fire, the eternal fire of hell. A flame that is never quenched or extinguished. How are we to escape such a terrible judgment? Praise God that Jesus was cursed on our behalf. He was devoted to destruction, even though He was the only one who never sinned and never stopped loving God. But, just as death and destruction entered the world through one man, so the gift of life came through Jesus, so that as many as believe in Him should never perish but have eternal life. So, give glory to God by confessing your sin! Unlike Achan, if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, by the blood of Jesus! Confession is one of the most neglected ways to praise God. But, Oh, it is indeed praise when we admit our failures, when we acknowledge our failure to love Him with our whole being, and that we have loved the wrong things, and we are filled with great remorse and agony that by these things we have betrayed Him. But then the joy and even greater glory we give to God, when we see what Jesus has done to take the curse of our sin upon Himself, to pay the penalty for our guilt, so that we could be at peace with God! Big Idea - The Israelites had experienced an incredible victory at Jericho. The great takeaway was that even the most impenetrable fortress would fall before them with ease because God would do it. God would make the impossible seem easy! But the next lesson they must learn is that what should have been an easy win would prove impossible if they were not careful. Joshua sent spies to scope out Ai, and they reported that Ai would be an easy win, so they only needed to send a small army. But when they went, they were easily defeated and fled before the enemy, and as a result, 36 men were killed. Joshua and all the people are shocked and dismayed. How could this happen? But the author gives us the reason before the spies are even sent. The people have broken faith with God by taking some of the things dedicated to destruction at Jericho. There is sin in the camp, and until that sin is dealt with, things are not going to go well. As we look at this story, we might find it somewhat troubling. Why should the actions of one man move God to abandon and even punish the entire nation? We might feel that this is just not fair. When Achan is finally caught, he is stoned and burned along with everything that belongs to him. This seems quite extreme, and the punishment is far too severe for his crime, especially given that he willingly confessed to all he had done. What are we to think about these things? How could God hold the entire nation guilty for the sins of one man? Why is this such a big deal? The truth is, we take sin far too lightly and fail to see how truly devastating and far-reaching sin is, and all its consequences. We have become so comfortable with sin, and it is so much of our daily experience that we don't see that it is a very big deal! So the question we want to answer today is, why is sin such a big deal? First, sin is a big deal because it is the root cause of every defeat and every failure in life. There is no such thing as a little sin, because all sin is breaking faith with God. It is a betrayal of God's love and faithfulness. It is idolatry. As a result, the ultimate consequence of sin is that God is no longer with us. We lose His active presence and help. We are defeated because we are on our own. Not only is sin no small thing, but it is also never just a personal problem. That is because we are far more connected to each other than we realize. The consequences of sin not only affect us, but its ripple effects touch the lives of all those around us. We are in this together. Life is a group project, and our families, our workplace, our Church community are all impacted when we choose sin. Like it or not, what we are, we are collectively, not just individually. So then, sin is a big deal, and it is what is wrong with the world. Society is messed up because the individual sins of everyone affect us all. Therefore, we are to be in the world but not of the world. But, for us, the problem comes when there is sin in the camp, that is, in the Church. Just as Joshua had to deal with sin in the camp, so we must deal with sin in the Church. But, how do we know if there is sin in the camp? How do we diagnose the problem when we meet with a devastating failure? Only God can diagnose the problem, and He will reveal it to us when we earnestly and humbly fall before Him in prayer. Joshua's prayer is both honest and concerned about God's honor and glory among the nations. God is quick to respond to this kind of prayer, and He reveals the root problem. Not only that, but God also reveals the cure. Joshua and the people must confront the sin and deal with it. Someone has kept the things dedicated for destruction, and now all Israel has been dedicated to destruction as a result. They must give the dedicated things to God, and the one who took them is now under the same curse as the Canaanites, and he must be devoted to destruction. In dramatic fashion, Achan is caught in his sin. Nothing is hidden from God, and in time every sin will be revealed. There are no secret sins, and when the judge comes, all will be brought into the light! Joshua demands that Achan give glory to God by confessing his sin. Confession is the first step to making things right, because we agree with God, and it brings Him glory and praise. But confession is not enough. Achan is still under the curse of guilt, and as a result, he has now become a thing devoted to destruction. But, just as the sin of one man brought guilt upon all the people, so also, by devoting him to destruction, all the people were made right with God. Indeed, the wages of sin is death. Who among us can stand before God without guilt? Nothing is hidden, and one day God will bring everything out into the light. How can any of us stand before God? If this story teaches us anything, it is that sin is a big deal because God is absolutely holy and sin is breaking faith with Him. It is the greatest betrayal of His love and kindness toward us when we delight in things instead of delighting in Him. When we love anything and everything else, rather than loving Him, that is why it is such a big deal. It is personal, and it is against the very person of God who made us and loved us. When we love what is devoted to destruction, instead of loving God, we come under a curse and are devoted to destruction. We must pay with our very life, to be burned in the fire, the eternal fire of hell. A flame that is never quenched or extinguished. How are we to escape such a terrible judgment? Praise God that Jesus was cursed on our behalf. He was devoted to destruction, even though He was the only one who never sinned and never stopped loving God. But, just as death and destruction entered the world through one man, so the gift of life came through Jesus, so that as many as believe in Him should never perish but have eternal life. So, give glory to God by confessing your sin! Unlike Achan, if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, by the blood of Jesus! Confession is one of the most neglected ways to praise God. But, Oh, it is indeed praise when we admit our failures, when we acknowledge our failure to love Him with our whole being, and that we have loved the wrong things, and we are filled with great remorse and agony that by these things we have betrayed Him. But then the joy and even greater glory we give to God, when we see what Jesus has done to take the curse of our sin upon Himself, to pay the penalty for our guilt, so that we could be at peace with God! Big Idea - The Israelites had experienced an incredible victory at Jericho. The great takeaway was that even the most impenetrable fortress would fall before them with ease because God would do it. God would make the impossible seem easy! But the next … Tim Dunham 3042 https://ccf.sermon.net/22467731/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sininthecamp/id/4289514.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22467731 Series: Joshua Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:16:54 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the first thing you do when you achieve your greatest goals? A while back, there was a Super Bowl campaign that asked players, "You are the Champions, what are you going to do next?" And the famous reply, "I am going to Disney World!" In other words, you have finally made it, you achieved your ultimate goal, so now you are living a different kind of life, the life of a champion, so what are you going to do with it?" This is precisely what is happening in chapter five of Joshua. It is as if someone is asking them, "God just brought you into the Promised Land, you have made it! What are you going to do next?" But the answer is not "I am going to Disney World!" But it is very significant to see what they did first when they finally made it! The first thing you do when you finally accomplish your greatest goals and achievements is significant. The people of Israel have entered into a whole new reality; you could say they have entered into a new life. And the question is, what are you going to do with it? This is very relevant for us, because the entire message of the Gospel is that we have been saved from death and have been given new life in Christ. We now live in a completely new reality, a very different kind of life. So what are you going to do with it? The first thing God commands Joshua to do is to circumcise all the males in Israel. That is no Disney Land! The reason this was necessary was that the entire generation born in the wilderness had not been circumcised. Circumcision was given as the sign or mark of the covenant. They were to be physically marked with this sign that they had entered into a covenant relationship with God. But what was it a sign of? It was a sign that they belonged to God; they were His own people and possession. Therefore, they were to love him, trust Him, and serve Him with their whole heart. So, circumcision was an outward sign of an inward reality - a heart that was not stubborn and hard, but one that was tender and obedient. So, why hadn't they done this before? Why wait until they enter the Promised Land? Shouldn't it have been a requirement to enter? The great lesson here is that God brought them into the Land apart from anything they had done or could do; it was all by grace. Entering into the new life was entirely a work of God by His hand alone. But, the result of entering into this new life is that for the first time, it is possible to live the life of obedience God had called them to. This was impossible when they were wandering in the wilderness, but now that they have come home, they can do all that God commanded them to do. That was the great purpose of the Promised Land! Living the life of holiness and obedience that God had called them to was impossible when they were captives and foreigners. But now that they are home, they can live a very different kind of life. We are marked by a sign, not of circumcision but Baptism. It is not something we do to be saved, but it is a mark of what God has done to save us and bring us into a covenant relationship with Him. But the sign only means something if it is an outward mark of an inward reality - a heart that loves, trusts, and serves God because He has given us new life! The second thing they do is to celebrate the Passover. In God's perfect timing and plan, He brought them into the Promised Land at the exact time to observe Passover, which was to be observed on the fourteenth day of the first month. This is not just a coincidence; it is God's design to show the vital link between His saving work of bringing them out of Egypt and His saving work of bringing them into the Promised Land. They were saved from God's judgment resulting in death by shedding the blood of a lamb and painting the blood on their doorpost. The result of being spared from death and judgment was that, first, they were set free from slavery in Egypt, but it was just the beginning. The following significant result of this saving work was that they entered into a new life with God. This was supposed to be a smooth and uninterrupted progression - saved from death, set free from slavery, and entering into their new life of worship and service to God. But the process was derailed by their lack of faith, leading to disobedience and God's discipline. They went on a 38-year detour while God disciplined them for their lack of faith. But discipline is not judgment; it is God's way of training us and growing us up in faith. God did not reject them, and He never stopped caring for them, as we see in the provision of manna for all the years of wandering in the wilderness. But God's care in times of discipline is not the same as the blessing of the new life! Now that they have entered the new life He had promised all along, the blessings flow, and the temporary provision stops. God's saving work is to bring us out of death, out of slavery to sin, and into new life with Christ. It is on the one hand all a work of God by the blood of Jesus, our Passover Lamb. But it also requires faith on our part. The failure of faith will result in a significant detour, the discipline of God. How many times are we wandering in the wilderness, coming short of walking in the new life and all its blessings, because we do not believe God and His faithfulness to keep all His promises! We think the manna is His blessing, and rest content in His care and feel that is enough. We must never be content with that! God has so much more if we will only come to Him full of faith to enter into the new life and all its blessings! But what is this new life? We have talked a lot about the blessings of this new life, but what exactly are they? We want the blessings of the new life to be a better life, as we define it —or as the world defines it. A life of wealth, comfort, ease, and peace. But this is not real blessing. These things are only cheap counterfeits of something much greater! Joshua learns about this life through his encounter with the commander of the Lord's army. He sees a stranger holding a sword, a soldier, and Joshua wants to know whose team he is on. But, he replies that he is not on either team, but he is the commander of the Lord's army. The word commander is one who is the top-ranking commander of the army, but not the king. He serves God, who is The King, and he is not on anyone's side, because God does not take sides. The real question is who is on His side! He is not on our team, but He invites us to be on His team! He si here to carry out the will of God, not the will of men. But, it is God's purpose and will to conquer the land of Canaan and all its kings and give it to Israel. Joshua bows in submission and worship to this superior one, as we should all do. We bow before God and surrender to His plan, not ask God to accomplish our will! The commander responds to Joshua, "I have come." Which means, I am here to go before you and conquer, but even more, I am here to walk with you in every battle! Who is this commander? Is it an angel or is it the Angel of the Lord, that is God in the person of Christ? There is debate, but what is essential for our purposes is that it is One worthy of worship, but less than the King. It is God, but not God on the throne. It is not God in heaven but God with us. I believe it is a picture of the Holy Spirit, who is not the king on the throne (Jesus) but one who comes in all His authority and who brings His very presence into our lives. This is what the blessing of the new life is, ultimately - living life in the very direct presence of God! The land was a blessing, but only because it made life in God's presence possible. How could the land do this? The answer is in the next phrase - "Take off your shoes for you are on holy ground." God is holy, meaning there is nothing common, ordinary, or earthly about Him. His being is on another plane, one of perfection, transcendence, and infinite glory. He is above us in every way and infinitely greater than us. He created us for fellowship with Him, to be His friends who walk with Him as brothers, but sin has ruined all of that. We are now unholy, corrupt, sinful, and in every way unworthy of being in His presence. His holiness is a fire that would consume us completely because of our sin. But here we see that God has come, and His presence makes all the land where His foot treads, holy ground. To this day, it is called the holy land, the land where the very presence of God dwells. Joshua was to remove his sandals. It is a picture of entering into the presence of God and His holiness, by casting off all that is of this world and contaminated by sin. OF course, taking off your shoes could not make you truly holy, but it was a picture of what Jesus alone could do for us. We have been made holy by the blood of Jesus. And we are to make ourselves holy by putting off the old, putting off sin, and putting on the righteousness of Christ. This is what it means to live the new life, a life of all the blessings of God. The blessing is God himself; it is life as the friend of God! Not because we have brought God down to our earthly level but because God has raised us up into His holy temple, where we can walk with Him in the deep fellowship of love, worship, and service! Big Idea - What is the first thing you do when you achieve your greatest goals? A while back, there was a Super Bowl campaign that asked players, "You are the Champions, what are you going to do next?" And the famous reply, "I am going to Disney World!" In other words, you have finally made it, you achieved your ultimate goal, so now you are living a different kind of life, the life of a champion, so what are you going to do with it?" This is precisely what is happening in chapter five of Joshua. It is as if someone is asking them, "God just brought you into the Promised Land, you have made it! What are you going to do next?" But the answer is not "I am going to Disney World!" But it is very significant to see what they did first when they finally made it! The first thing you do when you finally accomplish your greatest goals and achievements is significant. The people of Israel have entered into a whole new reality; you could say they have entered into a new life. And the question is, what are you going to do with it? This is very relevant for us, because the entire message of the Gospel is that we have been saved from death and have been given new life in Christ. We now live in a completely new reality, a very different kind of life. So what are you going to do with it? The first thing God commands Joshua to do is to circumcise all the males in Israel. That is no Disney Land! The reason this was necessary was that the entire generation born in the wilderness had not been circumcised. Circumcision was given as the sign or mark of the covenant. They were to be physically marked with this sign that they had entered into a covenant relationship with God. But what was it a sign of? It was a sign that they belonged to God; they were His own people and possession. Therefore, they were to love him, trust Him, and serve Him with their whole heart. So, circumcision was an outward sign of an inward reality - a heart that was not stubborn and hard, but one that was tender and obedient. So, why hadn't they done this before? Why wait until they enter the Promised Land? Shouldn't it have been a requirement to enter? The great lesson here is that God brought them into the Land apart from anything they had done or could do; it was all by grace. Entering into the new life was entirely a work of God by His hand alone. But, the result of entering into this new life is that for the first time, it is possible to live the life of obedience God had called them to. This was impossible when they were wandering in the wilderness, but now that they have come home, they can do all that God commanded them to do. That was the great purpose of the Promised Land! Living the life of holiness and obedience that God had called them to was impossible when they were captives and foreigners. But now that they are home, they can live a very different kind of life. We are marked by a sign, not of circumcision but Baptism. It is not something we do to be saved, but it is a mark of what God has done to save us and bring us into a covenant relationship with Him. But the sign only means something if it is an outward mark of an inward reality - a heart that loves, trusts, and serves God because He has given us new life! The second thing they do is to celebrate the Passover. In God's perfect timing and plan, He brought them into the Promised Land at the exact time to observe Passover, which was to be observed on the fourteenth day of the first month. This is not just a coincidence; it is God's design to show the vital link between His saving work of bringing them out of Egypt and His saving work of bringing them into the Promised Land. They were saved from God's judgment resulting in death by shedding the blood of a lamb and painting the blood on their doorpost. The result of being spared from death and judgment was that, first, they were set free from slavery in Egypt, but it was just the beginning. The following significant result of this saving work was that they entered into a new life with God. This was supposed to be a smooth and uninterrupted progression - saved from death, set free from slavery, and entering into their new life of worship and service to God. But the process was derailed by their lack of faith, leading to disobedience and God's discipline. They went on a 38-year detour while God disciplined them for their lack of faith. But discipline is not judgment; it is God's way of training us and growing us up in faith. God did not reject them, and He never stopped caring for them, as we see in the provision of manna for all the years of wandering in the wilderness. But God's care in times of discipline is not the same as the blessing of the new life! Now that they have entered the new life He had promised all along, the blessings flow, and the temporary provision stops. God's saving work is to bring us out of death, out of slavery to sin, and into new life with Christ. It is on the one hand all a work of God by the blood of Jesus, our Passover Lamb. But it also requires faith on our part. The failure of faith will result in a significant detour, the discipline of God. How many times are we wandering in the wilderness, coming short of walking in the new life and all its blessings, because we do not believe God and His faithfulness to keep all His promises! We think the manna is His blessing, and rest content in His care and feel that is enough. We must never be content with that! God has so much more if we will only come to Him full of faith to enter into the new life and all its blessings! But what is this new life? We have talked a lot about the blessings of this new life, but what exactly are they? We want the blessings of the new life to be a better life, as we define it —or as the world defines it. A life of wealth, comfort, ease, and peace. But this is not real blessing. These things are only cheap counterfeits of something much greater! Joshua learns about this life through his encounter with the commander of the Lord's army. He sees a stranger holding a sword, a soldier, and Joshua wants to know whose team he is on. But, he replies that he is not on either team, but he is the commander of the Lord's army. The word commander is one who is the top-ranking commander of the army, but not the king. He serves God, who is The King, and he is not on anyone's side, because God does not take sides. The real question is who is on His side! He is not on our team, but He invites us to be on His team! He si here to carry out the will of God, not the will of men. But, it is God's purpose and will to conquer the land of Canaan and all its kings and give it to Israel. Joshua bows in submission and worship to this superior one, as we should all do. We bow before God and surrender to His plan, not ask God to accomplish our will! The commander responds to Joshua, "I have come." Which means, I am here to go before you and conquer, but even more, I am here to walk with you in every battle! Who is this commander? Is it an angel or is it the Angel of the Lord, that is God in the person of Christ? There is debate, but what is essential for our purposes is that it is One worthy of worship, but less than the King. It is God, but not God on the throne. It is not God in heaven but God with us. I believe it is a picture of the Holy Spirit, who is not the king on the throne (Jesus) but one who comes in all His authority and who brings His very presence into our lives. This is what the blessing of the new life is, ultimately - living life in the very direct presence of God! The land was a blessing, but only because it made life in God's presence possible. How could the land do this? The answer is in the next phrase - "Take off your shoes for you are on holy ground." God is holy, meaning there is nothing common, ordinary, or earthly about Him. His being is on another plane, one of perfection, transcendence, and infinite glory. He is above us in every way and infinitely greater than us. He created us for fellowship with Him, to be His friends who walk with Him as brothers, but sin has ruined all of that. We are now unholy, corrupt, sinful, and in every way unworthy of being in His presence. His holiness is a fire that would consume us completely because of our sin. But here we see that God has come, and His presence makes all the land where His foot treads, holy ground. To this day, it is called the holy land, the land where the very presence of God dwells. Joshua was to remove his sandals. It is a picture of entering into the presence of God and His holiness, by casting off all that is of this world and contaminated by sin. OF course, taking off your shoes could not make you truly holy, but it was a picture of what Jesus alone could do for us. We have been made holy by the blood of Jesus. And we are to make ourselves holy by putting off the old, putting off sin, and putting on the righteousness of Christ. This is what it means to live the new life, a life of all the blessings of God. The blessing is God himself; it is life as the friend of God! Not because we have brought God down to our earthly level but because God has raised us up into His holy temple, where we can walk with Him in the deep fellowship of love, worship, and service! Big Idea - What is the first thing you do when you achieve your greatest goals? A while back, there was a Super Bowl campaign that asked players, "You are the Champions, what are you going to do next?" And the famous reply, "I am going to Disney World!… Tim Dunham 3263 https://ccf.sermon.net/22461948/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingthenewlife/id/4283852.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22461948 Series: Joshua Sun, 26 Oct 2025 02:24:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are called to be disciples of Jesus. What does that mean? It means to be a follower. Jesus leads us, directs our steps, and ultimately is our Lord, our master who rules over us, not for our harm but for our ultimate good, for salvation! This is what it means to be a Christian. But this often leads us to a great misunderstanding about the Christian life. We think that if we follow Jesus, and He is leading us for our ultimate good and for our salvation, then certainly God is leading us in the way that avoids all problems, trouble, and obstacles. We believe that if we are truly following Jesus, things will be easier, and life will go smoothly. But the book of Joshua shows us that this is a great misunderstanding about how God works and what it means to follow Him. In fact, it shows us that following God and walking in His way means walking in the path of obstacles and trouble. If we are following God, we can be certain that He will not only lead us to hard things, but He will, in fact, lead us to impossible things. But, if God loves us, and cares for us, and is seeking our good, then why does He lead us in the path of impossible obstacles? What is His purpose in bringing such trouble and hardship into our lives? The first thing we learn from Joshua and the Israelites is that the only way to be in a right relationship with God is to be in a relationship of follow the leader. God comes to us and meets us. He enters into a covenant relationship with us for the single purpose of leading us. Specifically, He leads us out of slavery, sin, and death, and He is leading us into all His promises of blessing, new life, abundant life, peace, and rest. In short, He is leading us home. He does not lead from a distance, but He leads us personally by living in our midst and by walking with us! Our part then, in this covenant relationship, is to follow wherever He leads. To know God and to put our faith in Him means nothing less than following Him wherever He takes us. We follow Him by turning away from our own path, from control over our own lives. We submit to Him, walk in humility (dependence upon Him), and faith, expecting Him to do wonders! The second thing we see clearly is that God does not lead us away from trouble and obstacles, but He leads us to them, on purpose! This is the way you shall go, or walk. That is, following God is walking on the path of the impossible. God leads us, not only to things that are uncomfortable or inconvenient, but also to things that are impossible for us to overcome or solve on our own. This is not because there are no easier ways to go. He could lead us on a smooth, easy path, but that is not the way we should walk into His promises. It is the way that is necessary. It is the way we must walk if we are to enter into His promises. But why is this the only way? What is His purpose in leading us into a life of trouble and problems? Many of our hardships are the result of our own sin and lack of faith. It is because our faith is weak that we need to encounter the impossible. But if our faith is weak, how can running into overwhelming and impossible problems be helpful? Because it is through these that we come to know and experience that the living God is among us and that He will not fail! Specifically, God says that they will come to know three things as they are led on the path of the impossible. First, you will know the way you should go, namely, the way of faith. Second, you will have confidence in the One who is leading you (Jesus). And thirdly, you will come to know what the living God is really like so that you can fully trust Him. This is essential because once God delivers you from one impossible situation, there are hundreds more waiting for you! This is the way you must go if you are going to enter into all His promises. Why? Because we can enter into His Kingdom and His blessing only by faith. And we can only grow in faith when we personally experience God doing the impossible! This seems so hard! When you are standing on the brink of your own raging river that seems not only impossible to cross but deadly even to try, how are we not to run away in terror? The only way to cross over the river is to hold tightly to Jesus, who goes into the water before us. He does not stand on the bank of the river and shove us into going through the water on our own. Instead, He steps into the water before us. We follow Him, but that means He goes before us into every trouble, every problem, every difficulty, and He stops the raging river and makes a safe path for us to cross through. He does not lead us away from the impossible, but He always makes a way through it by making the impossible possible. This is nowhere more plain than when Jesus went to the cross before us. Our greatest Jordan, the most impossible thing we will ever face is death. Death is God's ultimate judgment on sin, our rebellion against Him. Our pride, selfishness, and rebellion make us children of wrath. The only way home is across the raging river of God's terrible wrath. But Jesus goes before us. He stepped into the raging river of God's wrath and piled up its terrible destruction upon Himself on the cross, so that we can walk across from death to life, untouched by its terrible destruction. We still must walk the path of suffering and death, but we can walk through it with faith, knowing that He has gone before us and made the way safe to cross to the other side! If He has gone before us through the impossible obstacle of death, then we can walk in faith that He will deliver us through every impossible thing he leads us through! Big Idea - We are called to be disciples of Jesus. What does that mean? It means to be a follower. Jesus leads us, directs our steps, and ultimately is our Lord, our master who rules over us, not for our harm but for our ultimate good, for salvation! This is what it means to be a Christian. But this often leads us to a great misunderstanding about the Christian life. We think that if we follow Jesus, and He is leading us for our ultimate good and for our salvation, then certainly God is leading us in the way that avoids all problems, trouble, and obstacles. We believe that if we are truly following Jesus, things will be easier, and life will go smoothly. But the book of Joshua shows us that this is a great misunderstanding about how God works and what it means to follow Him. In fact, it shows us that following God and walking in His way means walking in the path of obstacles and trouble. If we are following God, we can be certain that He will not only lead us to hard things, but He will, in fact, lead us to impossible things. But, if God loves us, and cares for us, and is seeking our good, then why does He lead us in the path of impossible obstacles? What is His purpose in bringing such trouble and hardship into our lives? The first thing we learn from Joshua and the Israelites is that the only way to be in a right relationship with God is to be in a relationship of follow the leader. God comes to us and meets us. He enters into a covenant relationship with us for the single purpose of leading us. Specifically, He leads us out of slavery, sin, and death, and He is leading us into all His promises of blessing, new life, abundant life, peace, and rest. In short, He is leading us home. He does not lead from a distance, but He leads us personally by living in our midst and by walking with us! Our part then, in this covenant relationship, is to follow wherever He leads. To know God and to put our faith in Him means nothing less than following Him wherever He takes us. We follow Him by turning away from our own path, from control over our own lives. We submit to Him, walk in humility (dependence upon Him), and faith, expecting Him to do wonders! The second thing we see clearly is that God does not lead us away from trouble and obstacles, but He leads us to them, on purpose! This is the way you shall go, or walk. That is, following God is walking on the path of the impossible. God leads us, not only to things that are uncomfortable or inconvenient, but also to things that are impossible for us to overcome or solve on our own. This is not because there are no easier ways to go. He could lead us on a smooth, easy path, but that is not the way we should walk into His promises. It is the way that is necessary. It is the way we must walk if we are to enter into His promises. But why is this the only way? What is His purpose in leading us into a life of trouble and problems? Many of our hardships are the result of our own sin and lack of faith. It is because our faith is weak that we need to encounter the impossible. But if our faith is weak, how can running into overwhelming and impossible problems be helpful? Because it is through these that we come to know and experience that the living God is among us and that He will not fail! Specifically, God says that they will come to know three things as they are led on the path of the impossible. First, you will know the way you should go, namely, the way of faith. Second, you will have confidence in the One who is leading you (Jesus). And thirdly, you will come to know what the living God is really like so that you can fully trust Him. This is essential because once God delivers you from one impossible situation, there are hundreds more waiting for you! This is the way you must go if you are going to enter into all His promises. Why? Because we can enter into His Kingdom and His blessing only by faith. And we can only grow in faith when we personally experience God doing the impossible! This seems so hard! When you are standing on the brink of your own raging river that seems not only impossible to cross but deadly even to try, how are we not to run away in terror? The only way to cross over the river is to hold tightly to Jesus, who goes into the water before us. He does not stand on the bank of the river and shove us into going through the water on our own. Instead, He steps into the water before us. We follow Him, but that means He goes before us into every trouble, every problem, every difficulty, and He stops the raging river and makes a safe path for us to cross through. He does not lead us away from the impossible, but He always makes a way through it by making the impossible possible. This is nowhere more plain than when Jesus went to the cross before us. Our greatest Jordan, the most impossible thing we will ever face is death. Death is God's ultimate judgment on sin, our rebellion against Him. Our pride, selfishness, and rebellion make us children of wrath. The only way home is across the raging river of God's terrible wrath. But Jesus goes before us. He stepped into the raging river of God's wrath and piled up its terrible destruction upon Himself on the cross, so that we can walk across from death to life, untouched by its terrible destruction. We still must walk the path of suffering and death, but we can walk through it with faith, knowing that He has gone before us and made the way safe to cross to the other side! If He has gone before us through the impossible obstacle of death, then we can walk in faith that He will deliver us through every impossible thing he leads us through! Big Idea - We are called to be disciples of Jesus. What does that mean? It means to be a follower. Jesus leads us, directs our steps, and ultimately is our Lord, our master who rules over us, not for our harm but for our ultimate good, for salvation! T… Tim Dunham 2794 https://ccf.sermon.net/22458509/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewayyoushallgo/id/4280486.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22458509 Series: Joshua Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:33:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Big Idea - 1) Did God really mean it? View one: God didn’t command the killing of the Canaanites View two: The commands to “wipe them out” are not to be taken literally 2) Three reasons why God commanded the killing of the Canaanites Possession of the land The protection of Israel It was judgement on a wicked people 3) The “wipe them out” texts and the contemporary mind We’re weak on culture We’re weak on justice and judgment We’re weak on God being different from us: we’ve forgotten that God is not our equal Big Idea - 1) Did God really mean it? View one: God didn’t command the killing of the Canaanites View two: The commands to “wipe them out” are not to be taken literally 2) Three reasons why God commanded the killing of the Canaanites Possession of the land The protection of Israel It was judgement on a wicked people 3) The “wipe them out” texts and the contemporary mind We’re weak on culture We’re weak on justice and judgment We’re weak on God being different from us: we’ve forgotten that God is not our equal Big Idea - 1) Did God really mean it? View one: God didn’t command the killing of the Canaanites View two: The commands to “wipe them out” are not to be taken literally 2) Three reasons why God commanded the killing of the Canaanites Possession of… Andrew Carter 3368 https://ccf.sermon.net/22458513/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetheologyofconquest/id/4280487.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22458513 Series: Joshua Sun, 12 Oct 2025 02:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why does Joshua send spies into Jericho? Is it to gain strategic military intelligence about weaknesses in the city wall or to know how to overcome their defenses? If that is what he is looking for, the spies fail to provide that information. However, if he is seeking confirmation that God has already given the land to them and that God will grant them success every step of the way, not based on military strategy but on God's promise, then they were very successful. So, this passage is really about faith. Can Joshua and the people of Israel really trust God to keep His promise to them? The answer is a resounding yes, but it comes from the most unlikely of places. Joshua can trust God because a pagan prostitute named Rahab can trust God! How does Rahab teach Joshua and us a lesson on faith? Faith is the certainty that God will do what He said. We see this faith demonstrated remarkably in Rahab. First, we see Rahab’s confession of faith. God has given you the land. It is a done deal! She is certain of the outcome and has no doubt. Second, we see the basis of her conviction. She believes that God is giving the land to Israel based on what He has already done. Only a God who has dominion over all of heaven and earth could do such things; therefore, she is confident He will do what He says. Thirdly, we see the logical conclusion she draws from this certainty, namely that she must switch her allegiance. She changes her loyalty from her country and people to the God of Israel and His cause. The result of all this is that God saves her, and she becomes one of God’s children (not to mention an ancestor of David and therefore Jesus). Her faith is such an extraordinary example; she is mentioned as one of the heroes of the faith in the book of Hebrews and also receives special mention by James. God wants Joshua, all Israel, and us to have this same kind of faith. One who is so confident in the promises of God that it changes our loyalty to God alone. A faith that also changes the way we live! But even more important than the example of Rahab’s faith is the truth about God’s faithfulness. Rahab is held up as an example not because she was a righteous person, but because of her faith in God, who is faithful! The spies promised to deal kindly and faithfully with her, that is, with grace and truth. They could make such an offer, not simply because they were grateful, but because it is the very heart and nature of God! This is the heart and mind of God toward all who trust in Him alone. And this truth is best understood in the context of covenant relationships, where telling the truth is more about keeping a promise than reporting the facts. God is a God of truth, which ultimately means He is faithful to His promises and true to His people. Big Idea - Why does Joshua send spies into Jericho? Is it to gain strategic military intelligence about weaknesses in the city wall or to know how to overcome their defenses? If that is what he is looking for, the spies fail to provide that information. However, if he is seeking confirmation that God has already given the land to them and that God will grant them success every step of the way, not based on military strategy but on God's promise, then they were very successful. So, this passage is really about faith. Can Joshua and the people of Israel really trust God to keep His promise to them? The answer is a resounding yes, but it comes from the most unlikely of places. Joshua can trust God because a pagan prostitute named Rahab can trust God! How does Rahab teach Joshua and us a lesson on faith? Faith is the certainty that God will do what He said. We see this faith demonstrated remarkably in Rahab. First, we see Rahab’s confession of faith. God has given you the land. It is a done deal! She is certain of the outcome and has no doubt. Second, we see the basis of her conviction. She believes that God is giving the land to Israel based on what He has already done. Only a God who has dominion over all of heaven and earth could do such things; therefore, she is confident He will do what He says. Thirdly, we see the logical conclusion she draws from this certainty, namely that she must switch her allegiance. She changes her loyalty from her country and people to the God of Israel and His cause. The result of all this is that God saves her, and she becomes one of God’s children (not to mention an ancestor of David and therefore Jesus). Her faith is such an extraordinary example; she is mentioned as one of the heroes of the faith in the book of Hebrews and also receives special mention by James. God wants Joshua, all Israel, and us to have this same kind of faith. One who is so confident in the promises of God that it changes our loyalty to God alone. A faith that also changes the way we live! But even more important than the example of Rahab’s faith is the truth about God’s faithfulness. Rahab is held up as an example not because she was a righteous person, but because of her faith in God, who is faithful! The spies promised to deal kindly and faithfully with her, that is, with grace and truth. They could make such an offer, not simply because they were grateful, but because it is the very heart and nature of God! This is the heart and mind of God toward all who trust in Him alone. And this truth is best understood in the context of covenant relationships, where telling the truth is more about keeping a promise than reporting the facts. God is a God of truth, which ultimately means He is faithful to His promises and true to His people. Big Idea - Why does Joshua send spies into Jericho? Is it to gain strategic military intelligence about weaknesses in the city wall or to know how to overcome their defenses? If that is what he is looking for, the spies fail to provide that information… Tim Dunham 3007 https://ccf.sermon.net/22453977/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graceandtruth/id/4276048.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22453977 Series: Joshua Sun, 05 Oct 2025 02:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The book of Joshua begins with the word that "Moses my servant is dead." Moses was the great leader of Israel who had led the people out of slavery in Egypt. So, it was by the hand of Moses that God had saved and redeemed His people. But that was not the end of what God wanted to do for them. He also wanted to give them a very special gift that would be a blessing to them for generations to come. The gift was the land that He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance and a home of their very own. Now that Moses was dead, who would lead them into the land of promise? Then we read the words spoken to Joshua, "Now therefore, arise and go over this Jordan into the land I am giving you!" God is now calling Joshua as the one who leads them forward to take possession of the Land of Promise! The book of Joshua is a continuation of the story that began in the Book of Genesis through the Exodus from Egypt and all the wanderings in the desert for 40 years. Now at last, Israel is going to enter into the land they can call home. An important truth that is repeated often throughout the book is that this is a work God will do! God is giving them the land, and He will conquer all the nations that stand in the way of them possessing it. But why do we study the book? We are, for the most part, not of Jewish descent. We have no claim to the land of Promise, and probably no interest in living there! So, what does the book of Joshua have to do with us? Like all of the Old Testament, it has great value to us, not only because it reveals who God is and how He works according to His grace and power. But more significantly, it points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises. Everything that happened in the Old Testament is only a shadow, or a faint image, of the ultimate promise of God. So, Israel was redeemed from slavery in Egypt by the blood of the firstborn of Egypt, but we are redeemed from slavery to sin and death by the blood of the Son of God! And like Israel, being saved from death in Egypt is not the end! The rest of the story is that God wants us to take full possession of all the gifts and blessings He has promised us! And here is the first great truth or principle that we can learn from this book. Many Christians understand very well what it means to be saved, to be rescued from their own slavery in Egypt. But they know very little about all the other promises and all the gifts that God wasn’t to lead them into take possession of. As a result, they, like Israel, spend much of their Christian life wandering in the desert, saved, yes, but never really living in the Land of Promise, which is their inheritance in Christ! The goal of studying this book is to come to know all that God has promised to give us and to learn how to take possession of all His promises, so that we can daily walk in them. God's instructions to Joshua and Israel in chapter one set us well on our way to understand how to take full possession of all the gifts and blessings God has for us! To put it in New Testament terms, it shows us how to work out our own salvation, because it is God who is at work in us to will and to work according to His good pleasure! First, we need to understand that God has truly given us a gift, an inheritance in Christ. It is a gift that is fully ours, but we still need to take possession of it. It is ours by right, but we will never enjoy its benefits until we take full possession of it. For us, the gift is not Land but a spiritual Kingdom. It is all the benefits and blessings that Jesus opened up to us by His death and resurrection. Second, many obstacles and enemies stand in the way of taking hold of this gift for ourselves, but the power of God to overcome every obstacle and defeat every enemy guarantees our absolute success! Two great truths guarantee this success in taking full possession of all that God has given. The first is that God is with us, all the time, and He will never leave us or forsake us. There is nothing God cannot do, and no enemy He cannot utterly vanquish. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us! This is something God promises, and there is nothing we can do about it. But it is very helpful if we grow in our awareness of what is already true! The result is that it will make us strong and courageous. This is the strength of an unwavering faith and confidence in what God is going to do for us, and the courage to step out and take on the enemies that are preventing us from taking possession of the gift! Fear is the enemy of faith, and the only cure is to know that God is with us, and if He is with us, He will help us! The second guarantee to success is that He has shown us in the Word of God all that we need to know about the gift, the giver, and how to obtain it. Therefore, we need to be constantly in the Word so that we may know Him and His plan for us, and thus walk in it. If we live our lives under the rule and authority of Scripture, our success is guaranteed! Finally, we take possession of the land by making a deep commitment daily to follow our strong and courageous leader where He leads and whatever He commands. But who is our Joshua? Is it our Pastor? Is it some current popular Christian author or blogger? Is it some political leader? Or, are we supposed just to lead ourselves, be our own Joshua? No, none of the above! Interestingly enough, the Hebrew name for Joshua is actually Yeshua, which is also the Hebrew name for Jesus! We need a strong and courageous leader who will overcome every obstacle and defeat every enemy, and that person is our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He came not only to redeem us from death, but also to deliver us from the enemies that still attack and dominate us: Satan and the powers of darkness, the World with all its evil influence, and our own flesh that is still subject to sin. To overcome, we need the strength of an unshakable faith, the courage to face the devil, all the temptations of this World, and the weakness of our own flesh! Where does this faith come from? How can I muster up enough faith to believe and overcome all my sins and addictions? It is through Christ alone who is our strong and courageous leader! He is the author, the founder, the champion of our faith, and also the perfector of our faith. He led the way by trusting God in every temptation and even in the greatest of suffering and death! And He is the only one who can lead us to take full possession of all the promises and blessings of God. However, we must have a fierce determination and commitment to follow Him in total obedience of faith and trust. May we never be content with only being saved, rescued from Egypt, and wandering in the wilderness all our Christian life! May we follow Christ with our whole heart, trusting fully in His presence with us, to overcome every obstacle and to defeat every enemy so that we may take full possession of every gift of grace and all that God has promised for us! Big Idea - The book of Joshua begins with the word that "Moses my servant is dead." Moses was the great leader of Israel who had led the people out of slavery in Egypt. So, it was by the hand of Moses that God had saved and redeemed His people. But that was not the end of what God wanted to do for them. He also wanted to give them a very special gift that would be a blessing to them for generations to come. The gift was the land that He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance and a home of their very own. Now that Moses was dead, who would lead them into the land of promise? Then we read the words spoken to Joshua, "Now therefore, arise and go over this Jordan into the land I am giving you!" God is now calling Joshua as the one who leads them forward to take possession of the Land of Promise! The book of Joshua is a continuation of the story that began in the Book of Genesis through the Exodus from Egypt and all the wanderings in the desert for 40 years. Now at last, Israel is going to enter into the land they can call home. An important truth that is repeated often throughout the book is that this is a work God will do! God is giving them the land, and He will conquer all the nations that stand in the way of them possessing it. But why do we study the book? We are, for the most part, not of Jewish descent. We have no claim to the land of Promise, and probably no interest in living there! So, what does the book of Joshua have to do with us? Like all of the Old Testament, it has great value to us, not only because it reveals who God is and how He works according to His grace and power. But more significantly, it points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises. Everything that happened in the Old Testament is only a shadow, or a faint image, of the ultimate promise of God. So, Israel was redeemed from slavery in Egypt by the blood of the firstborn of Egypt, but we are redeemed from slavery to sin and death by the blood of the Son of God! And like Israel, being saved from death in Egypt is not the end! The rest of the story is that God wants us to take full possession of all the gifts and blessings He has promised us! And here is the first great truth or principle that we can learn from this book. Many Christians understand very well what it means to be saved, to be rescued from their own slavery in Egypt. But they know very little about all the other promises and all the gifts that God wasn’t to lead them into take possession of. As a result, they, like Israel, spend much of their Christian life wandering in the desert, saved, yes, but never really living in the Land of Promise, which is their inheritance in Christ! The goal of studying this book is to come to know all that God has promised to give us and to learn how to take possession of all His promises, so that we can daily walk in them. God's instructions to Joshua and Israel in chapter one set us well on our way to understand how to take full possession of all the gifts and blessings God has for us! To put it in New Testament terms, it shows us how to work out our own salvation, because it is God who is at work in us to will and to work according to His good pleasure! First, we need to understand that God has truly given us a gift, an inheritance in Christ. It is a gift that is fully ours, but we still need to take possession of it. It is ours by right, but we will never enjoy its benefits until we take full possession of it. For us, the gift is not Land but a spiritual Kingdom. It is all the benefits and blessings that Jesus opened up to us by His death and resurrection. Second, many obstacles and enemies stand in the way of taking hold of this gift for ourselves, but the power of God to overcome every obstacle and defeat every enemy guarantees our absolute success! Two great truths guarantee this success in taking full possession of all that God has given. The first is that God is with us, all the time, and He will never leave us or forsake us. There is nothing God cannot do, and no enemy He cannot utterly vanquish. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us! This is something God promises, and there is nothing we can do about it. But it is very helpful if we grow in our awareness of what is already true! The result is that it will make us strong and courageous. This is the strength of an unwavering faith and confidence in what God is going to do for us, and the courage to step out and take on the enemies that are preventing us from taking possession of the gift! Fear is the enemy of faith, and the only cure is to know that God is with us, and if He is with us, He will help us! The second guarantee to success is that He has shown us in the Word of God all that we need to know about the gift, the giver, and how to obtain it. Therefore, we need to be constantly in the Word so that we may know Him and His plan for us, and thus walk in it. If we live our lives under the rule and authority of Scripture, our success is guaranteed! Finally, we take possession of the land by making a deep commitment daily to follow our strong and courageous leader where He leads and whatever He commands. But who is our Joshua? Is it our Pastor? Is it some current popular Christian author or blogger? Is it some political leader? Or, are we supposed just to lead ourselves, be our own Joshua? No, none of the above! Interestingly enough, the Hebrew name for Joshua is actually Yeshua, which is also the Hebrew name for Jesus! We need a strong and courageous leader who will overcome every obstacle and defeat every enemy, and that person is our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He came not only to redeem us from death, but also to deliver us from the enemies that still attack and dominate us: Satan and the powers of darkness, the World with all its evil influence, and our own flesh that is still subject to sin. To overcome, we need the strength of an unshakable faith, the courage to face the devil, all the temptations of this World, and the weakness of our own flesh! Where does this faith come from? How can I muster up enough faith to believe and overcome all my sins and addictions? It is through Christ alone who is our strong and courageous leader! He is the author, the founder, the champion of our faith, and also the perfector of our faith. He led the way by trusting God in every temptation and even in the greatest of suffering and death! And He is the only one who can lead us to take full possession of all the promises and blessings of God. However, we must have a fierce determination and commitment to follow Him in total obedience of faith and trust. May we never be content with only being saved, rescued from Egypt, and wandering in the wilderness all our Christian life! May we follow Christ with our whole heart, trusting fully in His presence with us, to overcome every obstacle and to defeat every enemy so that we may take full possession of every gift of grace and all that God has promised for us! Big Idea - The book of Joshua begins with the word that "Moses my servant is dead." Moses was the great leader of Israel who had led the people out of slavery in Egypt. So, it was by the hand of Moses that God had saved and redeemed His people. But tha… Tim Dunham 3012 https://ccf.sermon.net/22453976/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_everyplaceyourfootwilltread/id/4276047.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22453976 Series: Joshua Sat, 09 Aug 2025 23:58:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In these verses, Paul is urging us to a life of obedience, specifically to stop grumbling and arguing and start living together with one heart, one mind, and one love. It is how they can strive together for the Gospel, showing its truth and power by the way they treat each other. What is the place of obedience in the life of a Christian? There are two major ways that our thinking about obedience can go badly wrong. The first to not think about it at all. Many Christians and often many Churches get so focused on God's grace and forgiveness in saving us from sin, very little is said about the topic. No serious attention is focused on changing the way we live. In fact, they may argue that under the new covenant of grace, the old covenant with all its rules and regulations has been done away with. Obedience is no longer a concern for us. Consequently, people with this view make very little effort to live any differently than they did before coming to Christ. As a result, they are not likely to be of one mind, one love, or one heart with other believers - especially those who they don't like or disagree with. They leave behind a train wreck of damaged and broken relationships, all the while praising God that He forgives all their sins! Their favorite worship song is "Just as I am" because they are certain God loves them just the way they are, and they have no intention of ever being anything different! A second way our view of obedience can go wrong is to take the path of serious moralism. This group believes that obedience means strictly following the rules. They would agree that the old covenant has been done away with, but they wrongly think that it has been replaced with a new set of rules. They are very diligent and determined to live according to the new rules, and they look down on and become very judgmental and critical of those who do not keep the rules the way they do. As a result, they are often very angry and argumentative. They think they are right because they do all the right things, and their relationships are often characterized by conflict. They are not usually thought of as kind or loving people. In light of what Paul writes here, they might be moral, but they also are not actually walking the path of obedience as Paul conceives it. If obedience is neither ignoring the rules nor diligently following the rules, what does it mean to obey? First, it means bringing into full effect the saving work of Christ in your life. This is so much greater than simply keeping a set of rules or moral standards. It is also so much more than simply receiving forgiveness and having our guilt covered by His blood! It means fully applying all the results and benefits of the cross and resurrection not only to how we live, but also in regard to who we are. Jesus died on the cross to forgive sins and to restore broken relationships (reconciled to God and at peace with others), unhindered access to God to draw near to Him and live in His presence, new birth, regeneration, renewal, a life of good works, and a life free from sin (Titus 3:4-8; Eph 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:3, Heb 10:19-22, Rom 6:11-12, etc). So then, obedience begins by becoming a very different kind of person as the full work of salvation gets unpacked in your heart and soul. If doing all things without grumbling or arguing becomes a rule to follow, you define grumbling and arguing in a very narrow way, and it will be something you may find some success doing outwardly, but your heart will be grumbling all the time until you explode! But, if the saving work of Christ changes your very nature, so that you become the kind of person who is a peacemaker instead of a troublemaker, you will not even know you're living a life without grumbling or arguing! That sounds great, but how do we do that? How do we work to make sure all the results of Jesus' death and resurrection are being fully implemented and brought to full effect in our lives? Paul explains how to do this, first with a negative, then a positive. First, we obey in the way of weakness and helplessness. It is not by our own strength or power. That is what is meant by doing it with "fear and trembling." For Paul, these are expressions about human weakness and frailty (See 1 Corinthians 2:3–5). This is the chief problem of the person trying to obey on the path of moralism. They believe it is in their power and ability to be a good person, and it is hard not to feel some measure of pride in the accomplishment. But fearing failure is the natural reaction of a person who has no confidence in their own ability or power. In the Christian life, that is a great thing, and in fact, it is an essential quality we must have if we are going to walk in true obedience. But, if I am weak and helpless, unable to be obedient and do God's will, then how does it work? The answer is found in the positive exhortation. “For it is God who is working in you to will and to do!” When I come to the realization that I am powerless to do the right thing, not only following some external rule but really doing from the heart what God calls us to, then we are in the right place to let Him do what He alone can and will do in our lives! We can work out our salvation, because (for) God is already at work in us! The word "working" in Greek is energew - from which we get the word energy. God is energizing us with His wisdom and power so that we can know His will and do it by His powerful working in us. He is working in two primary ways in our lives. First, giving us the very will and desire to do His will. This is so much deeper than following a set of rules. It means having our very heart and will line up with God's. He puts His heart and His desire in us, so that in the deepest reaches of our soul, we want to do what is right and good. We do not need to look to some external moral code or set of guidelines to help us figure this out. God's will becomes ingrained in our deepest longings and desires. In Romans 7, Paul talks about what it is like to know the right thing to do, and to really desire to do it, but then fail to do it and actually do the opposite. But God does not stop here with just giving us a different set of desires in life; He also gives us the power to put all these desires into practice. He empowers and enables us to do what we want to do, which is fully in sync with His own heart and desires. The result is that we put into practice what He puts in our heart. That is true obedience, not following an external set of rules by our own ability and strength, but doing God's will at the deepest level by making it how we live all of life from the inside out. So, does that mean we are to become some kind of robot or zombie, passively waiting for God to zap us by remote control? Not at all. We may be weak, but we are not robots. We do have the power of choice and the power of action. It is still our life, and we have to live it. No one else, not even God, will live it for us. We must work out our own salvation. This is so confusing - what exactly then are we to be doing? What we need is to walk in faith. Walking in the path of obedience is doing God's will, that which pleases God. We read in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God, it is impossible to do His will, and walk in obedience. Faith is seeing with our spiritual eyes spiritual realities. It is seeing this truth that God is indeed working in us the desire and the doing of His will. It is coming to understand that He does all this for the sake of His own good pleasure - that is, we don't need to do anything to convince God to help us. Long before we ever knew we needed help, He was already helping and working because it is His great joy and delight, it is the work He loves to do, and He is doing it. Not because we prayed the right prayer, or wanted it bad enough. He does it because He loves to do it. Faith is coming to this understanding of God's love and all that He has done to give us everything we need to succeed in living a life that is fully pleasing to Him! Big Idea - In these verses, Paul is urging us to a life of obedience, specifically to stop grumbling and arguing and start living together with one heart, one mind, and one love. It is how they can strive together for the Gospel, showing its truth and power by the way they treat each other. What is the place of obedience in the life of a Christian? There are two major ways that our thinking about obedience can go badly wrong. The first to not think about it at all. Many Christians and often many Churches get so focused on God's grace and forgiveness in saving us from sin, very little is said about the topic. No serious attention is focused on changing the way we live. In fact, they may argue that under the new covenant of grace, the old covenant with all its rules and regulations has been done away with. Obedience is no longer a concern for us. Consequently, people with this view make very little effort to live any differently than they did before coming to Christ. As a result, they are not likely to be of one mind, one love, or one heart with other believers - especially those who they don't like or disagree with. They leave behind a train wreck of damaged and broken relationships, all the while praising God that He forgives all their sins! Their favorite worship song is "Just as I am" because they are certain God loves them just the way they are, and they have no intention of ever being anything different! A second way our view of obedience can go wrong is to take the path of serious moralism. This group believes that obedience means strictly following the rules. They would agree that the old covenant has been done away with, but they wrongly think that it has been replaced with a new set of rules. They are very diligent and determined to live according to the new rules, and they look down on and become very judgmental and critical of those who do not keep the rules the way they do. As a result, they are often very angry and argumentative. They think they are right because they do all the right things, and their relationships are often characterized by conflict. They are not usually thought of as kind or loving people. In light of what Paul writes here, they might be moral, but they also are not actually walking the path of obedience as Paul conceives it. If obedience is neither ignoring the rules nor diligently following the rules, what does it mean to obey? First, it means bringing into full effect the saving work of Christ in your life. This is so much greater than simply keeping a set of rules or moral standards. It is also so much more than simply receiving forgiveness and having our guilt covered by His blood! It means fully applying all the results and benefits of the cross and resurrection not only to how we live, but also in regard to who we are. Jesus died on the cross to forgive sins and to restore broken relationships (reconciled to God and at peace with others), unhindered access to God to draw near to Him and live in His presence, new birth, regeneration, renewal, a life of good works, and a life free from sin (Titus 3:4-8; Eph 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:3, Heb 10:19-22, Rom 6:11-12, etc). So then, obedience begins by becoming a very different kind of person as the full work of salvation gets unpacked in your heart and soul. If doing all things without grumbling or arguing becomes a rule to follow, you define grumbling and arguing in a very narrow way, and it will be something you may find some success doing outwardly, but your heart will be grumbling all the time until you explode! But, if the saving work of Christ changes your very nature, so that you become the kind of person who is a peacemaker instead of a troublemaker, you will not even know you're living a life without grumbling or arguing! That sounds great, but how do we do that? How do we work to make sure all the results of Jesus' death and resurrection are being fully implemented and brought to full effect in our lives? Paul explains how to do this, first with a negative, then a positive. First, we obey in the way of weakness and helplessness. It is not by our own strength or power. That is what is meant by doing it with "fear and trembling." For Paul, these are expressions about human weakness and frailty (See 1 Corinthians 2:3–5). This is the chief problem of the person trying to obey on the path of moralism. They believe it is in their power and ability to be a good person, and it is hard not to feel some measure of pride in the accomplishment. But fearing failure is the natural reaction of a person who has no confidence in their own ability or power. In the Christian life, that is a great thing, and in fact, it is an essential quality we must have if we are going to walk in true obedience. But, if I am weak and helpless, unable to be obedient and do God's will, then how does it work? The answer is found in the positive exhortation. “For it is God who is working in you to will and to do!” When I come to the realization that I am powerless to do the right thing, not only following some external rule but really doing from the heart what God calls us to, then we are in the right place to let Him do what He alone can and will do in our lives! We can work out our salvation, because (for) God is already at work in us! The word "working" in Greek is energew - from which we get the word energy. God is energizing us with His wisdom and power so that we can know His will and do it by His powerful working in us. He is working in two primary ways in our lives. First, giving us the very will and desire to do His will. This is so much deeper than following a set of rules. It means having our very heart and will line up with God's. He puts His heart and His desire in us, so that in the deepest reaches of our soul, we want to do what is right and good. We do not need to look to some external moral code or set of guidelines to help us figure this out. God's will becomes ingrained in our deepest longings and desires. In Romans 7, Paul talks about what it is like to know the right thing to do, and to really desire to do it, but then fail to do it and actually do the opposite. But God does not stop here with just giving us a different set of desires in life; He also gives us the power to put all these desires into practice. He empowers and enables us to do what we want to do, which is fully in sync with His own heart and desires. The result is that we put into practice what He puts in our heart. That is true obedience, not following an external set of rules by our own ability and strength, but doing God's will at the deepest level by making it how we live all of life from the inside out. So, does that mean we are to become some kind of robot or zombie, passively waiting for God to zap us by remote control? Not at all. We may be weak, but we are not robots. We do have the power of choice and the power of action. It is still our life, and we have to live it. No one else, not even God, will live it for us. We must work out our own salvation. This is so confusing - what exactly then are we to be doing? What we need is to walk in faith. Walking in the path of obedience is doing God's will, that which pleases God. We read in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God, it is impossible to do His will, and walk in obedience. Faith is seeing with our spiritual eyes spiritual realities. It is seeing this truth that God is indeed working in us the desire and the doing of His will. It is coming to understand that He does all this for the sake of His own good pleasure - that is, we don't need to do anything to convince God to help us. Long before we ever knew we needed help, He was already helping and working because it is His great joy and delight, it is the work He loves to do, and He is doing it. Not because we prayed the right prayer, or wanted it bad enough. He does it because He loves to do it. Faith is coming to this understanding of God's love and all that He has done to give us everything we need to succeed in living a life that is fully pleasing to Him! Big Idea - In these verses, Paul is urging us to a life of obedience, specifically to stop grumbling and arguing and start living together with one heart, one mind, and one love. It is how they can strive together for the Gospel, showing its truth and … Tim Dunham 3168 https://ccf.sermon.net/22433495/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godatwork/id/4256049.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22433495 Series: Philippians Sun, 03 Aug 2025 01:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Paul tells us that one of the great purposes of our lives is to shine as lights in the world. All that he talks about in this passage centers around this truth and calling for the Christian life. But what exactly does it mean to shine as a light in this crooked and twisted generation? And how are we to do that? Paul gives two commands of what we are to be doing in our everyday lives in order to shine as lights. They are not really two separate things as much as the wide view of what we are to do, followed by a narrower and more specific focus. So first, the wide-angle view, the big picture. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Working out our own salvation does not mean doing some kind of good works or deed in order to save ourselves and earn eternal life. Instead, it has the idea of carrying out the full effects and implications of God's saving work in our lives. Thus, salvation is not simply a gift we receive, but it is something we are to do, to live out in our everyday lives. Our salvation is to have a very practical and specific impact on our daily walk. What does that look like? It means becoming like Jesus in everything we do - but even that may be a bit vague, so Paul focuses in on one specific area of life that should be affected. In the narrow focus, he tells us that in absolutely everything we do, we are to do it without grumbling or arguing! That certainly brings things to the nitty gritty - this is a pretty measurable and specific desired outcome. Christians are to be the kind of people who are characterized by a life 100% free of complaining and strife. Paul then explains why this is so vitally important. It is so that we would be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in order that we would shine as lights in a dark and depraved world. To shine as a light means two things. First, that we are so distinct from the world that we are set apart from it, but it is important to note that Paul is not speaking here of our personal or private character and integrity. The truth is, there are plenty of people in the world who live very good, moral lives. In fact, this is not all that hard if you are willing to live by yourself! But Paul is speaking here of how we live together as the body of Christ. We are to be radically different from the world as a community that lives together. This is much harder! He is not talking about grumbling about our circumstances, but about grumbling about each other! The second thing that light does is dispel the darkness. Where the light shines, darkness disappears. In the darkness you cannot see, but when the light shines, everything becomes clear. This speaks of our witness to the Gospel. We shine the light of the Good News to a world that is lost in darkness and needs to come into the light. We hold out the Word of life, which is the Gospel. We do this by proclaiming the message, but also by living out the message and its power in our relationships with one another! When we fail to do this, we diminish the glory of the Cross and its power to transform our lives. So how are we doing? Even a quick survey of the Church would reveal that we are not doing this very well. I was reminded of how easily Churches can fall into complaining and conflict as I saw the ongoing fallout of how COVID tore apart many Churches in the US. There was a huge conflict over whether or not they should wear masks, and many Churches have still not recovered from that fight. That is one small example of how easily Christians can fall into complaining and strife. Why are we so bad at this? It is hard, and the Church in Phillipi illustrates how this can be a problem. But Paul is confident things can be different. There are many reasons why we fail, but here are two. First, we are very confused about the truth that really matters. If there is anything worth fighting for, it is certainly the truth. We are called to guard and defend the truth - language that points to a fight! But so, we are ready to fight to prove we are right, and we feel justified in doing battle to prove our side is right and bring down those who do not agree with us. But all truth is not created equal, and often being right has very little to do with the truth that matters. We need to guard the truth of the Gospel, that is what matters. But that is not what most of our strife and complaining is about! Secondly, nowhere does the Bible teach that the way we fight the battle for truth is through grumbling and arguing. We do not win the war for truth by attacking people in the spirit of the world. Instead, we are to teach the truth with love and compassion, and let God do the rest. The other reason why we are failing at this is that we do not understand what it really means to work out our salvation, for it is God who is at work in us to will and to do for His good pleasure. We fail because we are trying to make peace with others in our own strength and by our own will and determination. We do not understand how utterly helpless we are to do this. We can only work out our own salvation because it is God who is at work, giving us the right will and desire, but also who is giving us the very power and life to do it. It is by nothing in ourselves that we can succeed, but through the life of Jesus that fills us. Our part is to walk by faith in what God can and will do in us and through us. So, working out our salvation begins with confessing our incredible and complete weakness and failure because we have been trying to do this in our own strength. Confessing the many ways and times we have grumbled and argued for the sake of our own pride and getting our own way. Secondly, we need to acknowledge our complete dependence upon Him. Thirdly, to trust with all our heart that God is at work and it is not because of anything we have done to get God on our side, but it is out of His delight to work in us in this way. It is all His idea and His doing! It is living life with the understanding that we have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me, and then walking by faith in Him and His power at work in us. Big Idea - Paul tells us that one of the great purposes of our lives is to shine as lights in the world. All that he talks about in this passage centers around this truth and calling for the Christian life. But what exactly does it mean to shine as a light in this crooked and twisted generation? And how are we to do that? Paul gives two commands of what we are to be doing in our everyday lives in order to shine as lights. They are not really two separate things as much as the wide view of what we are to do, followed by a narrower and more specific focus. So first, the wide-angle view, the big picture. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Working out our own salvation does not mean doing some kind of good works or deed in order to save ourselves and earn eternal life. Instead, it has the idea of carrying out the full effects and implications of God's saving work in our lives. Thus, salvation is not simply a gift we receive, but it is something we are to do, to live out in our everyday lives. Our salvation is to have a very practical and specific impact on our daily walk. What does that look like? It means becoming like Jesus in everything we do - but even that may be a bit vague, so Paul focuses in on one specific area of life that should be affected. In the narrow focus, he tells us that in absolutely everything we do, we are to do it without grumbling or arguing! That certainly brings things to the nitty gritty - this is a pretty measurable and specific desired outcome. Christians are to be the kind of people who are characterized by a life 100% free of complaining and strife. Paul then explains why this is so vitally important. It is so that we would be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in order that we would shine as lights in a dark and depraved world. To shine as a light means two things. First, that we are so distinct from the world that we are set apart from it, but it is important to note that Paul is not speaking here of our personal or private character and integrity. The truth is, there are plenty of people in the world who live very good, moral lives. In fact, this is not all that hard if you are willing to live by yourself! But Paul is speaking here of how we live together as the body of Christ. We are to be radically different from the world as a community that lives together. This is much harder! He is not talking about grumbling about our circumstances, but about grumbling about each other! The second thing that light does is dispel the darkness. Where the light shines, darkness disappears. In the darkness you cannot see, but when the light shines, everything becomes clear. This speaks of our witness to the Gospel. We shine the light of the Good News to a world that is lost in darkness and needs to come into the light. We hold out the Word of life, which is the Gospel. We do this by proclaiming the message, but also by living out the message and its power in our relationships with one another! When we fail to do this, we diminish the glory of the Cross and its power to transform our lives. So how are we doing? Even a quick survey of the Church would reveal that we are not doing this very well. I was reminded of how easily Churches can fall into complaining and conflict as I saw the ongoing fallout of how COVID tore apart many Churches in the US. There was a huge conflict over whether or not they should wear masks, and many Churches have still not recovered from that fight. That is one small example of how easily Christians can fall into complaining and strife. Why are we so bad at this? It is hard, and the Church in Phillipi illustrates how this can be a problem. But Paul is confident things can be different. There are many reasons why we fail, but here are two. First, we are very confused about the truth that really matters. If there is anything worth fighting for, it is certainly the truth. We are called to guard and defend the truth - language that points to a fight! But so, we are ready to fight to prove we are right, and we feel justified in doing battle to prove our side is right and bring down those who do not agree with us. But all truth is not created equal, and often being right has very little to do with the truth that matters. We need to guard the truth of the Gospel, that is what matters. But that is not what most of our strife and complaining is about! Secondly, nowhere does the Bible teach that the way we fight the battle for truth is through grumbling and arguing. We do not win the war for truth by attacking people in the spirit of the world. Instead, we are to teach the truth with love and compassion, and let God do the rest. The other reason why we are failing at this is that we do not understand what it really means to work out our salvation, for it is God who is at work in us to will and to do for His good pleasure. We fail because we are trying to make peace with others in our own strength and by our own will and determination. We do not understand how utterly helpless we are to do this. We can only work out our own salvation because it is God who is at work, giving us the right will and desire, but also who is giving us the very power and life to do it. It is by nothing in ourselves that we can succeed, but through the life of Jesus that fills us. Our part is to walk by faith in what God can and will do in us and through us. So, working out our salvation begins with confessing our incredible and complete weakness and failure because we have been trying to do this in our own strength. Confessing the many ways and times we have grumbled and argued for the sake of our own pride and getting our own way. Secondly, we need to acknowledge our complete dependence upon Him. Thirdly, to trust with all our heart that God is at work and it is not because of anything we have done to get God on our side, but it is out of His delight to work in us in this way. It is all His idea and His doing! It is living life with the understanding that we have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me, and then walking by faith in Him and His power at work in us. Big Idea - Paul tells us that one of the great purposes of our lives is to shine as lights in the world. All that he talks about in this passage centers around this truth and calling for the Christian life. But what exactly does it mean to shine as a l… Tim Dunham 3334 https://ccf.sermon.net/22430944/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alightinthedarkness/id/4253556.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22430944 Series: Philippians Sun, 11 May 2025 12:11:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 3168 https://ccf.sermon.net/22400534/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_israelgodsunfaithfulwife/id/4224048.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22400534 Series: Hosea Sun, 04 May 2025 12:03:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2748 https://ccf.sermon.net/22400533/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gomarryawhore/id/4224044.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22400533 Series: Hosea Sun, 27 Apr 2025 08:27:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Making the Prophets a Little Less Difficult!  (1) A Brief History of Israel (2) The OT Prophets: Speaking v Writings; Major v Minor (3) Where do the prophets fit into the Isreal’s history?  (4) What was the role of the prophets? (i) The prophets spoke in the name of the Lord (ii) The prophets were God’s prosecutors, His covenant enforcers (iii) The prophets pointed forward to a new hope (5) Reading the prophets (6) What’s the value of reading the prophets? (i) The prophets reveal insights into the heart of God (ii) The nature of sin doesn’t change much through time, cultures and generations (iii) The prophets remind us that God judges wicked nations (iv) The prophets remind us that God is in control of history Making the Prophets a Little Less Difficult!  (1) A Brief History of Israel (2) The OT Prophets: Speaking v Writings; Major v Minor (3) Where do the prophets fit into the Isreal’s history?  (4) What was the role of the prophets? (i) The prophets spoke in the name of the Lord (ii) The prophets were God’s prosecutors, His covenant enforcers (iii) The prophets pointed forward to a new hope (5) Reading the prophets (6) What’s the value of reading the prophets? (i) The prophets reveal insights into the heart of God (ii) The nature of sin doesn’t change much through time, cultures and generations (iii) The prophets remind us that God judges wicked nations (iv) The prophets remind us that God is in control of history Making the Prophets a Little Less Difficult!  (1) A Brief History of Israel (2) The OT Prophets: Speaking v Writings; Major v Minor (3) Where do the prophets fit into the Isreal’s history?  (4) What was the role of the prophets? (i) The prophets … Andrew Carter 3503 https://ccf.sermon.net/22396083/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_introtootprophets/id/4219660.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22396083 Series: Intro to OT Prophets Sun, 20 Apr 2025 12:24:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1. The resurrection confirms Jesus as God's Son 2. God raised Him up - the greatest reversal 3. The resurrection is the defeat of death 1. The resurrection confirms Jesus as God's Son 2. God raised Him up - the greatest reversal 3. The resurrection is the defeat of death 1. The resurrection confirms Jesus as God's Son 2. God raised Him up - the greatest reversal 3. The resurrection is the defeat of death… Andrew Carter 2543 https://ccf.sermon.net/22393472/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisrisenmeaningsignificanceof/id/4217082.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22393472 Series: Easter Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:26:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) The One they mock as king is the King (2) The One who seems powerless is all powerful (3) The One who seems unable to save himself, saves others (4) The One who seems not to trust God, trusts God (1) The One they mock as king is the King (2) The One who seems powerless is all powerful (3) The One who seems unable to save himself, saves others (4) The One who seems not to trust God, trusts God (1) The One they mock as king is the King (2) The One who seems powerless is all powerful (3) The One who seems unable to save himself, saves others (4) The One who seems not to trust God, trusts God … Andrew Carter 3195 https://ccf.sermon.net/22390674/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ironyatthecross/id/4214375.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22390674 Series: Easter Sun, 06 Apr 2025 08:43:00 +0000 Andrew Carter * A tragic night fishing * Jesus appears * What does the passage teach us about Jesus? * Lesson: guilt and forgiveness * A tragic night fishing * Jesus appears * What does the passage teach us about Jesus? * Lesson: guilt and forgiveness * A tragic night fishing * Jesus appears * What does the passage teach us about Jesus? * Lesson: guilt and forgiveness … Andrew Carter 1935 https://ccf.sermon.net/22388236/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esuscomesbackforpeter/id/4211979.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22388236 Series: Easter Sun, 30 Mar 2025 08:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We come to the end of the Gospel of Mark, but it is not the ending we might have hoped for. The end of Mark is such a problem that other endings have been added to try to fix it. What makes the ending of Mark so unsatisfying is that we get no glimpses of the resurrected Jesus. We only have the empty tomb and the promise of seeing Him. But there could be lots of explanations for the empty tomb. How do we know that Jesus is truly risen from the dead? The other problem with the ending is that the women flee the scene in stunned silence. They are told to go tell the disciples that Jesus is going ahead to meet them in Galilee, but there is no rejoicing at this great news. There is only fear, trembling, and silence. Indeed, Mark could not have ended the story here on purpose! Was the rest of the Gospel lost or destroyed? Was Mark martyred before he could finish writing? Or did he really end it that way on purpose? If so, what is he seeking to teach us about Jesus and His resurrection? It is significant that in Mark's telling of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, he ends each section by highlighting this group of faithful women who had followed Jesus all the days of His ministry. They become the primary witnesses to these three epic events that come to form the heart of the Gospel. This, among other reasons, points to the fact that Mark ended the Gospel here, on purpose. So what is he teaching, telling us about the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for our life today through this strange ending? First, he tells us how we can know it is true. Mark does not give any proof for the resurrection, because he knows that this is not how we will know it is true or be convinced He is risen. Instead, he points us to the Word of Revelation that we must accept by faith. First, the word of the angel, but more importantly, the Word of Jesus Himself. If we believe in Jesus at all, then we must believe in everything He said. What He taught is either all true, or He is a liar, or worse, a lunatic. Our conviction that the resurrection really happened is ultimately based on our faith in what Jesus said would happen to Him. Everything else came to pass exactly as He said, so we can be confident that so did the resurrection. Second, he is showing us the grand purpose of the resurrection. Jesus said on the cross, "it is finished," meaning He accomplished everything that was necessary for salvation on the cross. The great proof that His work was fully accomplished is that the veil was torn in two. Now, there is nothing hindering us from full and complete access to God except our own unbelief. Through the cross we are justified, made right with God. Our sin and guilt is fully done away with. Jesus did not need to rise from the dead in order for us to be saved. What then is the purpose of the resurrection? First, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is what He did for us. But the resurrection is what God did for Jesus. He may have abandoned Him on the cross, but He did not leave Him in the grave! The resurrection vindicates Jesus, that is, it demonstrates that God was fully pleased with the sacrifice that Jesus made for sinners and that He was indeed restoring Jesus to the place of power and all authority at His right Hand! But the resurrection also has a purpose in relation to us. It was not necessary to save us from sin and death, but the Christian life is not simply a matter of being saved. We are also called to seek Him and follow Him with our whole hearts. We desperately need a Shepherd to guide us through life and to help us live in a way that is fully pleasing to God. The message the women were to deliver to the disciples was that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee, just as Jesus had told them. Jesus said this in the context of the sheep being scattered when the shepherd was struck down. And that is exactly what happened. Not only did the disciples abandon Jesus, but Peter denied he even knew Jesus. Because of the cross, they were now saved sheep, their sins covered by His blood, but they were no less scattered, with no sense of where to go or what to do. They still needed a shepherd. The purpose of the resurrection is that Jesus is now alive and well and He lives now to be our great shepherd through all of life. He will meet us in everyday life (Galilee) and He will lead us and help us to live a life pleasing to God. The torn veil means we have full access to God, but also full access to Jesus, who has promised never to leave us or forsake us! Thirdly, he reminds us of our desperate need for the whole Gospel - Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. But why does the Gospel end on such a discouraging note? The fact that this is very likely intentional can be seen by understanding one of the major themes of the book from the beginning to the very last word. And that is the theme of the total weakness and inadequacy of His followers. All through the Gospel, the disciples fail and prove to be weak and all too human. No one emerges as a hero or super saint. The disciples, down to the very end, fail to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' life and kingdom, and in the end, they all desert Jesus. The women seem to do better. At least they do not abandon Jesus and show their devotion to Him even in His death and burial. But they struggle to understand and believe the resurrection. They encounter the power of God in the resurrection, but it only leaves them full of fear and in stunned silence rather than with boldness and courage. If the Gospel is going to be successful and if the Kingdom is going to come, it will not be the result of super saints! We are, all of us, weak and frail. We need help! But praise God, there is power in the resurrection. Power that God has promised to give to those who know they are weak and fully lean on Him! Big Idea - We come to the end of the Gospel of Mark, but it is not the ending we might have hoped for. The end of Mark is such a problem that other endings have been added to try to fix it. What makes the ending of Mark so unsatisfying is that we get no glimpses of the resurrected Jesus. We only have the empty tomb and the promise of seeing Him. But there could be lots of explanations for the empty tomb. How do we know that Jesus is truly risen from the dead? The other problem with the ending is that the women flee the scene in stunned silence. They are told to go tell the disciples that Jesus is going ahead to meet them in Galilee, but there is no rejoicing at this great news. There is only fear, trembling, and silence. Indeed, Mark could not have ended the story here on purpose! Was the rest of the Gospel lost or destroyed? Was Mark martyred before he could finish writing? Or did he really end it that way on purpose? If so, what is he seeking to teach us about Jesus and His resurrection? It is significant that in Mark's telling of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, he ends each section by highlighting this group of faithful women who had followed Jesus all the days of His ministry. They become the primary witnesses to these three epic events that come to form the heart of the Gospel. This, among other reasons, points to the fact that Mark ended the Gospel here, on purpose. So what is he teaching, telling us about the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for our life today through this strange ending? First, he tells us how we can know it is true. Mark does not give any proof for the resurrection, because he knows that this is not how we will know it is true or be convinced He is risen. Instead, he points us to the Word of Revelation that we must accept by faith. First, the word of the angel, but more importantly, the Word of Jesus Himself. If we believe in Jesus at all, then we must believe in everything He said. What He taught is either all true, or He is a liar, or worse, a lunatic. Our conviction that the resurrection really happened is ultimately based on our faith in what Jesus said would happen to Him. Everything else came to pass exactly as He said, so we can be confident that so did the resurrection. Second, he is showing us the grand purpose of the resurrection. Jesus said on the cross, "it is finished," meaning He accomplished everything that was necessary for salvation on the cross. The great proof that His work was fully accomplished is that the veil was torn in two. Now, there is nothing hindering us from full and complete access to God except our own unbelief. Through the cross we are justified, made right with God. Our sin and guilt is fully done away with. Jesus did not need to rise from the dead in order for us to be saved. What then is the purpose of the resurrection? First, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is what He did for us. But the resurrection is what God did for Jesus. He may have abandoned Him on the cross, but He did not leave Him in the grave! The resurrection vindicates Jesus, that is, it demonstrates that God was fully pleased with the sacrifice that Jesus made for sinners and that He was indeed restoring Jesus to the place of power and all authority at His right Hand! But the resurrection also has a purpose in relation to us. It was not necessary to save us from sin and death, but the Christian life is not simply a matter of being saved. We are also called to seek Him and follow Him with our whole hearts. We desperately need a Shepherd to guide us through life and to help us live in a way that is fully pleasing to God. The message the women were to deliver to the disciples was that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee, just as Jesus had told them. Jesus said this in the context of the sheep being scattered when the shepherd was struck down. And that is exactly what happened. Not only did the disciples abandon Jesus, but Peter denied he even knew Jesus. Because of the cross, they were now saved sheep, their sins covered by His blood, but they were no less scattered, with no sense of where to go or what to do. They still needed a shepherd. The purpose of the resurrection is that Jesus is now alive and well and He lives now to be our great shepherd through all of life. He will meet us in everyday life (Galilee) and He will lead us and help us to live a life pleasing to God. The torn veil means we have full access to God, but also full access to Jesus, who has promised never to leave us or forsake us! Thirdly, he reminds us of our desperate need for the whole Gospel - Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. But why does the Gospel end on such a discouraging note? The fact that this is very likely intentional can be seen by understanding one of the major themes of the book from the beginning to the very last word. And that is the theme of the total weakness and inadequacy of His followers. All through the Gospel, the disciples fail and prove to be weak and all too human. No one emerges as a hero or super saint. The disciples, down to the very end, fail to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' life and kingdom, and in the end, they all desert Jesus. The women seem to do better. At least they do not abandon Jesus and show their devotion to Him even in His death and burial. But they struggle to understand and believe the resurrection. They encounter the power of God in the resurrection, but it only leaves them full of fear and in stunned silence rather than with boldness and courage. If the Gospel is going to be successful and if the Kingdom is going to come, it will not be the result of super saints! We are, all of us, weak and frail. We need help! But praise God, there is power in the resurrection. Power that God has promised to give to those who know they are weak and fully lean on Him! Big Idea - We come to the end of the Gospel of Mark, but it is not the ending we might have hoped for. The end of Mark is such a problem that other endings have been added to try to fix it. What makes the ending of Mark so unsatisfying is that we get n… Tim Dunham 2974 https://ccf.sermon.net/22386145/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisrisen/id/4209909.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22386145 Series: Mark Sun, 23 Mar 2025 08:13:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) The deep descent of the Son of God (2) Darkness v. 33 (3) The cry of abandonment v. 34 (4) A terrible misunderstanding v. 35 (5) A glorious cry and a great tearing vv. 37-38 (6) An amazing confession v. 39 (7) Honouring faithful women vv. 40-41 (1) The deep descent of the Son of God (2) Darkness v. 33 (3) The cry of abandonment v. 34 (4) A terrible misunderstanding v. 35 (5) A glorious cry and a great tearing vv. 37-38 (6) An amazing confession v. 39 (7) Honouring faithful women vv. 40-41 (1) The deep descent of the Son of God (2) Darkness v. 33 (3) The cry of abandonment v. 34 (4) A terrible misunderstanding v. 35 (5) A glorious cry and a great tearing vv. 37-38 (6) An amazing confession v. 39 (7) Honouring faithful women vv. 40-41 … Andrew Carter 2786 https://ccf.sermon.net/22386144/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedaygodrippedthecurtain/id/4209907.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22386144 Series: Mark Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The early Church, up until the time of the reformation, practiced meditating on the cross and contemplating the suffering and death of Jesus at great length. This often involved looking at an image of Jesus on the cross, often for hours at a time. Many wrote their reflections into poems and books, for example On the Passion of Christ by Thomas A Kempas, and O Sacred Head Now Wounded, a poem of over 300 lines by Arnulf of Leuven (died 1250). But, most modern Christians, outside of Catholicism, no longer practice this kind of deep reflection and meditation on the cross of Christ and His suffering. Why don't we? Is the suffering and death of Jesus not that important to us? Is His death so insignificant that it doesn't warrant our most focused attention and serious contemplation? The loss of this spiritual practice goes back to the reformation and reaction against the use of images in worship based on the second commandment in Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Many of the reformers rejected any and every kind of use of an image of God in worship, including images of Jesus, including representations of Jesus on the cross. Now whether or not the reformers were correct in their understanding of the first commandment is conversation for another day, but it is unfortunate that when they took the images of Jesus off the cross, they also stopped the practice of long reflection on the price that Jesus paid when He died for us on the cross. The argument is also made that Jesus is no longer on the cross, He is risen! That is true, but if the result is that we no longer think very much about His death or His resurrection, then we have lost something that is, I believe, essential to the Christian life and faith! Paul made a huge deal of Jesus and His death on the cross. He writes to the Corinthians "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" 1 Corinthians 1:22–23. And again, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 (Corinthians 2:2). Why does this matter? The great danger is that when we fail to give serious thought to the cross and to contemplate the wonders of all that took place through Jesus' suffering and death, the Gospel gets over simplified and shallow. The truth is, many Christians in the modern Church have a trivial view of the Gospel and the result is a very shallow and weak faith. So, as we come today to Mark's depiction of the cross, let us take the time to reflect deeply on all that happened to Jesus, and how all that took place had a deep and profound purpose in making salvation possible and complete for those who believe! How does the suffering and death of Jesus save us? There are no less than 12 declarations that Mark makes in these verses that portray all that Jesus experienced on the cross which were necessary to obtain our salvation. Jesus became sin and each of these statements can be connected with the devastating results of sin that are reversed by His death and suffering. That is, the eternal consequences were erased and done away with, because Jesus suffered those consequences in our place. 1) He took our place, 2) He experienced death so that we might have life, 3) He suffered torment to bring an end to suffering and pain, 3) He was punished so that we might be blameless, 4) He was naked and poor so that we might be clothed and rich, 4) He lost all honor and glory so that we might receive honor and glory, 5) He was the King who suffered total defeat so that we could have complete victory. Big Idea - The early Church, up until the time of the reformation, practiced meditating on the cross and contemplating the suffering and death of Jesus at great length. This often involved looking at an image of Jesus on the cross, often for hours at a time. Many wrote their reflections into poems and books, for example On the Passion of Christ by Thomas A Kempas, and O Sacred Head Now Wounded, a poem of over 300 lines by Arnulf of Leuven (died 1250). But, most modern Christians, outside of Catholicism, no longer practice this kind of deep reflection and meditation on the cross of Christ and His suffering. Why don't we? Is the suffering and death of Jesus not that important to us? Is His death so insignificant that it doesn't warrant our most focused attention and serious contemplation? The loss of this spiritual practice goes back to the reformation and reaction against the use of images in worship based on the second commandment in Exodus 20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Many of the reformers rejected any and every kind of use of an image of God in worship, including images of Jesus, including representations of Jesus on the cross. Now whether or not the reformers were correct in their understanding of the first commandment is conversation for another day, but it is unfortunate that when they took the images of Jesus off the cross, they also stopped the practice of long reflection on the price that Jesus paid when He died for us on the cross. The argument is also made that Jesus is no longer on the cross, He is risen! That is true, but if the result is that we no longer think very much about His death or His resurrection, then we have lost something that is, I believe, essential to the Christian life and faith! Paul made a huge deal of Jesus and His death on the cross. He writes to the Corinthians "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" 1 Corinthians 1:22–23. And again, "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 (Corinthians 2:2). Why does this matter? The great danger is that when we fail to give serious thought to the cross and to contemplate the wonders of all that took place through Jesus' suffering and death, the Gospel gets over simplified and shallow. The truth is, many Christians in the modern Church have a trivial view of the Gospel and the result is a very shallow and weak faith. So, as we come today to Mark's depiction of the cross, let us take the time to reflect deeply on all that happened to Jesus, and how all that took place had a deep and profound purpose in making salvation possible and complete for those who believe! How does the suffering and death of Jesus save us? There are no less than 12 declarations that Mark makes in these verses that portray all that Jesus experienced on the cross which were necessary to obtain our salvation. Jesus became sin and each of these statements can be connected with the devastating results of sin that are reversed by His death and suffering. That is, the eternal consequences were erased and done away with, because Jesus suffered those consequences in our place. 1) He took our place, 2) He experienced death so that we might have life, 3) He suffered torment to bring an end to suffering and pain, 3) He was punished so that we might be blameless, 4) He was naked and poor so that we might be clothed and rich, 4) He lost all honor and glory so that we might receive honor and glory, 5) He was the King who suffered total defeat so that we could have complete victory. Big Idea - The early Church, up until the time of the reformation, practiced meditating on the cross and contemplating the suffering and death of Jesus at great length. This often involved looking at an image of Jesus on the cross, often for hours at a… Tim Dunham 3053 https://ccf.sermon.net/22381409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christcrucified/id/4205264.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22381409 Series: Mark Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:38:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As our study through the book of Mark brings us to the cross we come to the main point of the book and the sole purpose of Jesus' life. Three times Jesus warned the disciples that this is why He came. Not only that He would die, but He told them in great detail exactly how it would happen - Mark 10:33–34 (ESV) — 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” If you have seen the movie The Passion, or heard many sermons on crucifixion, you get the impression that the most important thing about the cross is the incredible suffering that Jesus experienced. It could indeed be argued that Crucifixion was the most horrific way to die that man has ever devised, but that is not actually what Mark stresses. The brutality of the cross is only briefly mentioned. Instead, Mark focuses on other things, specifically on the things that show us the true meaning of the cross. In the events of this passage, we have a much greater understanding of why Jesus died and what it all means. So what does it all really mean? Yes, Jesus suffered a most terrible death, but what else is important about the cross? The short answer to that question is that the cross is a mind-blowing demonstration of God's grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. How does Mark focus on the grace of God in the way He tells the story? 1) Jesus is the rejected King, 2) who gave Himself up for us - rebels and murderers, 3) securing the release of the guilty by being condemned for their crime. Jesus died as the King of the Jews, because He was the rightful King over Israel and in fact over all the earth. As the creator of all things He has authority over heaven and earth, but His Kingdom was not political and earthly, but a heavenly and spiritual Kingdom. But, He was rejected by His own people. The leaders rejected Him because they He was a threat to their power and control. The people chose a rebel over Jesus because they focused on earthly power, not spiritual power. The "gentiles" mocked and ridiculed the King, because they saw His kingdom as weak and powerless. All rejected Jesus, but His life was not taken from Him by their authority or power. In the end, He gave Himself up for us. He made no defense because He had already determined to the Father's plan. This is why He came - a king who would lay down His life and die on the cross for us. He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! If we stopped there we would have an amazing picture of a loving King who would surrender His life to save His people. But, we would not yet understand the depth of His grace. To show us how Jesus' death is an extravagant display of grace, Mark highlights a rebel named Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer. As a rebel he represents all those who reject the reign and rule of God and who are guilty of insurrection and treason against God. As a murderer, he represents all those who hate their fellow human beings. Murder is the ultimate expression of human selfishness and pride. It is an action that says your life doesn't matter, only my life matters. So, Barabbas is the exact opposite of the great commandment to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. And every sin that you can conceive of, is simply the outworking of these two primary sins - the sin of rejecting God as our King, and the sin of pride which says I am the only one that matters. In other words, Barabbas represents very one of us because we were born with a nature precisely like his. Jesus gave Himself up, not only for the sins we have done, but for us who rejected Him as King. He willingly took our place, when we hated Him and everyone else! That brings grace into much greater focus! Jesus gave Himself up for us, and we could not be more underserving of such kindness. But there is even more to grace than that. The final picture of grace is that Jesus could not be more undeserving of such suffering! He was the great King, but unlike any earthly King, he had never done anything wrong. The Jews convicted Him of being the Messiah, but that would only be a crime if untrue. The accused Jesus of being an insurrection against Rome, but Pilate found nothing wrong with Jesus. He was completely innocent, even though He said nothing to defend Himself. But, the great irony in all of this, is that Jesus, not only in the place of one guilty of insurrection, but He dies accused of the crime of insurrection. He became sin, He died convicted of the very crime that we are most guilty of - rejected King who died for treason, ultimately against Himself! Like a man of incredible wealth, whose entire estate is stolen out from under him, but when the thief is caught, convicted, and receives the death penalty, the wealthy man steps in and dies in his place! And why would He do that? So that Barrabas could be set free. That is grace! Big Idea - As our study through the book of Mark brings us to the cross we come to the main point of the book and the sole purpose of Jesus' life. Three times Jesus warned the disciples that this is why He came. Not only that He would die, but He told them in great detail exactly how it would happen - Mark 10:33–34 (ESV) — 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” If you have seen the movie The Passion, or heard many sermons on crucifixion, you get the impression that the most important thing about the cross is the incredible suffering that Jesus experienced. It could indeed be argued that Crucifixion was the most horrific way to die that man has ever devised, but that is not actually what Mark stresses. The brutality of the cross is only briefly mentioned. Instead, Mark focuses on other things, specifically on the things that show us the true meaning of the cross. In the events of this passage, we have a much greater understanding of why Jesus died and what it all means. So what does it all really mean? Yes, Jesus suffered a most terrible death, but what else is important about the cross? The short answer to that question is that the cross is a mind-blowing demonstration of God's grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. How does Mark focus on the grace of God in the way He tells the story? 1) Jesus is the rejected King, 2) who gave Himself up for us - rebels and murderers, 3) securing the release of the guilty by being condemned for their crime. Jesus died as the King of the Jews, because He was the rightful King over Israel and in fact over all the earth. As the creator of all things He has authority over heaven and earth, but His Kingdom was not political and earthly, but a heavenly and spiritual Kingdom. But, He was rejected by His own people. The leaders rejected Him because they He was a threat to their power and control. The people chose a rebel over Jesus because they focused on earthly power, not spiritual power. The "gentiles" mocked and ridiculed the King, because they saw His kingdom as weak and powerless. All rejected Jesus, but His life was not taken from Him by their authority or power. In the end, He gave Himself up for us. He made no defense because He had already determined to the Father's plan. This is why He came - a king who would lay down His life and die on the cross for us. He is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! If we stopped there we would have an amazing picture of a loving King who would surrender His life to save His people. But, we would not yet understand the depth of His grace. To show us how Jesus' death is an extravagant display of grace, Mark highlights a rebel named Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer. As a rebel he represents all those who reject the reign and rule of God and who are guilty of insurrection and treason against God. As a murderer, he represents all those who hate their fellow human beings. Murder is the ultimate expression of human selfishness and pride. It is an action that says your life doesn't matter, only my life matters. So, Barabbas is the exact opposite of the great commandment to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. And every sin that you can conceive of, is simply the outworking of these two primary sins - the sin of rejecting God as our King, and the sin of pride which says I am the only one that matters. In other words, Barabbas represents very one of us because we were born with a nature precisely like his. Jesus gave Himself up, not only for the sins we have done, but for us who rejected Him as King. He willingly took our place, when we hated Him and everyone else! That brings grace into much greater focus! Jesus gave Himself up for us, and we could not be more underserving of such kindness. But there is even more to grace than that. The final picture of grace is that Jesus could not be more undeserving of such suffering! He was the great King, but unlike any earthly King, he had never done anything wrong. The Jews convicted Him of being the Messiah, but that would only be a crime if untrue. The accused Jesus of being an insurrection against Rome, but Pilate found nothing wrong with Jesus. He was completely innocent, even though He said nothing to defend Himself. But, the great irony in all of this, is that Jesus, not only in the place of one guilty of insurrection, but He dies accused of the crime of insurrection. He became sin, He died convicted of the very crime that we are most guilty of - rejected King who died for treason, ultimately against Himself! Like a man of incredible wealth, whose entire estate is stolen out from under him, but when the thief is caught, convicted, and receives the death penalty, the wealthy man steps in and dies in his place! And why would He do that? So that Barrabas could be set free. That is grace! Big Idea - As our study through the book of Mark brings us to the cross we come to the main point of the book and the sole purpose of Jesus' life. Three times Jesus warned the disciples that this is why He came. Not only that He would die, but He told … Tim Dunham 2859 https://ccf.sermon.net/22378745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekingwhodiedforme/id/4202640.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22378745 Series: Mark Sun, 02 Mar 2025 07:16:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2644 https://ccf.sermon.net/22376255/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesiftingofsimonpeter/id/4200194.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22376255 Series: Mark Sun, 23 Feb 2025 05:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Theologians talk about the scandal of the cross. How could Jesus claim to be the Messiah sent from God, the very Son of God who is full of all the authority and power of God, and at the same time be convicted as a criminal and die the most shameful death possible? It is a scandal - completely unexpected, shocking, mind-boggling. What makes it most shocking is that by all appearances, it looks like Jesus lost and His enemies won. Even Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:4 that Jesus was crucified in weakness. Who would want to follow someone who is seen as weak? The world certainly does not follow those who are weak instead they mock and ridicule the weak. And that is exactly what they do to Jesus. What does the scandal of the cross tell us about Jesus, and what does it mean for how we are to live as followers of Christ? First, we see that Jesus chose the path of weakness. His enemies had already made up their minds about who He was. They did not give Him a fair trial. They were not seeking truth and justice but murder. But, their plans almost failed because they were seeking to do a great injustice legally. Jesus could have easily evaded the charges. But He gives no defense. We see that Jesus is in control. He is not weak, but He chooses the path of weakness. Jesus lays down His own life. They do not take it from Him! Secondly, we see that Jesus chooses the cross, which, by all human appearances, is the end and is total defeat. But, it is not the end. The path of weakness is actually the path to power and glory. On this day, Jesus is on trial before the Jewish leaders who sit in judgment, but there is coming another day when they will stand before Jesus, who will be sitting on the judgment seat. They are convinced that no true Messiah could end up all alone in the hands of His enemies, suffering total defeat, so they mock and ridicule Him. They want proof that He is the powerful and mighty Messiah as they picture Him. Jesus promises that one day, they will see how powerful and mighty this Messiah truly is! Jesus may be crucified in weakness, but He lives (and reigns) by the power of God! Thirdly, we see that if they had been seeking truth, to know who Jesus was, instead of making up their minds based on their misguided ideas about the Messiah, there was plenty of evidence in the form of fulfilled prophecy - in fact, the prophecy was being fulfilled right before their very eyes! If we wait until we see Jesus seated at the right hand of God, it will be too late. But we can know the truth about Him now! So, what does this tell us about who Jesus is, and how do we live in light of this? First, it shows us that Jesus was always in control, He was always strong, He was and is eternally God, but He chose the cross, the path of weakness, for a purpose. He laid down His life for His sheep. He gave Himself up for us because He loved us so much that He died in our place. He became weak so that we might become strong! Second, one day, every human being will stand before Jesus, and on that day, there will be no hint of weakness. He will sit in all power and authority to judge everyone. Unlike the Jewish leaders, He will judge with perfect justice, that is, He will seek to know the truth about us, and we will give an answer for everything we have done. But, like Jesus' prosecutors, many of us are asking the wrong question. We think Jesus will judge based on our moral goodness - have we done good things or bad things? Are we guilty of wrongdoing? Many people think they can pass this judgment because they are basically good people. But, that is the wrong question. Jesus is the King of Kings and the real question is not if we have been good, but have we been loyal to the King. Are we devoted followers and citizens of the Kingdom, or are we enemies of the King? The Jewish leaders proved themselves to be enemies who hated Jesus. But, the Bible tells us that we are all born as enemies of the King. Sin has made us loyal only to ourselves, and we worship the creation rather than the one who made us! On our own, no one can stand before the judge on our own merit, no matter how good we think we are. But, that is the very reason Jesus chose the path of weakness, why He chose the cross. God showed His great love for us in that when we were enemies, Jesus died for us. Thirdly, Jesus shows us that we can choose the path of weakness because it is the path to His strength and glory. We don’t have to win. We can give up the right to be right, in order to love and serve others. We don’t have to be strong in ourselves, but we are strong in the power of Christ - His strength is made perfect in weakness! Big Idea - Theologians talk about the scandal of the cross. How could Jesus claim to be the Messiah sent from God, the very Son of God who is full of all the authority and power of God, and at the same time be convicted as a criminal and die the most shameful death possible? It is a scandal - completely unexpected, shocking, mind-boggling. What makes it most shocking is that by all appearances, it looks like Jesus lost and His enemies won. Even Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:4 that Jesus was crucified in weakness. Who would want to follow someone who is seen as weak? The world certainly does not follow those who are weak instead they mock and ridicule the weak. And that is exactly what they do to Jesus. What does the scandal of the cross tell us about Jesus, and what does it mean for how we are to live as followers of Christ? First, we see that Jesus chose the path of weakness. His enemies had already made up their minds about who He was. They did not give Him a fair trial. They were not seeking truth and justice but murder. But, their plans almost failed because they were seeking to do a great injustice legally. Jesus could have easily evaded the charges. But He gives no defense. We see that Jesus is in control. He is not weak, but He chooses the path of weakness. Jesus lays down His own life. They do not take it from Him! Secondly, we see that Jesus chooses the cross, which, by all human appearances, is the end and is total defeat. But, it is not the end. The path of weakness is actually the path to power and glory. On this day, Jesus is on trial before the Jewish leaders who sit in judgment, but there is coming another day when they will stand before Jesus, who will be sitting on the judgment seat. They are convinced that no true Messiah could end up all alone in the hands of His enemies, suffering total defeat, so they mock and ridicule Him. They want proof that He is the powerful and mighty Messiah as they picture Him. Jesus promises that one day, they will see how powerful and mighty this Messiah truly is! Jesus may be crucified in weakness, but He lives (and reigns) by the power of God! Thirdly, we see that if they had been seeking truth, to know who Jesus was, instead of making up their minds based on their misguided ideas about the Messiah, there was plenty of evidence in the form of fulfilled prophecy - in fact, the prophecy was being fulfilled right before their very eyes! If we wait until we see Jesus seated at the right hand of God, it will be too late. But we can know the truth about Him now! So, what does this tell us about who Jesus is, and how do we live in light of this? First, it shows us that Jesus was always in control, He was always strong, He was and is eternally God, but He chose the cross, the path of weakness, for a purpose. He laid down His life for His sheep. He gave Himself up for us because He loved us so much that He died in our place. He became weak so that we might become strong! Second, one day, every human being will stand before Jesus, and on that day, there will be no hint of weakness. He will sit in all power and authority to judge everyone. Unlike the Jewish leaders, He will judge with perfect justice, that is, He will seek to know the truth about us, and we will give an answer for everything we have done. But, like Jesus' prosecutors, many of us are asking the wrong question. We think Jesus will judge based on our moral goodness - have we done good things or bad things? Are we guilty of wrongdoing? Many people think they can pass this judgment because they are basically good people. But, that is the wrong question. Jesus is the King of Kings and the real question is not if we have been good, but have we been loyal to the King. Are we devoted followers and citizens of the Kingdom, or are we enemies of the King? The Jewish leaders proved themselves to be enemies who hated Jesus. But, the Bible tells us that we are all born as enemies of the King. Sin has made us loyal only to ourselves, and we worship the creation rather than the one who made us! On our own, no one can stand before the judge on our own merit, no matter how good we think we are. But, that is the very reason Jesus chose the path of weakness, why He chose the cross. God showed His great love for us in that when we were enemies, Jesus died for us. Thirdly, Jesus shows us that we can choose the path of weakness because it is the path to His strength and glory. We don’t have to win. We can give up the right to be right, in order to love and serve others. We don’t have to be strong in ourselves, but we are strong in the power of Christ - His strength is made perfect in weakness! Big Idea - Theologians talk about the scandal of the cross. How could Jesus claim to be the Messiah sent from God, the very Son of God who is full of all the authority and power of God, and at the same time be convicted as a criminal and die the most s… Tim Dunham 2550 https://ccf.sermon.net/22376235/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ontrial/id/4200193.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22376235 Series: Mark Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:42:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What did Jesus suffer leading up to the cross? Why was it necessary to suffer all the brokenness and pain of sin? How did He respond to all He had to endure (how did He suffer)? 1) Jesus suffered the most treacherous betrayal of a close friend and the pain of being greatly misunderstood by those He came to save. 2) Jesus had to suffer all the pain and brokenness of the human condition, the result of sin, to fulfill the Scriptures, that is, to accomplish the purpose and plan of God from the beginning of time. He experienced the worst consequences of sin to share fully in all that we suffer to by our great high priest who can sympathize with our struggle and help us walk through the difficulties of this life. 3) In the face of the most treacherous betrayal of friendship, loyalty, and trust, Jesus responded, not with anger, retaliation, or retreat, but by laying down His life for His friends - all of them! If we put our trust in Him, He is not only our savior and Lord, but He is our most faithful friend who is always there to help us in our time of need. His loyal friendship does not change based on our fickle friendship or unfaithfulness. His friendship shows us how to be true friends to each other, not holding people at a safe distance or turning away when they fail us, but how to be a friend like Him - loyal and faithful no matter what. Big Idea - What did Jesus suffer leading up to the cross? Why was it necessary to suffer all the brokenness and pain of sin? How did He respond to all He had to endure (how did He suffer)? 1) Jesus suffered the most treacherous betrayal of a close friend and the pain of being greatly misunderstood by those He came to save. 2) Jesus had to suffer all the pain and brokenness of the human condition, the result of sin, to fulfill the Scriptures, that is, to accomplish the purpose and plan of God from the beginning of time. He experienced the worst consequences of sin to share fully in all that we suffer to by our great high priest who can sympathize with our struggle and help us walk through the difficulties of this life. 3) In the face of the most treacherous betrayal of friendship, loyalty, and trust, Jesus responded, not with anger, retaliation, or retreat, but by laying down His life for His friends - all of them! If we put our trust in Him, He is not only our savior and Lord, but He is our most faithful friend who is always there to help us in our time of need. His loyal friendship does not change based on our fickle friendship or unfaithfulness. His friendship shows us how to be true friends to each other, not holding people at a safe distance or turning away when they fail us, but how to be a friend like Him - loyal and faithful no matter what. Big Idea - What did Jesus suffer leading up to the cross? Why was it necessary to suffer all the brokenness and pain of sin? How did He respond to all He had to endure (how did He suffer)? 1) Jesus suffered the most treacherous betrayal of a close fri… Tim Dunham 2860 https://ccf.sermon.net/22371558/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betrayed/id/4195621.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22371558 Series: Mark Sun, 09 Feb 2025 03:49:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - No one wants to fail. It is painful and can lead us to feel great disappointment in ourselves, and it is doesn't do much for our reputation either! In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they are all going to fail, they will all 'fall away.' But Peter is determined that he will not. He affirms his determination to stick with Jesus, even if it means dying with Jesus. But Jesus knows, and we know, that his determination is not enough. In the end, Peter not only abandons Jesus, but denies he ever even knew Him. This story is a powerful reminder that our determination and willpower are not enough to guarantee that we will be successful. Just because we really want to do something does not mean we can or that we will. Paul wrestles with this same problem in Romans 7 when he says, "15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." But Jesus models something very different. In the face of the most severe testing and temptation, He not only resolves to do the right thing, but He does exactly what He is determined to do, even though it is extremely difficult. How did Jesus succeed where the disciples failed? How can we resist temptation and do the right thing that we want to do? First we need to see why willpower and even the most determined resolve to do the right thing is insufficient. Jesus knows what the twelve will do when He is arrested and crucified - they will run away and abandon Him. He knows this because it was prophesied in Zechariah 13:7. He warns them not to shame them but to show that this is all part of God's purpose and plan from the beginning of time, and He knows all that He must experience to redeem us from the curse and grip of sin. But Peter is determined that he will not fall away, even if it means dying with Jesus! It is hard not to admire Peter's determination and commitment here! He could be a poster child for the modern mindset that says, "you've got this!" expressed in the Nike slogan "Just do it!" But his determination is not enough. He doesn't just do it. Instead, he just fails. Why doesn't this work? 1) we underestimate what we are really up against. 2) We overestimate our own abilities. 3) We don't believe what God tells us about ourselves. 4) This mentality is all about fighting, not following. Jesus then does two things at the same time. He puts them to the test to show them their weakness, and He models for them a very different way. He calls Peter, James, and John apart not because they are more privileged but because they are the most confident and, therefore, the most confused. In essence, He says, you three want to follow me to the death, let's start by just following me in prayer for one hour. They cannot do it. Three times, He tells them to watch and pray, three times, they fail, showing they are powerless to follow Jesus in the most simple things where their life is not being threatened. How can they possibly stand firm when their life is on the line? Determination is not enough because no matter how willing the spirit is, the flesh is weak. At the same time, Jesus models the way to succeed. We may think Jesus had an advantage over them because He was the Son of God, and in a sense, He did. But the advantage was not in some special power that made Him automatically resistant to temptations. We see that Jesus was severely tested and tempted in the garden. It was not easy for Him to go to the cross, and everything in His human life resisted the path He was on. But, He overcame where the disciples failed because 1) He did not underestimate what He was up against, 2) He was very much in touch with His own weakness and feelings of despair, 3) He knows that He cannot do it alone, so He goes to the Father in prayer, 4) He doesn't just pray, but He repeatedly prays that God's will would be done, not His own. This kind of prayer requires absolute trust in the power and goodness of God. Jesus prays until the time is up, the hour of suffering has come, and Jesus faces it head-on. If we stopped here, we could get the idea that all we need to be successful is a better example. Jesus showed us how to do it, so now we are good to go. So, get out there and just do it! But this would be a huge mistake. His example is still not enough. We need more. A good example cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh! We need something more. But what Jesus did in the garden wasn't just an example to follow. It is also a power to appropriate. Jesus went to the cross not only to show us how to succeed in following God, but by dying on the cross, He reversed the curse of sin. In the first garden, Adam failed because he chose not to follow God but to be his own boss instead. That is the real problem. Sin is not only doing wrong things, it is the stubborn refusal to follow anyone else, but especially God. Peter was willing to die with Jesus by fighting for Him, but he was not willing to follow Jesus to the cross. It is not our nature to be followers, and the disciples prove over and over that they cannot follow Jesus, even when they really want to - even something as simple as praying. In the second garden Jesus succeeds where Adam failed. He followed God, even in the face of the most horrific suffering. He overcame the weakness of the flesh, and that power is now available to those who turn to Him in prayer. But how do we turn to Him in prayer when the disciples demonstrate even that proves to be impossible? Praise God what is impossible for man is possible for God. Jesus' warning ends with an amazing promise - you will be scattered what I am taken away, but after I rise from the dead, I will go before you into Galilee. This doesn't mean Jesus is going to beat them home. It means He will return to them as their Shepherd, He will gather them, and He will lead them by His grace! They will abandon Him, but He will not abandon them! He will shepherd them and that is what guarantees they will succeed in the end. The secret of overcoming sin and very temptation is not so much a battle to fight as it is having the right shepherd to follow! Big Idea - No one wants to fail. It is painful and can lead us to feel great disappointment in ourselves, and it is doesn't do much for our reputation either! In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they are all going to fail, they will all 'fall away.' But Peter is determined that he will not. He affirms his determination to stick with Jesus, even if it means dying with Jesus. But Jesus knows, and we know, that his determination is not enough. In the end, Peter not only abandons Jesus, but denies he ever even knew Him. This story is a powerful reminder that our determination and willpower are not enough to guarantee that we will be successful. Just because we really want to do something does not mean we can or that we will. Paul wrestles with this same problem in Romans 7 when he says, "15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." But Jesus models something very different. In the face of the most severe testing and temptation, He not only resolves to do the right thing, but He does exactly what He is determined to do, even though it is extremely difficult. How did Jesus succeed where the disciples failed? How can we resist temptation and do the right thing that we want to do? First we need to see why willpower and even the most determined resolve to do the right thing is insufficient. Jesus knows what the twelve will do when He is arrested and crucified - they will run away and abandon Him. He knows this because it was prophesied in Zechariah 13:7. He warns them not to shame them but to show that this is all part of God's purpose and plan from the beginning of time, and He knows all that He must experience to redeem us from the curse and grip of sin. But Peter is determined that he will not fall away, even if it means dying with Jesus! It is hard not to admire Peter's determination and commitment here! He could be a poster child for the modern mindset that says, "you've got this!" expressed in the Nike slogan "Just do it!" But his determination is not enough. He doesn't just do it. Instead, he just fails. Why doesn't this work? 1) we underestimate what we are really up against. 2) We overestimate our own abilities. 3) We don't believe what God tells us about ourselves. 4) This mentality is all about fighting, not following. Jesus then does two things at the same time. He puts them to the test to show them their weakness, and He models for them a very different way. He calls Peter, James, and John apart not because they are more privileged but because they are the most confident and, therefore, the most confused. In essence, He says, you three want to follow me to the death, let's start by just following me in prayer for one hour. They cannot do it. Three times, He tells them to watch and pray, three times, they fail, showing they are powerless to follow Jesus in the most simple things where their life is not being threatened. How can they possibly stand firm when their life is on the line? Determination is not enough because no matter how willing the spirit is, the flesh is weak. At the same time, Jesus models the way to succeed. We may think Jesus had an advantage over them because He was the Son of God, and in a sense, He did. But the advantage was not in some special power that made Him automatically resistant to temptations. We see that Jesus was severely tested and tempted in the garden. It was not easy for Him to go to the cross, and everything in His human life resisted the path He was on. But, He overcame where the disciples failed because 1) He did not underestimate what He was up against, 2) He was very much in touch with His own weakness and feelings of despair, 3) He knows that He cannot do it alone, so He goes to the Father in prayer, 4) He doesn't just pray, but He repeatedly prays that God's will would be done, not His own. This kind of prayer requires absolute trust in the power and goodness of God. Jesus prays until the time is up, the hour of suffering has come, and Jesus faces it head-on. If we stopped here, we could get the idea that all we need to be successful is a better example. Jesus showed us how to do it, so now we are good to go. So, get out there and just do it! But this would be a huge mistake. His example is still not enough. We need more. A good example cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh! We need something more. But what Jesus did in the garden wasn't just an example to follow. It is also a power to appropriate. Jesus went to the cross not only to show us how to succeed in following God, but by dying on the cross, He reversed the curse of sin. In the first garden, Adam failed because he chose not to follow God but to be his own boss instead. That is the real problem. Sin is not only doing wrong things, it is the stubborn refusal to follow anyone else, but especially God. Peter was willing to die with Jesus by fighting for Him, but he was not willing to follow Jesus to the cross. It is not our nature to be followers, and the disciples prove over and over that they cannot follow Jesus, even when they really want to - even something as simple as praying. In the second garden Jesus succeeds where Adam failed. He followed God, even in the face of the most horrific suffering. He overcame the weakness of the flesh, and that power is now available to those who turn to Him in prayer. But how do we turn to Him in prayer when the disciples demonstrate even that proves to be impossible? Praise God what is impossible for man is possible for God. Jesus' warning ends with an amazing promise - you will be scattered what I am taken away, but after I rise from the dead, I will go before you into Galilee. This doesn't mean Jesus is going to beat them home. It means He will return to them as their Shepherd, He will gather them, and He will lead them by His grace! They will abandon Him, but He will not abandon them! He will shepherd them and that is what guarantees they will succeed in the end. The secret of overcoming sin and very temptation is not so much a battle to fight as it is having the right shepherd to follow! Big Idea - No one wants to fail. It is painful and can lead us to feel great disappointment in ourselves, and it is doesn't do much for our reputation either! In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that they are all going to fail, they will all 'f… Tim Dunham 3059 https://ccf.sermon.net/22369011/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gethsemane/id/4193134.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22369011 Series: Mark Sun, 02 Feb 2025 06:47:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 3208 https://ccf.sermon.net/22367128/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lastpassoverfirstcommunion/id/4191314.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22367128 Series: Mark Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This passage begins a new section, the final section of the Gospel. It is now two days before the Passover, which means the cross is very near. This passage is a sandwich story in which plans are being made to arrest and kill Jesus, and Judas' going to the High Priest to betray Jesus is contrasted with a woman who anoints Jesus with costly perfume. It seems very random and even inappropriate, but Jesus approves her act of devotion as preparing His body for burial. Not only that but what she does is so remarkable in Jesus' eyes that He promises that what she has done will never be forgotten. Here, this unnamed woman makes a name for herself around the world and throughout history! She achieves something every human being is seeking, and she does it without even trying! She becomes famous. She makes a name for herself. She becomes somebody significant in history. She lives a life that counts and is approved by Jesus himself! She is an example for all who want to know how to live a life that really matters! We live a life of deepest fulfillment and purpose, 1) Not by preserving the status quo at all costs. 2) Not by seeking approval from others. 3) Not even by doing great things, like saving the world. And 4) Certainly, not by living for yourself. Instead, 5) we first live a life of deepest fulfillment and purpose by making Jesus our greatest treasure, and secondly, by a life that lines up with what God is doing. Big Idea - This passage begins a new section, the final section of the Gospel. It is now two days before the Passover, which means the cross is very near. This passage is a sandwich story in which plans are being made to arrest and kill Jesus, and Judas' going to the High Priest to betray Jesus is contrasted with a woman who anoints Jesus with costly perfume. It seems very random and even inappropriate, but Jesus approves her act of devotion as preparing His body for burial. Not only that but what she does is so remarkable in Jesus' eyes that He promises that what she has done will never be forgotten. Here, this unnamed woman makes a name for herself around the world and throughout history! She achieves something every human being is seeking, and she does it without even trying! She becomes famous. She makes a name for herself. She becomes somebody significant in history. She lives a life that counts and is approved by Jesus himself! She is an example for all who want to know how to live a life that really matters! We live a life of deepest fulfillment and purpose, 1) Not by preserving the status quo at all costs. 2) Not by seeking approval from others. 3) Not even by doing great things, like saving the world. And 4) Certainly, not by living for yourself. Instead, 5) we first live a life of deepest fulfillment and purpose by making Jesus our greatest treasure, and secondly, by a life that lines up with what God is doing. Big Idea - This passage begins a new section, the final section of the Gospel. It is now two days before the Passover, which means the cross is very near. This passage is a sandwich story in which plans are being made to arrest and kill Jesus, and Juda… Tim Dunham 3476 https://ccf.sermon.net/22364232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anointedforburial/id/4188488.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22364232 Series: Mark Sun, 19 Jan 2025 04:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In both Western and Eastern thought, there is a sense of never-ending time. Either endless cycles of death and rebirth in Buddhism or the idea that the universe is billions of years old and will continue on for billions more before it runs out of gas. However, the Bible paints a very different picture in which there is a definite point when it all began and a very sudden end to the story. Jesus, as well as the authors of the New Testament, emphasized this reality and, along with it, the idea that knowing the end may be coming soon should change how we live now. The two big questions this should spark in our thinking are how long we have before the end comes, and what do I need to do to prepare for that day? Jesus' statement that the Temple would one day be destroyed introduces the teaching about the end times. Four of the disciples then ask when these things will take place and what will be the sign indicating the time is near. In their thinking, the end of the Temple must surely be the end of the world. But Jesus' answer indicates that the destruction of the Temple and the end of the world are two separate events, and there will be a period of time separating them. The events are also different regarding the warning leading up to their culmination. Specifically, there will be a sign given that the fall of the Temple is near. After that, at some point in time, the Son of Man will come. It is an event that will be marked by cataclysmic events in the heavens that point to the universal scope of His return. It is not local. The entire universe will be shaken and changed. The Son will come with the power and glory of God, and no one will miss it. The shaking of the heavens is not a sign warning of His return but events that coincide with His coming in power and glory. At that time Jesus will gather the elect from the farthest corners of the universe. The elect, or chosen, are those who have put their faith in Jesus as the only way of salvation. He gathers them to Himself to live with Him forever in the final consummation of His kingdom. All the rest of humanity will fall under the eternal judgment of God. Jesus then gives two parables as pictures of what He has just told them. These often cause a great deal of confusion. But if we take the most basic and straightforward reading, we see that the parables correspond to the two events He has been talking about. The first parable is about the things they can know. They can know when the destruction of the Temple is about to happen because a sign is given to indicate the time is near. Just as the fig tree budding and putting on green leaves is a sign that summer is approaching, so the desecration of the Temple is a sign that its destruction is soon. In fact, it will happen before this evil generation passes away, meaning within the disciples' lifetime. Jesus then gives another parable, but this parable focuses on the things that we cannot know. What we cannot know is when the Son of Man returns. Only the Father knows. It is compared to a man going on a journey who gives his servants authority to manage his affairs and take charge of his business until he returns. He expects the doorkeeper to stay awake and be ready for his return anytime because he will come unannounced - without warning. The point of this parable and Jesus's teaching about the end is that He can come at any time, so we must always be ready! We need to stay awake so that we are not caught sleeping when He returns. In other words, we must live with the constant expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. Does this mean Christians should be workaholics who never sleep? No, not at all. It means that we must always be obedient, focused on doing His will, and not living for ourselves. How do we do that? First, do not delay in putting your faith in Him to save you! Today is the day of salvation. Second, since we have been bought with a price our life is no longer our own. He has given us authority, power, and a task. So we need to find out what that task is and be diligent to do His will, not our own. How do we know what that is? Our job falls into two main areas of responsibility: First, we have been given power through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in the world. Second, we are to build up the body of Christ into the full measure of the stature of Christ. That is, to do all we can to help each other be more and more like Jesus. We need to be seeking daily what He is calling us to do that day. In the end, it means living every day and every moment as if Jesus were coming back today. If He returns today, will He find me doing His will with all diligence and faithfulness? Are we a people who love His appearing and live with eager expectation and anticipation of His return? There are serious temptations that loom in a long delay. Like the Israelites at Mt Sinai when Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain. If we are in a season of great suffering, the temptation is to give up and find the easy way out. An equally serious temptation, however, is living in a time of great ease and comfort. Then, the temptation is to grow complacent and love this world and this life too much. Therefore, we must stay awake! Be vigilant and always looking for His powerful and glorious return! Big Idea - In both Western and Eastern thought, there is a sense of never-ending time. Either endless cycles of death and rebirth in Buddhism or the idea that the universe is billions of years old and will continue on for billions more before it runs out of gas. However, the Bible paints a very different picture in which there is a definite point when it all began and a very sudden end to the story. Jesus, as well as the authors of the New Testament, emphasized this reality and, along with it, the idea that knowing the end may be coming soon should change how we live now. The two big questions this should spark in our thinking are how long we have before the end comes, and what do I need to do to prepare for that day? Jesus' statement that the Temple would one day be destroyed introduces the teaching about the end times. Four of the disciples then ask when these things will take place and what will be the sign indicating the time is near. In their thinking, the end of the Temple must surely be the end of the world. But Jesus' answer indicates that the destruction of the Temple and the end of the world are two separate events, and there will be a period of time separating them. The events are also different regarding the warning leading up to their culmination. Specifically, there will be a sign given that the fall of the Temple is near. After that, at some point in time, the Son of Man will come. It is an event that will be marked by cataclysmic events in the heavens that point to the universal scope of His return. It is not local. The entire universe will be shaken and changed. The Son will come with the power and glory of God, and no one will miss it. The shaking of the heavens is not a sign warning of His return but events that coincide with His coming in power and glory. At that time Jesus will gather the elect from the farthest corners of the universe. The elect, or chosen, are those who have put their faith in Jesus as the only way of salvation. He gathers them to Himself to live with Him forever in the final consummation of His kingdom. All the rest of humanity will fall under the eternal judgment of God. Jesus then gives two parables as pictures of what He has just told them. These often cause a great deal of confusion. But if we take the most basic and straightforward reading, we see that the parables correspond to the two events He has been talking about. The first parable is about the things they can know. They can know when the destruction of the Temple is about to happen because a sign is given to indicate the time is near. Just as the fig tree budding and putting on green leaves is a sign that summer is approaching, so the desecration of the Temple is a sign that its destruction is soon. In fact, it will happen before this evil generation passes away, meaning within the disciples' lifetime. Jesus then gives another parable, but this parable focuses on the things that we cannot know. What we cannot know is when the Son of Man returns. Only the Father knows. It is compared to a man going on a journey who gives his servants authority to manage his affairs and take charge of his business until he returns. He expects the doorkeeper to stay awake and be ready for his return anytime because he will come unannounced - without warning. The point of this parable and Jesus's teaching about the end is that He can come at any time, so we must always be ready! We need to stay awake so that we are not caught sleeping when He returns. In other words, we must live with the constant expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. Does this mean Christians should be workaholics who never sleep? No, not at all. It means that we must always be obedient, focused on doing His will, and not living for ourselves. How do we do that? First, do not delay in putting your faith in Him to save you! Today is the day of salvation. Second, since we have been bought with a price our life is no longer our own. He has given us authority, power, and a task. So we need to find out what that task is and be diligent to do His will, not our own. How do we know what that is? Our job falls into two main areas of responsibility: First, we have been given power through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in the world. Second, we are to build up the body of Christ into the full measure of the stature of Christ. That is, to do all we can to help each other be more and more like Jesus. We need to be seeking daily what He is calling us to do that day. In the end, it means living every day and every moment as if Jesus were coming back today. If He returns today, will He find me doing His will with all diligence and faithfulness? Are we a people who love His appearing and live with eager expectation and anticipation of His return? There are serious temptations that loom in a long delay. Like the Israelites at Mt Sinai when Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain. If we are in a season of great suffering, the temptation is to give up and find the easy way out. An equally serious temptation, however, is living in a time of great ease and comfort. Then, the temptation is to grow complacent and love this world and this life too much. Therefore, we must stay awake! Be vigilant and always looking for His powerful and glorious return! Big Idea - In both Western and Eastern thought, there is a sense of never-ending time. Either endless cycles of death and rebirth in Buddhism or the idea that the universe is billions of years old and will continue on for billions more before it runs … Tim Dunham 3266 https://ccf.sermon.net/22361909/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stayawake/id/4186208.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22361909 Series: Mark Sun, 12 Jan 2025 05:22:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is the world going to end soon? The fires that have destroyed thousands of homes in LA and the scenes of devastation are being described as apocalyptic, a word used to describe events signaling the end of the world. The war in Ukraine is now the deadliest since WWII. The conflict and war in the Middle East are spreading, and with Israel at the center of it all, many are saying that we must be in the last days, the end is near. What is going to happen next? Are we living in the last days? How much time is left? In Mark 13, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple. This was a shocking announcement, but not one that was totally unexpected. The OT pointed to the Great Day of the Lord which would mark the end of the ages, the end of the world. The disciples assumed that the destruction of the Temple certainly marked the end of this world. They ask the same questions that we ask - "When?" and "What will be the sign that the end is near?" Jesus answers their question, but not really. He does not give them a clear timeline by which they can mark their calendars "end of the world!" The focus of His answer is not when the end will come but how things will go for them in the meantime and how they are to live while they wait! Are we in the end times? What do we need to do to be prepared for what is to come? Jesus' answer has three parts. First, He talks about the things that are alarming, but do not signal the destruction of the Temple or the end of the world. Second, He does give them the sign to look for that precedes the destruction of the Temple. Thirdly, He indicates that there will be a delay between the destruction of the Temple and His final return and the end of the world. They will not happen together, as we know from history. The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now, we await the second coming of Christ, but Jesus gives no indication or signs relating to His return. Instead, the focus is on how we are to live and how to be prepared so that we can endure to the end. We first need to know that Christians may experience all kinds of hardship, suffering, and trials. There will be wars, famine, earthquakes (and fires), and we will not be exempt from the suffering caused by these disasters. Not only that, but Christians will become the target of hatred and persecution because we are following Jesus. Jesus tells us three don'ts: 1) don't be deceived, 2) Don't be alarmed (don't freak out), and 3) don't be surprised. Then He reminds us of the one thing we must do, the one mission we must stay focused on: proclaim the Good News to the nations! He encourages us that we do not need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak when we need them. He does not say, the Spirit will protect you from harm, only that He will help you be effective witnesses for Him! In other words, God is not all that concerned about our safety and comfort, but He is very concerned about the message that must be proclaimed to the nations. That seems rather harsh and uncaring! How can God claim to be a loving God if He doesn't protect us from harm and keep us safe? The problem with this thinking is that it vastly misunderstands what it really means to be safe. If we define being safe and comfortable in terms of our present-day circumstances, then the goal of life will be to avoid danger, threats, and harm at all costs. Of course, there is nothing wrong with fleeing in the face of danger when you can! Jesus warned them to flee when they saw the signs of impending doom and destruction! But, the great threat that looms before is not a war, a raging fire, an earthquake, or being hated and killed for our faith. The real danger, the most grave and terrifying threat to every human being, is to be cast into the eternal fires of hell, the judgment and consequences of sin. The only true safety is to be saved from eternal destruction and suffering through the saving work of Jesus on the cross. God desires that people be warned of this danger and are given the chance to be saved from this war, this disaster, this suffering. We are in a spiritual battle for people's souls, and it is not our comfort here and now that is important. The eternal salvation that comes through the blood of Jesus is the one thing that really matters! So we are called to endure to the end as faithful witnesses to Jesus and His offer of salvation! If we endure to the end, we are eternally safe, no matter what happens to us here and now! Big Idea - Is the world going to end soon? The fires that have destroyed thousands of homes in LA and the scenes of devastation are being described as apocalyptic, a word used to describe events signaling the end of the world. The war in Ukraine is now the deadliest since WWII. The conflict and war in the Middle East are spreading, and with Israel at the center of it all, many are saying that we must be in the last days, the end is near. What is going to happen next? Are we living in the last days? How much time is left? In Mark 13, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple. This was a shocking announcement, but not one that was totally unexpected. The OT pointed to the Great Day of the Lord which would mark the end of the ages, the end of the world. The disciples assumed that the destruction of the Temple certainly marked the end of this world. They ask the same questions that we ask - "When?" and "What will be the sign that the end is near?" Jesus answers their question, but not really. He does not give them a clear timeline by which they can mark their calendars "end of the world!" The focus of His answer is not when the end will come but how things will go for them in the meantime and how they are to live while they wait! Are we in the end times? What do we need to do to be prepared for what is to come? Jesus' answer has three parts. First, He talks about the things that are alarming, but do not signal the destruction of the Temple or the end of the world. Second, He does give them the sign to look for that precedes the destruction of the Temple. Thirdly, He indicates that there will be a delay between the destruction of the Temple and His final return and the end of the world. They will not happen together, as we know from history. The Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now, we await the second coming of Christ, but Jesus gives no indication or signs relating to His return. Instead, the focus is on how we are to live and how to be prepared so that we can endure to the end. We first need to know that Christians may experience all kinds of hardship, suffering, and trials. There will be wars, famine, earthquakes (and fires), and we will not be exempt from the suffering caused by these disasters. Not only that, but Christians will become the target of hatred and persecution because we are following Jesus. Jesus tells us three don'ts: 1) don't be deceived, 2) Don't be alarmed (don't freak out), and 3) don't be surprised. Then He reminds us of the one thing we must do, the one mission we must stay focused on: proclaim the Good News to the nations! He encourages us that we do not need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak when we need them. He does not say, the Spirit will protect you from harm, only that He will help you be effective witnesses for Him! In other words, God is not all that concerned about our safety and comfort, but He is very concerned about the message that must be proclaimed to the nations. That seems rather harsh and uncaring! How can God claim to be a loving God if He doesn't protect us from harm and keep us safe? The problem with this thinking is that it vastly misunderstands what it really means to be safe. If we define being safe and comfortable in terms of our present-day circumstances, then the goal of life will be to avoid danger, threats, and harm at all costs. Of course, there is nothing wrong with fleeing in the face of danger when you can! Jesus warned them to flee when they saw the signs of impending doom and destruction! But, the great threat that looms before is not a war, a raging fire, an earthquake, or being hated and killed for our faith. The real danger, the most grave and terrifying threat to every human being, is to be cast into the eternal fires of hell, the judgment and consequences of sin. The only true safety is to be saved from eternal destruction and suffering through the saving work of Jesus on the cross. God desires that people be warned of this danger and are given the chance to be saved from this war, this disaster, this suffering. We are in a spiritual battle for people's souls, and it is not our comfort here and now that is important. The eternal salvation that comes through the blood of Jesus is the one thing that really matters! So we are called to endure to the end as faithful witnesses to Jesus and His offer of salvation! If we endure to the end, we are eternally safe, no matter what happens to us here and now! Big Idea - Is the world going to end soon? The fires that have destroyed thousands of homes in LA and the scenes of devastation are being described as apocalyptic, a word used to describe events signaling the end of the world. The war in Ukraine is now… Tim Dunham 2271 https://ccf.sermon.net/22359497/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_watchout/id/4183846.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22359497 Series: Mark Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:16:00 +0000 Andrew Carter The Grand Story of Christmas * Introduction; The Bible the story of reality * A true story * Jesus the key that unlocks the Bible * Lessons: 1. Shirts and buttons 2. Which story is shaping us? 3. Gulags and hope The Grand Story of Christmas * Introduction; The Bible the story of reality * A true story * Jesus the key that unlocks the Bible * Lessons: 1. Shirts and buttons 2. Which story is shaping us? 3. Gulags and hope The Grand Story of Christmas * Introduction; The Bible the story of reality * A true story * Jesus the key that unlocks the Bible * Lessons: 1. Shirts and buttons 2. Which story is shaping us? 3. Gulags and hope … Andrew Carter 3166 https://ccf.sermon.net/22352533/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegrandstoryofchristmas/id/4177075.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22352533 Series: The Grand Story of Christmas Part#1 Sun, 15 Dec 2024 05:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The birth of Jesus is good news of the greatest joy. It is the abundance of God's joy that He wants to share with us. The world offers the promise of joy, and we are easily tempted by what the world offers because we all want a life full of joy. But the Bible teaches that true and lasting joy comes through the good news. If you want to find joy, you need to find Jesus. This story is about the journey of a band of unsuspecting sheep herders who heard the good news, found Jesus, and went home full of joy! Luke recorded their story with the belief that we can all find this joy by traveling down the same path! The shepherds' journey begins when God broke into their world by sending a messenger to proclaim the good news to them. They were in the dark until the glory of the lord came to them, a vivid picture of God's revelation coming to those walking in darkness, pointing the way to find Jesus. The messenger comes bearing good news that is the source of the greatest and truest joy. God intends this joy for all people, but it is also personal. It is for you. The messenger and the host of angels explain the good news, giving the heart of what the good news is, namely, it is the good news that God has sent to you a Savior in a stable. The stark contrast between who Jesus is and the place where He is born points to Jesus' ultimate mission and the way that He will rescue those who are held captive. He will save by suffering and death, not by conquest and military power. He will triumph over sin and death, but it will be by suffering and death, by a crown of thorns and the cross of a criminal, not by a crown of gold and a throne of power. The host of angels proclaims the ultimate consequence of what Jesus will do. He will bring glory to the most high God by making peace between God and those who find God's favor or grace. It is this peace that makes joy possible. Without peace, there can be no true and lasting joy. It is good news for all people, but there will only be peace between God and those who fall under His grace. How do you find God's favor? The Shepherds came into God's favor by responding to the good news in faith. They acted on what they heard by seeking Jesus until they found Him. Once they found Him, they became witnesses, proclaiming the good news to those who were there. The message was credible not because of who they were but because of the fulfillment of what was told them. Now, a whole new group of people are confronted with the good news and are invited to meet Jesus. Even Mary must come to meet Jesus, that is, to know and understand who He truly is - the Son of God and the savior of the world. It is a message and a story that needs pondering and requires a great deal of reflection if we are to come to understand it fully, completely, and in the depth of all its riches. Mary is a good example of how it may take a lifetime to fully grasp who Jesus is and all that He has done for us. The Shepherds return home praising and glorifying God. Their joy was evident in their rejoicing. Joy is having something to celebrate. What were they celebrating? They were celebrating Jesus and the goodness of God that made it possible for them to find Him and know Him. They were celebrating the good news which they came to know was true! Big Idea - The birth of Jesus is good news of the greatest joy. It is the abundance of God's joy that He wants to share with us. The world offers the promise of joy, and we are easily tempted by what the world offers because we all want a life full of joy. But the Bible teaches that true and lasting joy comes through the good news. If you want to find joy, you need to find Jesus. This story is about the journey of a band of unsuspecting sheep herders who heard the good news, found Jesus, and went home full of joy! Luke recorded their story with the belief that we can all find this joy by traveling down the same path! The shepherds' journey begins when God broke into their world by sending a messenger to proclaim the good news to them. They were in the dark until the glory of the lord came to them, a vivid picture of God's revelation coming to those walking in darkness, pointing the way to find Jesus. The messenger comes bearing good news that is the source of the greatest and truest joy. God intends this joy for all people, but it is also personal. It is for you. The messenger and the host of angels explain the good news, giving the heart of what the good news is, namely, it is the good news that God has sent to you a Savior in a stable. The stark contrast between who Jesus is and the place where He is born points to Jesus' ultimate mission and the way that He will rescue those who are held captive. He will save by suffering and death, not by conquest and military power. He will triumph over sin and death, but it will be by suffering and death, by a crown of thorns and the cross of a criminal, not by a crown of gold and a throne of power. The host of angels proclaims the ultimate consequence of what Jesus will do. He will bring glory to the most high God by making peace between God and those who find God's favor or grace. It is this peace that makes joy possible. Without peace, there can be no true and lasting joy. It is good news for all people, but there will only be peace between God and those who fall under His grace. How do you find God's favor? The Shepherds came into God's favor by responding to the good news in faith. They acted on what they heard by seeking Jesus until they found Him. Once they found Him, they became witnesses, proclaiming the good news to those who were there. The message was credible not because of who they were but because of the fulfillment of what was told them. Now, a whole new group of people are confronted with the good news and are invited to meet Jesus. Even Mary must come to meet Jesus, that is, to know and understand who He truly is - the Son of God and the savior of the world. It is a message and a story that needs pondering and requires a great deal of reflection if we are to come to understand it fully, completely, and in the depth of all its riches. Mary is a good example of how it may take a lifetime to fully grasp who Jesus is and all that He has done for us. The Shepherds return home praising and glorifying God. Their joy was evident in their rejoicing. Joy is having something to celebrate. What were they celebrating? They were celebrating Jesus and the goodness of God that made it possible for them to find Him and know Him. They were celebrating the good news which they came to know was true! Big Idea - The birth of Jesus is good news of the greatest joy. It is the abundance of God's joy that He wants to share with us. The world offers the promise of joy, and we are easily tempted by what the world offers because we all want a life full of … Tim Dunham 3357 https://ccf.sermon.net/22350384/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christmasoy/id/4175016.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22350384 Series: Christmas Sun, 01 Dec 2024 05:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God spoke through the prophets, and He has spoken through His Son in the last days. There is no other way to know God since He exists outside the universe. We can only know Him if He reveals Himself to us, and thankfully, He has always been revealing Himself. When Jesus was born to the virgin Mary, God was revealing Himself to us through Jesus. His coming into the world was the greatest and most explicit revelation to us of who God is. So, the important question for us is how was Jesus the complete revelation of God to us, and how can we know God through this revelation? The author begins by comparing God's revelation through the prophets with the revelation of Jesus. The prophets spoke long ago, at many times, in various ways, giving us, as it were, bits and pieces of knowledge about God. Over time, these bits and pieces added up and could be pieced together to give us a picture of who God is and what He is like. By comparison, Jesus came as one complete message. In Jesus, God spoke through "a Son," pointing to the kind of message, not the kind of messenger. If the prophets' message were like pieces of the puzzle, Jesus was the entire picture all at once. That is because Jesus is God poured into human flesh and blood. Therefore, Jesus is the grand climax of revelation. He is not different from the picture of the prophets but is the complete revelation to which they all pointed. The revelation in His Son is not different from theirs but is so much greater because it is complete and the place where all their revelation comes together in one place, or we should say, person. That raises the question, why didn't God send Jesus in the first place? Why bother with the bits and pieces when He could have sent the completed picture? That would have been more direct but less effective. The truth is Jesus would have been incomprehensible to us without the background of the former revelation. We can only know what we already know. The only way we can learn something new is by relating it in some way to what we already know. That is how we make sense of the world. Had Jesus come on the scene and appeared to Abraham as the complete and full picture of God, Abraham would not have made sense of it, for there was nothing in his world that he could relate Jesus to. The revelation of God in the Old Testament was in bits and pieces, much of it in pictures and metaphors that the people could relate to so that when Jesus was born to Mary, we had a framework of knowledge to interpret and understand His life, His death, and His resurrection. Without that background, the revelation in Jesus would have been over our heads and beyond our reach. One more contrast between the prophets and the Son is that the revelation of the prophets was limited to the Word. God spoke to them in various ways, but in the end, it was all spoken Word. God was mainly telling them who He was. But, there are three main ways that God can reveal Himself - by what He says, by who He is, and by what He does. Jesus is the complete revelation of God because He reveals God in all three ways. First, He is the very Word of God, who spoke the universe into existence and who upholds it by His powerful word. Revelation by the word is extremely important. We can get to know a lot about a person, even before we meet them, by reading things written about them or by things they tell us about themselves. Even after we meet them in person, much of what we know about them is what they tell us. So, talking to a person is vitally important in getting to know them. God talked to us and told us about Himself in the prophets, and Jesus continued the tradition. God spoke through His Son. We can know a great deal about God through the Word if we listen and pay attention to what He has spoken. Revelation, by what God says, is the most specific and clear, but it has the limitation of being in pieces and not the whole picture. We cannot experience a person through a biography the way we experience them in a personal encounter. The only way to really know someone personally is to meet them. We must encounter the person, not just words about them. Likewise, revelation is also who God is. That is, we can know God in His very being. This is where the revelation of God in a Son is at a whole new level from revelation in the Word. When Jesus was born, the very person and being of God appeared for us to see and to meet. Who Jesus is in His being before HE was born to Mary is nothing less than the heir of all things and creator of the universe - eternal, almighty God, Son of the eternal Father. Who He is now is the resurrected, ascended Lord of all time and space who has inherited a name that is greater than any other name. He who was lying in the manger was the very glory and likeness of God. In Jesus, we meet God in person, up close and face to face. We encounter God not by description but in person. What a person is in their being goes beyond words. In fact, putting being into words diminishes being and the real encounter with the person. Words help us understand a person, and it is through words that we can relate to that person. But experiencing the whole person is much greater than just words. It is a matter of "being" with them and knowing them as a being - the whole person that defies description. But how can we know Jesus in this way since He has left this world and is now seated at the right hand of God? The good news is that when the Holy Spirit is poured out into our lives, He brings to us the person of Christ in His being. We can know Him as a person and not simply as a description. Finally, we can learn a great deal about a person and know them in deeper ways by seeing what they do. Are they kind to us, or do they ignore us - how they treat us tells us a lot about them. God's revelation of Himself to us in the Son is finally a revelation of what God does for us. He loves us, and His love is an action, not just words. Jesus came to make purification for sins. His death on the cross was a powerful and bold revelation of the heart and love of God for us. We know about God by taking a long look at what He has done and accepting it as a gift of love and as an expression of His heart and demonstration, proof, if you will, of what He is really like. Not only that, but it is what Jesus has done in removing sin that makes it possible for the other two forms of revelation to work. Sin has made us deaf to God's speaking and hiding from His presence. Jesus' sacrifice for us gives us ears to hear and the desire to draw near to Him. Big Idea - God spoke through the prophets, and He has spoken through His Son in the last days. There is no other way to know God since He exists outside the universe. We can only know Him if He reveals Himself to us, and thankfully, He has always been revealing Himself. When Jesus was born to the virgin Mary, God was revealing Himself to us through Jesus. His coming into the world was the greatest and most explicit revelation to us of who God is. So, the important question for us is how was Jesus the complete revelation of God to us, and how can we know God through this revelation? The author begins by comparing God's revelation through the prophets with the revelation of Jesus. The prophets spoke long ago, at many times, in various ways, giving us, as it were, bits and pieces of knowledge about God. Over time, these bits and pieces added up and could be pieced together to give us a picture of who God is and what He is like. By comparison, Jesus came as one complete message. In Jesus, God spoke through "a Son," pointing to the kind of message, not the kind of messenger. If the prophets' message were like pieces of the puzzle, Jesus was the entire picture all at once. That is because Jesus is God poured into human flesh and blood. Therefore, Jesus is the grand climax of revelation. He is not different from the picture of the prophets but is the complete revelation to which they all pointed. The revelation in His Son is not different from theirs but is so much greater because it is complete and the place where all their revelation comes together in one place, or we should say, person. That raises the question, why didn't God send Jesus in the first place? Why bother with the bits and pieces when He could have sent the completed picture? That would have been more direct but less effective. The truth is Jesus would have been incomprehensible to us without the background of the former revelation. We can only know what we already know. The only way we can learn something new is by relating it in some way to what we already know. That is how we make sense of the world. Had Jesus come on the scene and appeared to Abraham as the complete and full picture of God, Abraham would not have made sense of it, for there was nothing in his world that he could relate Jesus to. The revelation of God in the Old Testament was in bits and pieces, much of it in pictures and metaphors that the people could relate to so that when Jesus was born to Mary, we had a framework of knowledge to interpret and understand His life, His death, and His resurrection. Without that background, the revelation in Jesus would have been over our heads and beyond our reach. One more contrast between the prophets and the Son is that the revelation of the prophets was limited to the Word. God spoke to them in various ways, but in the end, it was all spoken Word. God was mainly telling them who He was. But, there are three main ways that God can reveal Himself - by what He says, by who He is, and by what He does. Jesus is the complete revelation of God because He reveals God in all three ways. First, He is the very Word of God, who spoke the universe into existence and who upholds it by His powerful word. Revelation by the word is extremely important. We can get to know a lot about a person, even before we meet them, by reading things written about them or by things they tell us about themselves. Even after we meet them in person, much of what we know about them is what they tell us. So, talking to a person is vitally important in getting to know them. God talked to us and told us about Himself in the prophets, and Jesus continued the tradition. God spoke through His Son. We can know a great deal about God through the Word if we listen and pay attention to what He has spoken. Revelation, by what God says, is the most specific and clear, but it has the limitation of being in pieces and not the whole picture. We cannot experience a person through a biography the way we experience them in a personal encounter. The only way to really know someone personally is to meet them. We must encounter the person, not just words about them. Likewise, revelation is also who God is. That is, we can know God in His very being. This is where the revelation of God in a Son is at a whole new level from revelation in the Word. When Jesus was born, the very person and being of God appeared for us to see and to meet. Who Jesus is in His being before HE was born to Mary is nothing less than the heir of all things and creator of the universe - eternal, almighty God, Son of the eternal Father. Who He is now is the resurrected, ascended Lord of all time and space who has inherited a name that is greater than any other name. He who was lying in the manger was the very glory and likeness of God. In Jesus, we meet God in person, up close and face to face. We encounter God not by description but in person. What a person is in their being goes beyond words. In fact, putting being into words diminishes being and the real encounter with the person. Words help us understand a person, and it is through words that we can relate to that person. But experiencing the whole person is much greater than just words. It is a matter of "being" with them and knowing them as a being - the whole person that defies description. But how can we know Jesus in this way since He has left this world and is now seated at the right hand of God? The good news is that when the Holy Spirit is poured out into our lives, He brings to us the person of Christ in His being. We can know Him as a person and not simply as a description. Finally, we can learn a great deal about a person and know them in deeper ways by seeing what they do. Are they kind to us, or do they ignore us - how they treat us tells us a lot about them. God's revelation of Himself to us in the Son is finally a revelation of what God does for us. He loves us, and His love is an action, not just words. Jesus came to make purification for sins. His death on the cross was a powerful and bold revelation of the heart and love of God for us. We know about God by taking a long look at what He has done and accepting it as a gift of love and as an expression of His heart and demonstration, proof, if you will, of what He is really like. Not only that, but it is what Jesus has done in removing sin that makes it possible for the other two forms of revelation to work. Sin has made us deaf to God's speaking and hiding from His presence. Jesus' sacrifice for us gives us ears to hear and the desire to draw near to Him. Big Idea - God spoke through the prophets, and He has spoken through His Son in the last days. There is no other way to know God since He exists outside the universe. We can only know Him if He reveals Himself to us, and thankfully, He has always been … Tim Dunham 2894 https://ccf.sermon.net/22345658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godspokeinhisson/id/4170424.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22345658 Series: Prophesies Fulfilled - Advent 2024 Part#1 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 05:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How does Jesus see us? In this passage, we see Jesus evaluating the actions and motives of two different groups of people - the Scribes and those giving their offerings in the Temple. What the crowd and even the disciples see is very different from how Jesus sees what is happening. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus will judge the living and the dead one day! How will He see us? How will He evaluate our lives? Most importantly, how should we live knowing that we will one day give an account of our life before Him? First, we see that Jesus is not impressed with outward appearances because He sees through our actions to the true motives of the heart. As it turns out, most of us are just putting on a show. We live for the praise and honor of men. Seeking glory is not necessarily bad since God created us for glory. The problem is that when we seek people's approval, we become actors who put on a great show, but it is not who we really are. When we perform for others, our motives are selfish, and our actions are fake. Jesus will judge us not on how we appear on the outside but based on who we are on the inside. He sees what we work so hard to keep hidden from others. He sees the real me! When our inward character does not match our outward actions, we only fool ourselves. The Scribes would be judged severely for their hypocrisy, and so will all who are only pretending to be good. Secondly, we see that Jesus is impressed by things easily overlooked by everyone else because He understands the quality of our actions very differently than how we understand them. We are impressed by the impact, the size of the splash, and the quantity. We measure generosity by the size of the gift and what it can accomplish. But Jesus is not impressed with such things. For one, He knows that the real impact of anything we do is not dependent on how big our gift is but by how it is filled with His power. He doesn't need our help to make an impact! So, Jesus is not impressed by the size of the gift. Rather, He is impressed by the size of the sacrifice. You could say He is not looking at how much we give but at how much we keep for ourselves. That is the real measure of love. Not how much we give but how much we sacrifice. This principle is powerfully illustrated in the "Gift of the Magi." Does this mean we have to sacrifice all we have to worship God and show our love for Him? Not necessarily. But maybe that is not the point of the story. Instead, it is about what God has done to show His love for us. God has blessed us generously out of His infinite wealth by creating a world of such abundance! But that does not show the full extent of His love, only of His endless wealth. Instead, He showed the extent of His love for us by how much He was willing to sacrifice for us by sending His only Son to die for us. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up all He had, in fact, His very life for us. That is real love! How will we respond to that kind of gift and extravagant display of love? It should cause us to think hard about who we seek to please and where we seek honor and glory. If we put on a good show, we may gain the approval and praise of people, but they will never really love us. Ultimately, their praise is empty and fades like the early morning fog. But, the love and praise of God is eternal and unfading. We will all stand before Jesus, the judge of the living and the dead. How will we stand before Him? We will pass the fires of judgment only if we are clothed in His righteousness. But, we will receive the crown of glory only if we have lived to please Him because His great love has so moved us for us! The only people who can worship God by making great sacrifices for God are those who have been unraveled by the understanding of the great sacrifice God has already made for them! Big Idea - How does Jesus see us? In this passage, we see Jesus evaluating the actions and motives of two different groups of people - the Scribes and those giving their offerings in the Temple. What the crowd and even the disciples see is very different from how Jesus sees what is happening. It is a powerful reminder that Jesus will judge the living and the dead one day! How will He see us? How will He evaluate our lives? Most importantly, how should we live knowing that we will one day give an account of our life before Him? First, we see that Jesus is not impressed with outward appearances because He sees through our actions to the true motives of the heart. As it turns out, most of us are just putting on a show. We live for the praise and honor of men. Seeking glory is not necessarily bad since God created us for glory. The problem is that when we seek people's approval, we become actors who put on a great show, but it is not who we really are. When we perform for others, our motives are selfish, and our actions are fake. Jesus will judge us not on how we appear on the outside but based on who we are on the inside. He sees what we work so hard to keep hidden from others. He sees the real me! When our inward character does not match our outward actions, we only fool ourselves. The Scribes would be judged severely for their hypocrisy, and so will all who are only pretending to be good. Secondly, we see that Jesus is impressed by things easily overlooked by everyone else because He understands the quality of our actions very differently than how we understand them. We are impressed by the impact, the size of the splash, and the quantity. We measure generosity by the size of the gift and what it can accomplish. But Jesus is not impressed with such things. For one, He knows that the real impact of anything we do is not dependent on how big our gift is but by how it is filled with His power. He doesn't need our help to make an impact! So, Jesus is not impressed by the size of the gift. Rather, He is impressed by the size of the sacrifice. You could say He is not looking at how much we give but at how much we keep for ourselves. That is the real measure of love. Not how much we give but how much we sacrifice. This principle is powerfully illustrated in the "Gift of the Magi." Does this mean we have to sacrifice all we have to worship God and show our love for Him? Not necessarily. But maybe that is not the point of the story. Instead, it is about what God has done to show His love for us. God has blessed us generously out of His infinite wealth by creating a world of such abundance! But that does not show the full extent of His love, only of His endless wealth. Instead, He showed the extent of His love for us by how much He was willing to sacrifice for us by sending His only Son to die for us. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up all He had, in fact, His very life for us. That is real love! How will we respond to that kind of gift and extravagant display of love? It should cause us to think hard about who we seek to please and where we seek honor and glory. If we put on a good show, we may gain the approval and praise of people, but they will never really love us. Ultimately, their praise is empty and fades like the early morning fog. But, the love and praise of God is eternal and unfading. We will all stand before Jesus, the judge of the living and the dead. How will we stand before Him? We will pass the fires of judgment only if we are clothed in His righteousness. But, we will receive the crown of glory only if we have lived to please Him because His great love has so moved us for us! The only people who can worship God by making great sacrifices for God are those who have been unraveled by the understanding of the great sacrifice God has already made for them! Big Idea - How does Jesus see us? In this passage, we see Jesus evaluating the actions and motives of two different groups of people - the Scribes and those giving their offerings in the Temple. What the crowd and even the disciples see is very differe… Tim Dunham 3141 https://ccf.sermon.net/22343512/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_underthemicroscope/id/4168326.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22343512 Series: Mark Sun, 17 Nov 2024 04:15:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) King David’s Lord (2) Not I but Christ (3) Fake Religion (1) King David’s Lord (2) Not I but Christ (3) Fake Religion (1) King David’s Lord (2) Not I but Christ (3) Fake Religion … Andrew Carter 1961 https://ccf.sermon.net/22341060/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdavidslord/id/4166007.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22341060 Series: Mark Sun, 13 Oct 2024 01:25:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In this story, blind Bartimaeus cries in great desperation for Jesus to show him mercy. His cry is both urgent and persistent. It pays off, for Jesus does show him mercy by restoring his sight. Can we expect to encounter the same mercy when we ask God for help? Hebrews 4:16 makes an incredible promise that echoes the experience of Bartimaeus, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Does this describe our prayer life? Is our prayer life an urgent or even desperate cry to God for mercy? Or is it more of a mundane exercise, a duty we know we are supposed to perform? The key to understanding this passage, and to transforming our prayer life is to understand the concept of mercy. What is mercy, and how can we find mercy to help in our time of need? First, we need to understand what mercy is and, more importantly, why we need it so desperately. Mercy has to do with having pity for a person in difficult circumstances to the extent that we are moved to help them. The person is in a situation or circumstances beyond their power to resolve. Without the help of someone more powerful, they are hopelessly stuck. But, the one showing mercy is under no obligation to help them. It is an act of kindness that is underserved and without obligation. Romans 9:16 makes it clear that when God shows us mercy, it is not contingent on “human will or exertion.” So, the cry for mercy is the cry of one who cannot fix himself and urgently needs the help of someone else. The blind man, unlike the rich man, did not ask, "What must I do to recover my sight!" Our problem is that we seldom feel that we desperately need help! The reason is that we think our greatest problems are related to our circumstances. We are pretty confident we can change our circumstances if we just work at it hard enough. But Jesus shows the rich man that his real problem is his own heart. He does not need to change his circumstances. He needs to change himself! He walks away sad and depressed because that is impossible. The first step in having a powerful prayer life is when we recognize that our greatest need is not to change our situation but to change ourselves, which we are powerless to do on our own. Our only hope, like blind Bartimaeus, is if someone shows us mercy. But who will show us mercy and give us the help we need? The second vital truth we must understand to find mercy is to know where to look for it. Jesus is the only one who can give us the mercy we need. The throne of grace, where Jesus sits, is the only place to find mercy to help in our time of need. That is because Jesus is the Messiah, sent from God, with the very heart and nature of God. Blind Bartimaeus saw better than most who Jesus really was! He also understood better than most what that meant based on all that the Old Testament promised the Messiah would do. It is the very heart and nature of God to be merciful. Jesus came to bring that mercy in a powerful way. He is more than able to give us the help we need, even to the extent of changing us into very different people! He has the unlimited power of God. But Jesus also has the unlimited mercy of God, and He stops and helps those who genuinely cry out for help! The crowd reminds us, that this is not normal. The way the world works, and all other religions, is that help comes by merit. Some people deserve it, but most do not. Why would Jesus want to help you? But, Jesus is radically different, helping those who are the least deserving because His help is based on mercy, the loving character of God, not on our effort. Since mercy is a gift of grace, does that mean God will automatically help us when we need it? It doesn't work that way. Jesus is waiting and longing to help us, but He is not a machine. He is a living and personal God who is all about relationships. He wants us to know Him and to trust Him. So, we must go to the throne of grace and meet Him there with our requests. We need to ask. And we must have faith that He cares and will give us the help we need. Our cry for help is an acknowledgment of our great need, that we cannot fix it on our own, and it is an act of faith that we trust Him to give us what we so urgently need. Bartimaeus demonstrates great faith by leaving behind his old life and his own works and trusting in Jesus alone. We need God's mercy not only for salvation, like the rich man, but also for ongoing transformation, like the disciples. We need to see that our greatest need is not to change our circumstances but for the inward change of our hearts, life, and character. The more we see this as our great need and the more we see that Jesus has the power to change us, the more we will cry out with great urgency for His mercy to change us. Prayer doesn't always work the way we think it will. The rich man did not get the guarantee of eternal life he was asking for. James and John did not get what they were asking for. But Jesus did not ignore their requests. In fact, He gave them something much greater than what they were asking for. He gave them the opportunity to live a very different kind of life, one free from the bondage from which they were presently living. True faith is trusting God with the answer rather than demanding that He do what we want. We are encouraged repeatedly in Scripture to give thanks in every situation. This is the mark of genuine faith because it is the realization that God, in His great wisdom, knows what is best, and in His wisdom, He will give us abundant mercy and help according to His wisdom and plan, not ours! Big Idea - In this story, blind Bartimaeus cries in great desperation for Jesus to show him mercy. His cry is both urgent and persistent. It pays off, for Jesus does show him mercy by restoring his sight. Can we expect to encounter the same mercy when we ask God for help? Hebrews 4:16 makes an incredible promise that echoes the experience of Bartimaeus, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Does this describe our prayer life? Is our prayer life an urgent or even desperate cry to God for mercy? Or is it more of a mundane exercise, a duty we know we are supposed to perform? The key to understanding this passage, and to transforming our prayer life is to understand the concept of mercy. What is mercy, and how can we find mercy to help in our time of need? First, we need to understand what mercy is and, more importantly, why we need it so desperately. Mercy has to do with having pity for a person in difficult circumstances to the extent that we are moved to help them. The person is in a situation or circumstances beyond their power to resolve. Without the help of someone more powerful, they are hopelessly stuck. But, the one showing mercy is under no obligation to help them. It is an act of kindness that is underserved and without obligation. Romans 9:16 makes it clear that when God shows us mercy, it is not contingent on “human will or exertion.” So, the cry for mercy is the cry of one who cannot fix himself and urgently needs the help of someone else. The blind man, unlike the rich man, did not ask, "What must I do to recover my sight!" Our problem is that we seldom feel that we desperately need help! The reason is that we think our greatest problems are related to our circumstances. We are pretty confident we can change our circumstances if we just work at it hard enough. But Jesus shows the rich man that his real problem is his own heart. He does not need to change his circumstances. He needs to change himself! He walks away sad and depressed because that is impossible. The first step in having a powerful prayer life is when we recognize that our greatest need is not to change our situation but to change ourselves, which we are powerless to do on our own. Our only hope, like blind Bartimaeus, is if someone shows us mercy. But who will show us mercy and give us the help we need? The second vital truth we must understand to find mercy is to know where to look for it. Jesus is the only one who can give us the mercy we need. The throne of grace, where Jesus sits, is the only place to find mercy to help in our time of need. That is because Jesus is the Messiah, sent from God, with the very heart and nature of God. Blind Bartimaeus saw better than most who Jesus really was! He also understood better than most what that meant based on all that the Old Testament promised the Messiah would do. It is the very heart and nature of God to be merciful. Jesus came to bring that mercy in a powerful way. He is more than able to give us the help we need, even to the extent of changing us into very different people! He has the unlimited power of God. But Jesus also has the unlimited mercy of God, and He stops and helps those who genuinely cry out for help! The crowd reminds us, that this is not normal. The way the world works, and all other religions, is that help comes by merit. Some people deserve it, but most do not. Why would Jesus want to help you? But, Jesus is radically different, helping those who are the least deserving because His help is based on mercy, the loving character of God, not on our effort. Since mercy is a gift of grace, does that mean God will automatically help us when we need it? It doesn't work that way. Jesus is waiting and longing to help us, but He is not a machine. He is a living and personal God who is all about relationships. He wants us to know Him and to trust Him. So, we must go to the throne of grace and meet Him there with our requests. We need to ask. And we must have faith that He cares and will give us the help we need. Our cry for help is an acknowledgment of our great need, that we cannot fix it on our own, and it is an act of faith that we trust Him to give us what we so urgently need. Bartimaeus demonstrates great faith by leaving behind his old life and his own works and trusting in Jesus alone. We need God's mercy not only for salvation, like the rich man, but also for ongoing transformation, like the disciples. We need to see that our greatest need is not to change our circumstances but for the inward change of our hearts, life, and character. The more we see this as our great need and the more we see that Jesus has the power to change us, the more we will cry out with great urgency for His mercy to change us. Prayer doesn't always work the way we think it will. The rich man did not get the guarantee of eternal life he was asking for. James and John did not get what they were asking for. But Jesus did not ignore their requests. In fact, He gave them something much greater than what they were asking for. He gave them the opportunity to live a very different kind of life, one free from the bondage from which they were presently living. True faith is trusting God with the answer rather than demanding that He do what we want. We are encouraged repeatedly in Scripture to give thanks in every situation. This is the mark of genuine faith because it is the realization that God, in His great wisdom, knows what is best, and in His wisdom, He will give us abundant mercy and help according to His wisdom and plan, not ours! Big Idea - In this story, blind Bartimaeus cries in great desperation for Jesus to show him mercy. His cry is both urgent and persistent. It pays off, for Jesus does show him mercy by restoring his sight. Can we expect to encounter the same mercy when … Tim Dunham 3390 https://ccf.sermon.net/22328109/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_acryformercy/id/4153431.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22328109 Series: Mark Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2765 https://ccf.sermon.net/22306448/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aglimpseofglory/id/4134174.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22306448 Series: Mark Sat, 17 Aug 2024 21:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the beginning of the Gospel Mark declares that Jesus came "proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14–15). From chapter 1 to the end of chapter 8, the focus is on proving that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. The kingdom is at hand because the King has come! This is truly good news! But Jesus unravels everything when He announces that He is going to suffer, be rejected by men, and be killed, but will rise from the dead after three days. Jesus is a very different kind of Messiah from what the Disciples expected. If the King came to die, what does that say about His kingdom? It certainly is not the kind of Kingdom the Disciples are expecting. Jesus is calling all who will come to enter the Kingdom. It is at hand; it is here, and all who are willing may enter. But what are we getting ourselves into? Jesus turns everything upside down and inside out by the announcement of His suffering and death. What does that mean for those who follow Jesus and make Him their Kind and Lord? What is in store for us? Just as Jesus needs to correct false ideas about the mission of the Messiah, He also needs to make things clear about life in the Kingdom. Those who want to follow Him need to understand what they are getting themselves into! Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples, setting clear expectations for those already following Him and those who are undecided. Jesus lays out three expectations for those who follow Him. These are not requirements that we need to do first to prove that we are worthy or deserving. Instead, it is what is required because of the nature of the journey. They will follow Jesus on the road He is traveling. But, the way is full of dangers, perils, and difficulties. The only way they will be able to persevere and follow to the end is by doing these three things from the very start. The first is to deny one's self. That means saying "no" to self to say "yes" to God. It does not mean we must give up everything and live as a hermit. But, it does mean we give up the right to everything "I" desire and even the things “I” need. Secondly, there is no limit to how far we take this. The things we want and need can be found on the emotional level and on the physical level. What the self wants and "needs" emotionally, more than anything else, is to be somebody, that is, to be recognized, honored, loved, and respected. Taking up our cross is the extreme opposite of that. It is taking on the humiliation and shame of Jesus' death, of His cross. Jesus's life ends in the deepest shame, and that shame now becomes the mantle of all who follow Him. There is no glory in the cross. The world despised Jesus, and it despises all who follow Him. Those who want to follow Jesus must take up a life of shame and a willingness to be despised by others. The cross also points to death. What we "need" physically is to stay alive! We are wired to prioritize this, which is a good thing to a point. However, this is right only until living does not conflict with following Jesus. If the choice becomes our survival or following Jesus, we must be prepared to die for our faith in Christ. There is no limit to denying ourselves. We are to deny ourselves even as far as death! Finally, we are to go with Christ on the road he travels. We do not suffer for the sake of suffering, but we follow Jesus and prepare to meet hardships and suffering along the way because that is the road we are on with Jesus. We are to live as He lived. By denying ourselves, we can live much more generously and sacrificially to others, which is exactly what Jesus did! To follow Jesus is to live like Jesus. What Jesus is asking is extreme. He is asking us to be willing to give up our right to get what we want and even what we need, even as far as giving up life itself! Why would anyone do that? Jesus gives four arguments why it is worth it. In short, the journey on this road is worth it because the final destination is more than worth it. Where does this road end? First, it ends in salvation. You can save yourself now, only to find you have lost your life for all eternity, or you can deny yourself now and "lose" your life for Christ and the Gospel so that you will be saved forever! There is no such thing as trusting God to save you but holding on to the self. You cannot have this world and heaven. You must let go of this world to gain life with God for eternity. Second, your eternal soul is of vastly greater value than the whole world. Even if you could gain the wealth of the entire world, it would not be worth it in the end. Your soul and your eternal happiness and life are a treasure incomparably greater than anything you could possibly gain in this life. Ask Steve Jobs. Thirdly, once you have lost your soul, there is no way to buy it back. Now is the time to decide. The truth is our soul has been lost in sin and rebellion. We have already rejected God and held on to self. When Jesus arrives at the cross, Peter does not deny himself and follow Jesus. He denies Jesus and saves himself. The others all run away from the cross. Like Peter, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way. What can we give in exchange for our soul? All the wealth of the world cannot buy back our souls, and even if it could, it would be of no help to us because when we die, we leave it all behind. But Isaiah 53:6 does not end there. It continues on - "and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6). What can we give in exchange for our soul, to buy it back? Nothing. But Jesus exchanged His life for ours! The blood of Jesus can buy back our lost souls! Finally, it is worth it to go on this journey with Jesus and endure all its hardship and shame because he will reject those who refuse to share in the shame of Jesus now on the day of judgment. But those who bear His shame now will receive honor on the day of judgment. The real issue is not getting what we want or not getting what we want. We want glory and honor. We want wealth and security. We want to be happy and have an abundant life of joy. The problem is not in wanting these things. The problem is that we are unwilling to let go of cheap and flimsy substitutes of these things here and now for the real things in eternity. We are like a person who was unwilling to leave their broken down and filthy home in the slums and take the long journey to a new home, a mansion far away because the way is hard and the journey is difficult. Big Idea - In the beginning of the Gospel Mark declares that Jesus came "proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14–15). From chapter 1 to the end of chapter 8, the focus is on proving that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. The kingdom is at hand because the King has come! This is truly good news! But Jesus unravels everything when He announces that He is going to suffer, be rejected by men, and be killed, but will rise from the dead after three days. Jesus is a very different kind of Messiah from what the Disciples expected. If the King came to die, what does that say about His kingdom? It certainly is not the kind of Kingdom the Disciples are expecting. Jesus is calling all who will come to enter the Kingdom. It is at hand; it is here, and all who are willing may enter. But what are we getting ourselves into? Jesus turns everything upside down and inside out by the announcement of His suffering and death. What does that mean for those who follow Jesus and make Him their Kind and Lord? What is in store for us? Just as Jesus needs to correct false ideas about the mission of the Messiah, He also needs to make things clear about life in the Kingdom. Those who want to follow Him need to understand what they are getting themselves into! Jesus calls the crowd and His disciples, setting clear expectations for those already following Him and those who are undecided. Jesus lays out three expectations for those who follow Him. These are not requirements that we need to do first to prove that we are worthy or deserving. Instead, it is what is required because of the nature of the journey. They will follow Jesus on the road He is traveling. But, the way is full of dangers, perils, and difficulties. The only way they will be able to persevere and follow to the end is by doing these three things from the very start. The first is to deny one's self. That means saying "no" to self to say "yes" to God. It does not mean we must give up everything and live as a hermit. But, it does mean we give up the right to everything "I" desire and even the things “I” need. Secondly, there is no limit to how far we take this. The things we want and need can be found on the emotional level and on the physical level. What the self wants and "needs" emotionally, more than anything else, is to be somebody, that is, to be recognized, honored, loved, and respected. Taking up our cross is the extreme opposite of that. It is taking on the humiliation and shame of Jesus' death, of His cross. Jesus's life ends in the deepest shame, and that shame now becomes the mantle of all who follow Him. There is no glory in the cross. The world despised Jesus, and it despises all who follow Him. Those who want to follow Jesus must take up a life of shame and a willingness to be despised by others. The cross also points to death. What we "need" physically is to stay alive! We are wired to prioritize this, which is a good thing to a point. However, this is right only until living does not conflict with following Jesus. If the choice becomes our survival or following Jesus, we must be prepared to die for our faith in Christ. There is no limit to denying ourselves. We are to deny ourselves even as far as death! Finally, we are to go with Christ on the road he travels. We do not suffer for the sake of suffering, but we follow Jesus and prepare to meet hardships and suffering along the way because that is the road we are on with Jesus. We are to live as He lived. By denying ourselves, we can live much more generously and sacrificially to others, which is exactly what Jesus did! To follow Jesus is to live like Jesus. What Jesus is asking is extreme. He is asking us to be willing to give up our right to get what we want and even what we need, even as far as giving up life itself! Why would anyone do that? Jesus gives four arguments why it is worth it. In short, the journey on this road is worth it because the final destination is more than worth it. Where does this road end? First, it ends in salvation. You can save yourself now, only to find you have lost your life for all eternity, or you can deny yourself now and "lose" your life for Christ and the Gospel so that you will be saved forever! There is no such thing as trusting God to save you but holding on to the self. You cannot have this world and heaven. You must let go of this world to gain life with God for eternity. Second, your eternal soul is of vastly greater value than the whole world. Even if you could gain the wealth of the entire world, it would not be worth it in the end. Your soul and your eternal happiness and life are a treasure incomparably greater than anything you could possibly gain in this life. Ask Steve Jobs. Thirdly, once you have lost your soul, there is no way to buy it back. Now is the time to decide. The truth is our soul has been lost in sin and rebellion. We have already rejected God and held on to self. When Jesus arrives at the cross, Peter does not deny himself and follow Jesus. He denies Jesus and saves himself. The others all run away from the cross. Like Peter, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way. What can we give in exchange for our soul? All the wealth of the world cannot buy back our souls, and even if it could, it would be of no help to us because when we die, we leave it all behind. But Isaiah 53:6 does not end there. It continues on - "and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6). What can we give in exchange for our soul, to buy it back? Nothing. But Jesus exchanged His life for ours! The blood of Jesus can buy back our lost souls! Finally, it is worth it to go on this journey with Jesus and endure all its hardship and shame because he will reject those who refuse to share in the shame of Jesus now on the day of judgment. But those who bear His shame now will receive honor on the day of judgment. The real issue is not getting what we want or not getting what we want. We want glory and honor. We want wealth and security. We want to be happy and have an abundant life of joy. The problem is not in wanting these things. The problem is that we are unwilling to let go of cheap and flimsy substitutes of these things here and now for the real things in eternity. We are like a person who was unwilling to leave their broken down and filthy home in the slums and take the long journey to a new home, a mansion far away because the way is hard and the journey is difficult. Big Idea - In the beginning of the Gospel Mark declares that Jesus came "proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14–15). From chapter 1 to the … Tim Dunham 2972 https://ccf.sermon.net/22303734/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_followingesus/id/4131535.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22303734 Series: Mark Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is it possible that you can go to Jesus and ask for help, and He would turn you away without considering your request and granting what you ask? If we ask that question based on our own experience, we will probably say "yes." We may have turned to God many times in prayer, asking for His help, and feel that He never answered our prayers. But, if we base our answer on the life of Jesus in the Gospels, we would have to answer very differently. For in the Gospels, we find Jesus healing and helping all those who come to Him, seeking His help. That is what makes this story so shocking. In Mark 7, a woman comes to Jesus asking for Him to cast a demon out of her daughter, and it does not appear that He is going to help her. Jesus' reply to the woman seems so out of character and so unlike what we would expect Him to do. Why is Jesus so reluctant to help her? Is it because she is a Gentile? In the end, Jesus does help her, but why did He change His mind? We can find great encouragement in this story about what we can expect Jesus to do for us when we come to Him with our needs and how we can respond when it seems that we are not getting what we ask for! The first question we need to answer is why Jesus is slow to help her in the first place. Many people believe the problem is that the woman is a Gentile, and Jesus' ministry was only to the Jews. It is true that Jesus' ministry was almost exclusively to the Jews, but the fact that Mark connects this story with the previous account shows that the divide between Jews and Gentiles is being abolished by His coming. The main divide that separated Jews from Gentiles was the regulations regarding being clean and unclean. Jesus just declared that these things did not actually make you unclean. Rather, it was our sinful hearts that defiled us. Jesus effectively broke down that divide because all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, have the same sinful heart and nature. It is true that God's covenant plan was with Israel, but His covenant was never intended to exclude Gentiles. His promise to Abraham was that all the nations would be blessed through Him. Jesus came to fulfill that promise. Through His life, death, and resurrection, all the nations can now enter into a covenant relationship with God based on His shed blood. If Jesus is not helping her because she is a Gentile, then why is He slow to help? The reason is found in His purpose for coming to the region of Tyre. Jesus left Galilee to place away from the Jews to escape being noticed. He did not want anyone to know where He was or who He was. Ever since they heard the news of John the Baptist's death, Jesus and the disciples have been trying to get away to rest. But the crowds have made it impossible. Jesus needs time to rest, and He also wants to spend focused time teaching and encouraging the twelve. These true and committed followers are His first priority. It is strategic and critical that He equip and prepare them to take His mission forward, for Jesus knows His time with them is short. This is important not only for Israel but also for the world. So, when the woman comes, she is a major interruption to the time Jesus has planned with the twelve. Jesus is not wrong to make the "children" a priority and to delay giving help to the dogs. This is not as insulting as we might think. It is intended not to put her down but to illustrate the point that in a family, it would be wrong to feed your pet dog first, and if there is anything left over, then feed the kids! The kids come first. They are, rightfully, the first priority. This woman is not a disciple, but Jesus still puts her in the house, not outside. He is not saying He should never help her, only that His priority right now is His spiritual children who need His attention and care. In short, Jesus is essentially saying, "Right now is not a good time." Not because I don't want to help you but because I need to focus on more important things at the moment. How do we respond when it seems Jesus is not interested in helping us? When we pray, does the help not come as quickly as we wanted? Maybe we just give up. We decide that prayer doesn't work, and God isn't actually all that interested in helping us. We do not see that great disconnect between what we expect Jesus to do in the Gospels and what we expect God to do in our own lives! It is unthinkable that Jesus would not help someone who comes to Him with their request. But, we all too easily give up on God answering our prayers. But this woman is not so easily put off. She does not give up. What can we learn from her when we ask and do not receive? She has a quick comeback to Jesus' reply, using the word picture Jesus painted. I may not be one of your kids, and I agree that I am not the first priority, but even the pet dog gets to eat the crumbs that drop from the table while the kids are eating. Her answer reveals two important truths that she believed about herself and about Jesus. The first is that she accepted that she had no right to Jesus' help. Unlike the Scribes who had convinced themselves they had earned acceptance by God, she comes with incredible humility, seeking Jesus' help based on mercy or grace, not as a right. She is not at the status of a child, but she seeks Jesus' help based on the belief that He is kind and caring. That He will extend grace to her because of her need. Second, her answer reveals her confidence in the great power of Jesus to do what she asked. She doesn't need much help, only a crumb. She protests that the help she is asking for is not hard for Jesus. It does not demand much of His time or effort. Jesus can help her without leaving the disciples. His help comes out of the overflow of His table! She is confident that Jesus will help her, first because of His great power to do what she needs and second because He is good and kind. He is not the kind of person who will turn away one who has come seeking His help. That is not who He is! Some scholars believe that Jesus does not help her right away as a means of drawing out her faith. It is not clear if that is Jesus' intention, but it certainly does have that result. We see in this Gentile woman a remarkable faith that persists until she gets what she is asking for. This should be a great encouragement to us as we seek help from Jesus in prayer. We need to go to God in prayer with the belief that it is unthinkable that God would turn away anyone who is seeking His help. We should be as shocked by such a thought as we are at Jesus' response in this story. Jesus always helps those who seek Him. Indeed, He does! Second, when the answer is slow to come, we need to be convinced of two important truths. The first is that we have no right to His help. His help is all a matter of grace. Jesus does not help us because we are good enough or have done all the right things to merit an answer. He helps us because of who He is: a kind and merciful God who graciously responds to those who humbly seek Him. At the same time, we should be greatly encouraged that we are not merely a pet dog in His house, but through Christ, we are indeed children and are, therefore, His greatest priority! Finally, we need to believe with all our hearts that the help we need is not hard for God. It is a mere crumb, and He will work for us all that we ask in faith, with no worry that He will run out. He helps us out of the overflow of His power and goodness. Big Idea - Is it possible that you can go to Jesus and ask for help, and He would turn you away without considering your request and granting what you ask? If we ask that question based on our own experience, we will probably say "yes." We may have turned to God many times in prayer, asking for His help, and feel that He never answered our prayers. But, if we base our answer on the life of Jesus in the Gospels, we would have to answer very differently. For in the Gospels, we find Jesus healing and helping all those who come to Him, seeking His help. That is what makes this story so shocking. In Mark 7, a woman comes to Jesus asking for Him to cast a demon out of her daughter, and it does not appear that He is going to help her. Jesus' reply to the woman seems so out of character and so unlike what we would expect Him to do. Why is Jesus so reluctant to help her? Is it because she is a Gentile? In the end, Jesus does help her, but why did He change His mind? We can find great encouragement in this story about what we can expect Jesus to do for us when we come to Him with our needs and how we can respond when it seems that we are not getting what we ask for! The first question we need to answer is why Jesus is slow to help her in the first place. Many people believe the problem is that the woman is a Gentile, and Jesus' ministry was only to the Jews. It is true that Jesus' ministry was almost exclusively to the Jews, but the fact that Mark connects this story with the previous account shows that the divide between Jews and Gentiles is being abolished by His coming. The main divide that separated Jews from Gentiles was the regulations regarding being clean and unclean. Jesus just declared that these things did not actually make you unclean. Rather, it was our sinful hearts that defiled us. Jesus effectively broke down that divide because all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, have the same sinful heart and nature. It is true that God's covenant plan was with Israel, but His covenant was never intended to exclude Gentiles. His promise to Abraham was that all the nations would be blessed through Him. Jesus came to fulfill that promise. Through His life, death, and resurrection, all the nations can now enter into a covenant relationship with God based on His shed blood. If Jesus is not helping her because she is a Gentile, then why is He slow to help? The reason is found in His purpose for coming to the region of Tyre. Jesus left Galilee to place away from the Jews to escape being noticed. He did not want anyone to know where He was or who He was. Ever since they heard the news of John the Baptist's death, Jesus and the disciples have been trying to get away to rest. But the crowds have made it impossible. Jesus needs time to rest, and He also wants to spend focused time teaching and encouraging the twelve. These true and committed followers are His first priority. It is strategic and critical that He equip and prepare them to take His mission forward, for Jesus knows His time with them is short. This is important not only for Israel but also for the world. So, when the woman comes, she is a major interruption to the time Jesus has planned with the twelve. Jesus is not wrong to make the "children" a priority and to delay giving help to the dogs. This is not as insulting as we might think. It is intended not to put her down but to illustrate the point that in a family, it would be wrong to feed your pet dog first, and if there is anything left over, then feed the kids! The kids come first. They are, rightfully, the first priority. This woman is not a disciple, but Jesus still puts her in the house, not outside. He is not saying He should never help her, only that His priority right now is His spiritual children who need His attention and care. In short, Jesus is essentially saying, "Right now is not a good time." Not because I don't want to help you but because I need to focus on more important things at the moment. How do we respond when it seems Jesus is not interested in helping us? When we pray, does the help not come as quickly as we wanted? Maybe we just give up. We decide that prayer doesn't work, and God isn't actually all that interested in helping us. We do not see that great disconnect between what we expect Jesus to do in the Gospels and what we expect God to do in our own lives! It is unthinkable that Jesus would not help someone who comes to Him with their request. But, we all too easily give up on God answering our prayers. But this woman is not so easily put off. She does not give up. What can we learn from her when we ask and do not receive? She has a quick comeback to Jesus' reply, using the word picture Jesus painted. I may not be one of your kids, and I agree that I am not the first priority, but even the pet dog gets to eat the crumbs that drop from the table while the kids are eating. Her answer reveals two important truths that she believed about herself and about Jesus. The first is that she accepted that she had no right to Jesus' help. Unlike the Scribes who had convinced themselves they had earned acceptance by God, she comes with incredible humility, seeking Jesus' help based on mercy or grace, not as a right. She is not at the status of a child, but she seeks Jesus' help based on the belief that He is kind and caring. That He will extend grace to her because of her need. Second, her answer reveals her confidence in the great power of Jesus to do what she asked. She doesn't need much help, only a crumb. She protests that the help she is asking for is not hard for Jesus. It does not demand much of His time or effort. Jesus can help her without leaving the disciples. His help comes out of the overflow of His table! She is confident that Jesus will help her, first because of His great power to do what she needs and second because He is good and kind. He is not the kind of person who will turn away one who has come seeking His help. That is not who He is! Some scholars believe that Jesus does not help her right away as a means of drawing out her faith. It is not clear if that is Jesus' intention, but it certainly does have that result. We see in this Gentile woman a remarkable faith that persists until she gets what she is asking for. This should be a great encouragement to us as we seek help from Jesus in prayer. We need to go to God in prayer with the belief that it is unthinkable that God would turn away anyone who is seeking His help. We should be as shocked by such a thought as we are at Jesus' response in this story. Jesus always helps those who seek Him. Indeed, He does! Second, when the answer is slow to come, we need to be convinced of two important truths. The first is that we have no right to His help. His help is all a matter of grace. Jesus does not help us because we are good enough or have done all the right things to merit an answer. He helps us because of who He is: a kind and merciful God who graciously responds to those who humbly seek Him. At the same time, we should be greatly encouraged that we are not merely a pet dog in His house, but through Christ, we are indeed children and are, therefore, His greatest priority! Finally, we need to believe with all our hearts that the help we need is not hard for God. It is a mere crumb, and He will work for us all that we ask in faith, with no worry that He will run out. He helps us out of the overflow of His power and goodness. Big Idea - Is it possible that you can go to Jesus and ask for help, and He would turn you away without considering your request and granting what you ask? If we ask that question based on our own experience, we will probably say "yes." We may have tur… Tim Dunham 2283 https://ccf.sermon.net/22293428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_crumbs/id/4121621.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22293428 Series: Mark Sun, 23 Jun 2024 02:53:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil Jesus invites us through our hunger to trust Him for true satisfaction. Unpacking the Big Idea ● Why are we so hungry? ○ Our hunger is an invitation from Jesus to seek Him ● What is true satisfaction? ○ Satisfaction with Jesus for who He is and not just the benefits He gives us. - Jonathan Edwards ● How can we experience true satisfaction? ○ Trust Jesus with our hunger Jesus invites us through our hunger to trust Him for true satisfaction. Unpacking the Big Idea ● Why are we so hungry? ○ Our hunger is an invitation from Jesus to seek Him ● What is true satisfaction? ○ Satisfaction with Jesus for who He is and not just the benefits He gives us. - Jonathan Edwards ● How can we experience true satisfaction? ○ Trust Jesus with our hunger Jesus invites us through our hunger to trust Him for true satisfaction. Unpacking the Big Idea ● Why are we so hungry? ○ Our hunger is an invitation from Jesus to seek Him ● What is true satisfaction? ○ Satisfaction with Jesus for who He is and no… Ross Pospisil 65 https://ccf.sermon.net/22284310/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareyouhungryfor/id/4112797.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22284310 Series: Mark Sun, 09 Jun 2024 02:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We all want to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our life counts for something, not only to ourselves but to others as well. It feels good to know that we have made a positive difference in the world somehow. On June 6th, the world celebrated the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the turning point of WWII. The men who fought and even died at the Battle of Normandy are still celebrated because they made a difference, an impact on the course of history that we still feel today. This illustrates that making a real difference in the world often means taking up the right cause, a cause, or a mission much bigger than ourselves. In Mark 6, Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out to be a part of His cause. He sends them out to make a difference in the world. 2,000 years later, the cause of Christ and His mission in the world has not changed. He still calls people to join Him and to make a difference in the world by following Him. Is His cause one worth living for and giving your life to? First, we need to be clear about what Jesus' mission in the world was. What did He come to do, and what was the mission He was sending the Twelve on? Jesus came proclaiming that the Kingdom of God had come. The Kingdom was available for anyone who wanted to enter. It was not a political Kingdom or a territorial Kingdom but a spiritual Kingdom. In short, it was the reign and rule of Christ over the hearts of people who followed Him. The requirement to be part of His kingdom was to repent, which meant completely changing the direction of one's life, from being master of your own life to letting Jesus be King and ruler over your entire life. The only answer that makes sense is to be part of something much greater and much better! Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would make the ultimate difference in the world - an eternal difference. But how do we know His kingdom is worth it? How do we know it is a cause worth living for or even dying for? The first answer to that question is seen in the impact His Kingdom makes in the world. The effect of Jesus coming to rule is that all the forces of evil and the consequences of sin are being overthrown. Jesus came to face everything that is broken and wrong with the world and make it right. Jesus sent out the twelve to announce the Kingdom, to chase away the evil spirits, and to heal the sick. These were the exact things that Jesus was doing, and it is what happens when His kingdom comes. If that is true then why is there still sickness and evil in the world? Much like D-Day, the battle of Normandy marked a decisive turning point in the war. The enemy was being pushed back. But it was not the final battle. It was not V-Day. Jesus has brought about a decisive turning point in the war against sin and evil, but the final day of victory is yet to come. The second thing we must consider about the Kingdom of Christ is the nature of His Kingdom. Is it the kind of Kingdom we want to be a part of? What is the nature of His Kingdom? We learn something about His kingdom's nature and rule by the strange way He sent out the twelve. He sent them out with nothing, in poverty and weakness. Here is an amazing paradox. The Kingdom comes with great power over all the powers of darkness and evil, but those who announce the Kingdom and are committed to its cause come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. What does this tell us about the nature of the Kingdom? First, the Kingdom of Jesus is nothing like the Kingdoms of the World, which are meant to impress from the very first encounter. If we are honest, we must admit we are more impressed with wealth than with poverty because wealth looks like success. But the Kingdom of Christ is spiritual, and its power and success have nothing to do with what the world values. That is because wealth and the images of success are a lie. They cannot satisfy the deepest longings and needs of the human heart. Wealth cannot make you happy. A brand-new BMW is not love. Success does not bring lasting joy or peace. But these are the very atmosphere of the Kingdom. These are the heart of God and the fruit of His Spirit! Jesus also sent them out with nothing to show us that we don't join Jesus in His mission because of what we have to offer. Unlike being drafted to the WNBA, He does not send us out because of our great skill or talent. It is all a matter of His grace. We do not deserve the Kingdom, and we do not enter it on the basis of our merit or good works. The twelve were not working for Jesus in order to earn a permanent spot on the team! They were uneducated fishermen, just average people. We do not deserve His Kingdom, but He freely offers it to us as a matter of grace - a gift we have not earned. Thirdly, being sent out with nothing reminds us that the Kingdom is not about being self-sufficient but dependent. It is not about being powerful or being experts who are better than everyone else. Instead, we come in a spirit of dependence, needing help, and putting ourselves in a position of reliance on the very people we are sent to "save." I think the Church and missionaries have largely lost sight of this important priority of the Kingdom. Fourth, the Kingdom is offered as a gift that may or may not be received or welcomed. Jesus does not force His kingdom on anyone, nor should we. We announce that the Kingdom has come and invite people to repent. If they reject the message, we move on without a fight or argument. But, we give them a warning sign. To reject Jesus or His messengers is to reject His kingdom. There is one more important thing we need to know about the nature of this Kingdom. And that is to understand the nature of the King. Jesus sent out the twelve, and He sends us out on the same mission, expecting them to make great personal sacrifices. It is not easy going in weakness, dependent on others, and not in the power of self-sufficiency. They will face rejection and even hostile crowds who hate them and persecute them. How could Jesus ask so much of them? Only because Jesus subjected Himself to the same things and even more. He was not a king who expected people to suffer for His cause while He lived in luxury and comfort. A few chapters later, He will tell His followers, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. He lived in poverty and did all the things He asked of His followers, and even more. He came to give His life as a ransom. That is, He died giving His very life as the purchase price to buy us out of slavery. What does that mean? It means that our desire to be lord and master over our own life has made us slaves to sin. It has not made us free as we are told but makes us slaves to all the things we crave and think we need to be happy. But lasting love and joy are found in Christ alone. Jesus died to set us free, to pay the ransom price to buy us out of slavery. The Kingdom of Christ is a cause worth living for because it was a cause Jesus the King knew was worth dying for! Big Idea - We all want to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our life counts for something, not only to ourselves but to others as well. It feels good to know that we have made a positive difference in the world somehow. On June 6th, the world celebrated the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the turning point of WWII. The men who fought and even died at the Battle of Normandy are still celebrated because they made a difference, an impact on the course of history that we still feel today. This illustrates that making a real difference in the world often means taking up the right cause, a cause, or a mission much bigger than ourselves. In Mark 6, Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out to be a part of His cause. He sends them out to make a difference in the world. 2,000 years later, the cause of Christ and His mission in the world has not changed. He still calls people to join Him and to make a difference in the world by following Him. Is His cause one worth living for and giving your life to? First, we need to be clear about what Jesus' mission in the world was. What did He come to do, and what was the mission He was sending the Twelve on? Jesus came proclaiming that the Kingdom of God had come. The Kingdom was available for anyone who wanted to enter. It was not a political Kingdom or a territorial Kingdom but a spiritual Kingdom. In short, it was the reign and rule of Christ over the hearts of people who followed Him. The requirement to be part of His kingdom was to repent, which meant completely changing the direction of one's life, from being master of your own life to letting Jesus be King and ruler over your entire life. The only answer that makes sense is to be part of something much greater and much better! Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that would make the ultimate difference in the world - an eternal difference. But how do we know His kingdom is worth it? How do we know it is a cause worth living for or even dying for? The first answer to that question is seen in the impact His Kingdom makes in the world. The effect of Jesus coming to rule is that all the forces of evil and the consequences of sin are being overthrown. Jesus came to face everything that is broken and wrong with the world and make it right. Jesus sent out the twelve to announce the Kingdom, to chase away the evil spirits, and to heal the sick. These were the exact things that Jesus was doing, and it is what happens when His kingdom comes. If that is true then why is there still sickness and evil in the world? Much like D-Day, the battle of Normandy marked a decisive turning point in the war. The enemy was being pushed back. But it was not the final battle. It was not V-Day. Jesus has brought about a decisive turning point in the war against sin and evil, but the final day of victory is yet to come. The second thing we must consider about the Kingdom of Christ is the nature of His Kingdom. Is it the kind of Kingdom we want to be a part of? What is the nature of His Kingdom? We learn something about His kingdom's nature and rule by the strange way He sent out the twelve. He sent them out with nothing, in poverty and weakness. Here is an amazing paradox. The Kingdom comes with great power over all the powers of darkness and evil, but those who announce the Kingdom and are committed to its cause come with nothing but the clothes on their backs. What does this tell us about the nature of the Kingdom? First, the Kingdom of Jesus is nothing like the Kingdoms of the World, which are meant to impress from the very first encounter. If we are honest, we must admit we are more impressed with wealth than with poverty because wealth looks like success. But the Kingdom of Christ is spiritual, and its power and success have nothing to do with what the world values. That is because wealth and the images of success are a lie. They cannot satisfy the deepest longings and needs of the human heart. Wealth cannot make you happy. A brand-new BMW is not love. Success does not bring lasting joy or peace. But these are the very atmosphere of the Kingdom. These are the heart of God and the fruit of His Spirit! Jesus also sent them out with nothing to show us that we don't join Jesus in His mission because of what we have to offer. Unlike being drafted to the WNBA, He does not send us out because of our great skill or talent. It is all a matter of His grace. We do not deserve the Kingdom, and we do not enter it on the basis of our merit or good works. The twelve were not working for Jesus in order to earn a permanent spot on the team! They were uneducated fishermen, just average people. We do not deserve His Kingdom, but He freely offers it to us as a matter of grace - a gift we have not earned. Thirdly, being sent out with nothing reminds us that the Kingdom is not about being self-sufficient but dependent. It is not about being powerful or being experts who are better than everyone else. Instead, we come in a spirit of dependence, needing help, and putting ourselves in a position of reliance on the very people we are sent to "save." I think the Church and missionaries have largely lost sight of this important priority of the Kingdom. Fourth, the Kingdom is offered as a gift that may or may not be received or welcomed. Jesus does not force His kingdom on anyone, nor should we. We announce that the Kingdom has come and invite people to repent. If they reject the message, we move on without a fight or argument. But, we give them a warning sign. To reject Jesus or His messengers is to reject His kingdom. There is one more important thing we need to know about the nature of this Kingdom. And that is to understand the nature of the King. Jesus sent out the twelve, and He sends us out on the same mission, expecting them to make great personal sacrifices. It is not easy going in weakness, dependent on others, and not in the power of self-sufficiency. They will face rejection and even hostile crowds who hate them and persecute them. How could Jesus ask so much of them? Only because Jesus subjected Himself to the same things and even more. He was not a king who expected people to suffer for His cause while He lived in luxury and comfort. A few chapters later, He will tell His followers, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. He lived in poverty and did all the things He asked of His followers, and even more. He came to give His life as a ransom. That is, He died giving His very life as the purchase price to buy us out of slavery. What does that mean? It means that our desire to be lord and master over our own life has made us slaves to sin. It has not made us free as we are told but makes us slaves to all the things we crave and think we need to be happy. But lasting love and joy are found in Christ alone. Jesus died to set us free, to pay the ransom price to buy us out of slavery. The Kingdom of Christ is a cause worth living for because it was a cause Jesus the King knew was worth dying for! Big Idea - We all want to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our life counts for something, not only to ourselves but to others as well. It feels good to know that we have made a positive difference in the world somehow. On June 6th, … Tim Dunham 2489 https://ccf.sermon.net/22277097/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingadifference/id/4107496.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22277097 Series: Mark Sun, 05 May 2024 02:35:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In Rembrandt's painting of the storm on the sea, he paints himself in the boat with the 12 disciples and Jesus. He can identify with the experience of the disciples who are all struck with terror in the face of this fierce storm that is threatening their very lives. Like Rembrandt, it's not hard to paint ourselves in the picture, for life has its stormy days. Sometimes those storms are so severe they threaten our very lives. Jesus never promised that if we follow Him, He will make life smooth sailing from beginning to end. In fact, He promised just the opposite - in this world, you will have trouble. The good news, however, is that we do not need to go through this trouble alone. Jesus is with us in the boat, and that makes all the difference in the world! Rembrandt chose to paint the picture with the storm still raging and Jesus still half asleep rather than a moment later when Jesus, with all authority and power, is rebuking the wind and calming the sea. It is not because the artist didn't believe Jesus calmed the storm, but because he understood that in real life, in the midst of the storm, when we feel like we are about to sink, that is the time we need faith and courage. Jesus will eventually calm the raging sea, but how do we respond when it feels like Jesus is asleep, and in the silence we wonder if God really cares for us? What do we do when we find ourselves caught in a storm that feels like it is about to sink us, and we wonder if Jesus cares or even knows about our trouble? The storms will come, so how can we survive the storms of life with the courage Jesus expected His disciples to demonstrate? First, we need to take Jesus with us in the boat! This is the first basic truth of what it means to be a true follower of Christ. When we put our faith in Him, He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us! Secondly, we need to seek Jesus' help at the first sign of trouble. Our problem is that we often think we can solve the problem ourselves. We are convinced we can fix it, or we can overcome it on our own. So, we take matters into our own hands. Unfortunately, this works sometimes, so it only reinforces our confidence in ourselves rather than training us to rely on God. Prayer is not our first instinct. It becomes our last resort! But, there are times when our cries for help appear to be met with the silence of God. Jesus seems to be sleeping as the storm rages on, and it seems our prayers are unheard. What do we do then? Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of courage and lack of faith in the midst of the storm. Jesus expected them to face the storm with the kind of faith that would give them the courage to persevere and go through the storm with the same calm and peace that enabled Him to sleep in the midst of it all. Where does that kind of faith come from? How can we grow that kind of faith in our hearts? The disciples give us the answer in their crucial question that closes the story - 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” They had Jesus in the boat with them, which was all they needed, but they didn't fully grasp or understand who Jesus really was! Jesus was fully human, drained, and exhausted after a full day of teaching. They saw the human Jesus, who was a great but often perplexing teacher. They did not yet see the divine Jesus, who was also fully God! Jesus gets up and, with a word of rebuke, tames the wind and muzzles the storm. There is no human or even evil spirit who can do that. God alone controls the powerful forces of nature. Jesus demonstrates clearly who this is - He is fully God. We need Jesus on the boat with us. We need to seek Him at the first sign of trouble. But most of all, we need to know who Jesus really is! He is God Almighty, who has the power to calm the storms, and He cares more than we can imagine, no matter our circumstances! This knowledge needs to be much more than the facts we know about Him. It needs to be something we experience through a personal encounter with Jesus, the living God! Jesus can calm every storm, but He does not promise to do that. All too often, we must go through the storms and deal with all the fear and terror of it. That is why Rembrandt chose to capture this moment. He brilliantly captures two things at once. The first is the fierceness of the storm that is filling the ship and, by all appearances, does all in its power to sink it to the bottom of the sea. But, in the painting, the ship is not sinking. It is being raised up as if held on high by some great power. This is the great truth that gave Jesus such calm - the storms will rage against us, and it may feel like we are about to die (and maybe we will), but He is holding us up in the storm. He is the Mighty God, and He has us in His hands. Therefore, we can face the storm with courage because we know who He is, and we can trust Him. Big Idea - In Rembrandt's painting of the storm on the sea, he paints himself in the boat with the 12 disciples and Jesus. He can identify with the experience of the disciples who are all struck with terror in the face of this fierce storm that is threatening their very lives. Like Rembrandt, it's not hard to paint ourselves in the picture, for life has its stormy days. Sometimes those storms are so severe they threaten our very lives. Jesus never promised that if we follow Him, He will make life smooth sailing from beginning to end. In fact, He promised just the opposite - in this world, you will have trouble. The good news, however, is that we do not need to go through this trouble alone. Jesus is with us in the boat, and that makes all the difference in the world! Rembrandt chose to paint the picture with the storm still raging and Jesus still half asleep rather than a moment later when Jesus, with all authority and power, is rebuking the wind and calming the sea. It is not because the artist didn't believe Jesus calmed the storm, but because he understood that in real life, in the midst of the storm, when we feel like we are about to sink, that is the time we need faith and courage. Jesus will eventually calm the raging sea, but how do we respond when it feels like Jesus is asleep, and in the silence we wonder if God really cares for us? What do we do when we find ourselves caught in a storm that feels like it is about to sink us, and we wonder if Jesus cares or even knows about our trouble? The storms will come, so how can we survive the storms of life with the courage Jesus expected His disciples to demonstrate? First, we need to take Jesus with us in the boat! This is the first basic truth of what it means to be a true follower of Christ. When we put our faith in Him, He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us! Secondly, we need to seek Jesus' help at the first sign of trouble. Our problem is that we often think we can solve the problem ourselves. We are convinced we can fix it, or we can overcome it on our own. So, we take matters into our own hands. Unfortunately, this works sometimes, so it only reinforces our confidence in ourselves rather than training us to rely on God. Prayer is not our first instinct. It becomes our last resort! But, there are times when our cries for help appear to be met with the silence of God. Jesus seems to be sleeping as the storm rages on, and it seems our prayers are unheard. What do we do then? Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of courage and lack of faith in the midst of the storm. Jesus expected them to face the storm with the kind of faith that would give them the courage to persevere and go through the storm with the same calm and peace that enabled Him to sleep in the midst of it all. Where does that kind of faith come from? How can we grow that kind of faith in our hearts? The disciples give us the answer in their crucial question that closes the story - 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” They had Jesus in the boat with them, which was all they needed, but they didn't fully grasp or understand who Jesus really was! Jesus was fully human, drained, and exhausted after a full day of teaching. They saw the human Jesus, who was a great but often perplexing teacher. They did not yet see the divine Jesus, who was also fully God! Jesus gets up and, with a word of rebuke, tames the wind and muzzles the storm. There is no human or even evil spirit who can do that. God alone controls the powerful forces of nature. Jesus demonstrates clearly who this is - He is fully God. We need Jesus on the boat with us. We need to seek Him at the first sign of trouble. But most of all, we need to know who Jesus really is! He is God Almighty, who has the power to calm the storms, and He cares more than we can imagine, no matter our circumstances! This knowledge needs to be much more than the facts we know about Him. It needs to be something we experience through a personal encounter with Jesus, the living God! Jesus can calm every storm, but He does not promise to do that. All too often, we must go through the storms and deal with all the fear and terror of it. That is why Rembrandt chose to capture this moment. He brilliantly captures two things at once. The first is the fierceness of the storm that is filling the ship and, by all appearances, does all in its power to sink it to the bottom of the sea. But, in the painting, the ship is not sinking. It is being raised up as if held on high by some great power. This is the great truth that gave Jesus such calm - the storms will rage against us, and it may feel like we are about to die (and maybe we will), but He is holding us up in the storm. He is the Mighty God, and He has us in His hands. Therefore, we can face the storm with courage because we know who He is, and we can trust Him. Big Idea - In Rembrandt's painting of the storm on the sea, he paints himself in the boat with the 12 disciples and Jesus. He can identify with the experience of the disciples who are all struck with terror in the face of this fierce storm that is thre… Tim Dunham 2736 https://ccf.sermon.net/22262536/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusinthestorm/id/4093483.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22262536 Series: Mark Sun, 28 Apr 2024 05:32:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In English, we have an old saying, "more than meets the eye." It means that often, there is more to something than what we see at first. This is never more true than when it comes to the Gospel. On the surface, Jesus and the message of the cross does not look like much. In fact, the cross looks like defeat and utter failure. In the previous passage, we saw that the Kingdom is at hand, but it does not come with great armies and raging battles of conquest; it comes by proclamation, that is, it comes simply by announcing its arrival. Consequently, it was quite easy for those who heard Jesus to overlook who He was and the greatness of the Kingdom He announced. When His life ended on the cross, it was even easier to dismiss Him and His kingdom as nothing. To this very day, people do not take the Kingdom of God seriously. We take seriously threats from nations that can launch an assault of nuclear weapons or who are a great economic powerhouse, but the Kingdom of God seems weak and insignificant by comparison. But we must consider that there truly is more to this Kingdom than meets the eye! In this passage, Jesus tells two parables about the soil - how we hear the message, and two parables about the seed - the power of the message. Jesus warns people to pay close attention to the message and be careful not to overlook it. He is truly saying that there is more than meets the eye, and only those who make the effort to really listen will come to understand the truth and glory of the Kingdom. First, He uses the illustration of a lamp that is brought into a dark room. The purpose of the lamp is to light up the room, so it would be foolish to put it under your bed or under a pot. Instead you would put it in a prominent place where its light can have the greatest reach into every corner of the room. The point is that the Gospel message is light and truth. But it can only have an impact in our lives if we give it prominence in our lives. We must lift the Word to the highest priority and importance. But, far too many people would rather hide its light because they do not really want to know the hidden and secret things. In this case, the light does not fail to reveal because it has no power but because the one receiving the light has smothered its light. The parable of the measure makes a similar point. It is a picture of a person going to get a measure of grain to bring home and bake a cake. The amount of grain you get depends on the size of the measure. If the person is lazy, they may think, I don't want to carry the bucket there. I will just get a handful. By the time they return home, all will likely be lost. But the person who takes the biggest bucket they can find will get a heaping abundance of grain. The point is that the amount of attention and priority we give when we hear the Gospel message determines how much understanding and impact it has in our lives. The one who listens with all attention, giving it the highest priority and value in their life, will come to understand the fullness of its truth and will receive even more truth and understanding. That is, they will see that there is so much more to the Kingdom than what meets the eye! But, to the one who only listens with a passing interest and does not give it prominence or priority in their life, even what they hear will quickly fade away and be lost. The point of application for us is this - is the Word of God and the message of the Gospel truly the highest priority in our lives? Are we giving its truth the place of greatest prominence and letting it shine into every dark corner of our lives to shed its light and change us by its power? The second set of parables has to do with the message itself - the word He is proclaiming. The word is compared to the seed. In the first example, the farmer sows the seed, but then he goes about his daily life, and what he does from day to day has no bearing on the seed's growth. It grows all by itself! It has the power of life and growth, and once it is planted, it will grow until it is fully mature and ready to harvest. The point of this parable is if we do listen well and give the Word of the Gospel a place of prominence in our lives, it goes to work. It grows according to its stages of growth until it is fully mature. The message of the Kingdom has within it all the power and truth to radically change our lives and make us completely true disciples who are full citizens of the Kingdom. Here again, there is more than meets the eye. The growth and the power of the seed and even of the growing plant may not look like much when it is just a small sprout. We might think there is nothing there, but it will never amount to anything. But, we must have faith to believe that the Word is doing its work in our lives and in the lives of all those who have truly received the message. From day to day, growth may be hard to detect, but we must have confidence that the Word is at work and will bring us to maturity in Christ! The last parable is also a picture of a seed. This time it is a mustard seed, considered the smallest of all the garden variety seeds. It is not much to look at, and if we were to judge based on its size and what will come of it, we would think it won't grow to be very much of a plant at all. But it grows to be the largest of all the garden plants - a large bush 2-3 meters tall and over a meter in width. It is large enough that birds can build a nest in its branches and find shelter! Birds don't build their nest in the lettuce patch or find shelter under a stalk of corn, only in the mustard bush. There is much more to that little mustard seed than meets the eye. But, you cannot judge what it will become by its beginning. It was easy to discount Jesus as nothing. His death on the cross looks like total defeat and failure. The band of fishermen who made up the original disciples were ridiculed by the religious experts in Jerusalem as uneducated men and nobodies. The struggles of the early Church, without buildings and great cathedrals, meeting underground to escape persecution, a church made up of the poor, the widows, slaves, and the very ordinary. All these look very insignificant. But that is not the end. There is the rest of the story. Jesus died, but He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God in Sovereign majesty. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and started a movement that is still expanding and growing to this very day. The more the church was persecuted and driven under group, the more it spread and is still spreading to every tribe and nation and people. Only at the return of Christ will it be seen how great the Kingdom of God truly is! Are you discouraged? Do you feel weak and helpless? Do you feel small and that your life really doesn't count for much? Do you feel like the Church and Christians are ignored and overlooked by the world? That no one really takes the Kingdom of God or the Gospel seriously? Fear not, and do not be troubled. There is so much more to this kingdom and to your life than meets the eye! What we will become has not yet been revealed, but one day it will be and we will be like Jesus in all His splendor and glory. There is more to you, more to the Church, and more to the Kingdom of God than meets the eye Big Idea - In English, we have an old saying, "more than meets the eye." It means that often, there is more to something than what we see at first. This is never more true than when it comes to the Gospel. On the surface, Jesus and the message of the cross does not look like much. In fact, the cross looks like defeat and utter failure. In the previous passage, we saw that the Kingdom is at hand, but it does not come with great armies and raging battles of conquest; it comes by proclamation, that is, it comes simply by announcing its arrival. Consequently, it was quite easy for those who heard Jesus to overlook who He was and the greatness of the Kingdom He announced. When His life ended on the cross, it was even easier to dismiss Him and His kingdom as nothing. To this very day, people do not take the Kingdom of God seriously. We take seriously threats from nations that can launch an assault of nuclear weapons or who are a great economic powerhouse, but the Kingdom of God seems weak and insignificant by comparison. But we must consider that there truly is more to this Kingdom than meets the eye! In this passage, Jesus tells two parables about the soil - how we hear the message, and two parables about the seed - the power of the message. Jesus warns people to pay close attention to the message and be careful not to overlook it. He is truly saying that there is more than meets the eye, and only those who make the effort to really listen will come to understand the truth and glory of the Kingdom. First, He uses the illustration of a lamp that is brought into a dark room. The purpose of the lamp is to light up the room, so it would be foolish to put it under your bed or under a pot. Instead you would put it in a prominent place where its light can have the greatest reach into every corner of the room. The point is that the Gospel message is light and truth. But it can only have an impact in our lives if we give it prominence in our lives. We must lift the Word to the highest priority and importance. But, far too many people would rather hide its light because they do not really want to know the hidden and secret things. In this case, the light does not fail to reveal because it has no power but because the one receiving the light has smothered its light. The parable of the measure makes a similar point. It is a picture of a person going to get a measure of grain to bring home and bake a cake. The amount of grain you get depends on the size of the measure. If the person is lazy, they may think, I don't want to carry the bucket there. I will just get a handful. By the time they return home, all will likely be lost. But the person who takes the biggest bucket they can find will get a heaping abundance of grain. The point is that the amount of attention and priority we give when we hear the Gospel message determines how much understanding and impact it has in our lives. The one who listens with all attention, giving it the highest priority and value in their life, will come to understand the fullness of its truth and will receive even more truth and understanding. That is, they will see that there is so much more to the Kingdom than what meets the eye! But, to the one who only listens with a passing interest and does not give it prominence or priority in their life, even what they hear will quickly fade away and be lost. The point of application for us is this - is the Word of God and the message of the Gospel truly the highest priority in our lives? Are we giving its truth the place of greatest prominence and letting it shine into every dark corner of our lives to shed its light and change us by its power? The second set of parables has to do with the message itself - the word He is proclaiming. The word is compared to the seed. In the first example, the farmer sows the seed, but then he goes about his daily life, and what he does from day to day has no bearing on the seed's growth. It grows all by itself! It has the power of life and growth, and once it is planted, it will grow until it is fully mature and ready to harvest. The point of this parable is if we do listen well and give the Word of the Gospel a place of prominence in our lives, it goes to work. It grows according to its stages of growth until it is fully mature. The message of the Kingdom has within it all the power and truth to radically change our lives and make us completely true disciples who are full citizens of the Kingdom. Here again, there is more than meets the eye. The growth and the power of the seed and even of the growing plant may not look like much when it is just a small sprout. We might think there is nothing there, but it will never amount to anything. But, we must have faith to believe that the Word is doing its work in our lives and in the lives of all those who have truly received the message. From day to day, growth may be hard to detect, but we must have confidence that the Word is at work and will bring us to maturity in Christ! The last parable is also a picture of a seed. This time it is a mustard seed, considered the smallest of all the garden variety seeds. It is not much to look at, and if we were to judge based on its size and what will come of it, we would think it won't grow to be very much of a plant at all. But it grows to be the largest of all the garden plants - a large bush 2-3 meters tall and over a meter in width. It is large enough that birds can build a nest in its branches and find shelter! Birds don't build their nest in the lettuce patch or find shelter under a stalk of corn, only in the mustard bush. There is much more to that little mustard seed than meets the eye. But, you cannot judge what it will become by its beginning. It was easy to discount Jesus as nothing. His death on the cross looks like total defeat and failure. The band of fishermen who made up the original disciples were ridiculed by the religious experts in Jerusalem as uneducated men and nobodies. The struggles of the early Church, without buildings and great cathedrals, meeting underground to escape persecution, a church made up of the poor, the widows, slaves, and the very ordinary. All these look very insignificant. But that is not the end. There is the rest of the story. Jesus died, but He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God in Sovereign majesty. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and started a movement that is still expanding and growing to this very day. The more the church was persecuted and driven under group, the more it spread and is still spreading to every tribe and nation and people. Only at the return of Christ will it be seen how great the Kingdom of God truly is! Are you discouraged? Do you feel weak and helpless? Do you feel small and that your life really doesn't count for much? Do you feel like the Church and Christians are ignored and overlooked by the world? That no one really takes the Kingdom of God or the Gospel seriously? Fear not, and do not be troubled. There is so much more to this kingdom and to your life than meets the eye! What we will become has not yet been revealed, but one day it will be and we will be like Jesus in all His splendor and glory. There is more to you, more to the Church, and more to the Kingdom of God than meets the eye Big Idea - In English, we have an old saying, "more than meets the eye." It means that often, there is more to something than what we see at first. This is never more true than when it comes to the Gospel. On the surface, Jesus and the message of the c… Tim Dunham 3056 https://ccf.sermon.net/22260036/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_morethanmeetstheeye/id/4091108.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22260036 Series: Mark Sun, 21 Apr 2024 04:58:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most of us have experienced the long line at immigration when we arrive in a foreign country by airplane. You cannot just walk into the country. There are entry requirements. Either you have to prove you are a citizen of that country by having the proper passport, or you have to obtain a visa that gives you permission to enter. The Kingdom of God also has its entry requirements. But, the Kingdom of God is, first of all, a spiritual Kingdom. One day, the Kingdom will come in all its fullness and glory, but until that day, we enter into the Kingdom of God not so much as a place but as a power and not as residents of a country as we are subjects of the King. What, then, are the entry requirements of such a unique Kingdom? How does one obtain a visa, or better yet, how do we become citizens of this Kingdom? The parable of the sower and the soils is a parable about the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us that understanding this parable is the key to unlocking all the parables. Consequently, all the parables teach us about the Kingdom. The most important characteristic of the Kingdom of Christ is that it arrives by proclamation - the sower sows the word. The word, or logos, is the only message Jesus came proclaiming. "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15. It is clear, then, that the Kingdom comes by preaching the Word, the Gospel. If you want to enter this Kingdom, you must hear the message announcing the kingdom. In the Christian faith, we put a great deal of emphasis on preaching the Word, not so much because we love the Bible, which we do. But more than that, right now, preaching is the way the Kingdom comes. When the final version of the Kingdom arrives, it is only those who have known the kingdom through the preaching of the "word" who will find themselves citizens in that great Kingdom. If the Kingdom comes by preaching, then hearing that message is everything! Jesus urges those listening to Him to "Listen!" And again, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." There are serious obstacles to hearing the message, and it is not enough to simply hear the words. The parables of the sower and the soil illustrate how a person can hear but not really hear. Jesus also explains clearly what it takes to really hear, to have the right kind of ears that hear and understand, and thereby enter the Kingdom. The first group who hear the message but fail to really hear are those by the footpath. They do not really hear because Satan comes and snatches away the message. You could say it falls on deaf ears because they are immediately resistant to the message. The Scribes and Priests fell into this category. So then, Satan is the first great enemy of the Gospel message who seeks to make everyone spiritually deaf. The second type of soil are those who hear and actually receive the message, but it is temporary because they have no root. When trouble and persecution arise, they fall away as quickly as they sprouted up. This is the person who picks and chooses the part of the message they like but do not really pay attention to the whole story. The rock buried just beneath the surface is their own flesh that can live only for itself, for comfort, pleasure, and ease. If the flesh is not destroyed, the message cannot grow, and they will fall away at the first sign of hardship. The third type of soil are those who hear the word, but their lives are full of thorns. They love the world and desire it more than they love Jesus and desire His kingdom. The third enemy, then, is the cares of this world and love for this life. For these three kinds of soil, they hear, but they don't understand, and they miss the kingdom. The good news is that the message also falls on good soil. These are the ones who hear the message and receive it. But, they do not receive it like the rocky soil. Those who were the rocky soil only received it as an idea they liked and approved of. But those who are the good soil receive it as a treasure. It is for them an inheritance and Kingdom they take possession of! They receive it to the very depths of heart and soul. Robert Gundry summarizes it this way "the good hearers welcome the word immediately, so that Satan cannot snatch it away. They welcome it deeply so that persecution because of it cannot induce them to fall away. They welcome it exclusively so that other concerns do not stifle it. The understanding that results from this kind of reception goes beyond the intellectual to touch conduct, commitment, and devotion." The result is that the message produces fruit. It is multiplied many times over. This can be understood first as an increase in understanding and in receiving more instruction. But, it also implies that the word makes an eternal, life changing impact. The very life and nature of the Kingdom is in you and you become a very different kind of person. There are a couple of important things we can do to apply these truths. The first is to understand that we cannot overcome Satan, the flesh, or the world by our own willpower or resolve. It is significant that even the twelve whom Jesus chose all fell away at Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. They all proved to be bad soil before the cross. But, it was a very different story after the resurrection and after Pentecost. They became bold witnesses for Christ and joyfully suffered and died for their faith. It is the power of the cross applied to our life through the Holy Spirit that alone can overcome Satan, the flesh, and the world. The Gospel of the Kingdom is the Gospel of the King who died on the cross to make us good soil! Second, parables are good at painting a clear picture of truth, but the picture always breaks down at some point. There is only one kind of seed, the Gospel message, but we need to hear it over and over in all its wonder and in all the breadth of its meaning. By the power of the cross, we are good soil, but we all are in danger of letting these obstacles creep in and make the word ineffective in our life. The battle against Satan, the flesh, and the world is a daily battle. We must constantly be turning to the cross, the Word, and the Holy Spirit to overcome so that the Word is powerful and effective in our lives! Big Idea - Most of us have experienced the long line at immigration when we arrive in a foreign country by airplane. You cannot just walk into the country. There are entry requirements. Either you have to prove you are a citizen of that country by having the proper passport, or you have to obtain a visa that gives you permission to enter. The Kingdom of God also has its entry requirements. But, the Kingdom of God is, first of all, a spiritual Kingdom. One day, the Kingdom will come in all its fullness and glory, but until that day, we enter into the Kingdom of God not so much as a place but as a power and not as residents of a country as we are subjects of the King. What, then, are the entry requirements of such a unique Kingdom? How does one obtain a visa, or better yet, how do we become citizens of this Kingdom? The parable of the sower and the soils is a parable about the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells us that understanding this parable is the key to unlocking all the parables. Consequently, all the parables teach us about the Kingdom. The most important characteristic of the Kingdom of Christ is that it arrives by proclamation - the sower sows the word. The word, or logos, is the only message Jesus came proclaiming. "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15. It is clear, then, that the Kingdom comes by preaching the Word, the Gospel. If you want to enter this Kingdom, you must hear the message announcing the kingdom. In the Christian faith, we put a great deal of emphasis on preaching the Word, not so much because we love the Bible, which we do. But more than that, right now, preaching is the way the Kingdom comes. When the final version of the Kingdom arrives, it is only those who have known the kingdom through the preaching of the "word" who will find themselves citizens in that great Kingdom. If the Kingdom comes by preaching, then hearing that message is everything! Jesus urges those listening to Him to "Listen!" And again, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." There are serious obstacles to hearing the message, and it is not enough to simply hear the words. The parables of the sower and the soil illustrate how a person can hear but not really hear. Jesus also explains clearly what it takes to really hear, to have the right kind of ears that hear and understand, and thereby enter the Kingdom. The first group who hear the message but fail to really hear are those by the footpath. They do not really hear because Satan comes and snatches away the message. You could say it falls on deaf ears because they are immediately resistant to the message. The Scribes and Priests fell into this category. So then, Satan is the first great enemy of the Gospel message who seeks to make everyone spiritually deaf. The second type of soil are those who hear and actually receive the message, but it is temporary because they have no root. When trouble and persecution arise, they fall away as quickly as they sprouted up. This is the person who picks and chooses the part of the message they like but do not really pay attention to the whole story. The rock buried just beneath the surface is their own flesh that can live only for itself, for comfort, pleasure, and ease. If the flesh is not destroyed, the message cannot grow, and they will fall away at the first sign of hardship. The third type of soil are those who hear the word, but their lives are full of thorns. They love the world and desire it more than they love Jesus and desire His kingdom. The third enemy, then, is the cares of this world and love for this life. For these three kinds of soil, they hear, but they don't understand, and they miss the kingdom. The good news is that the message also falls on good soil. These are the ones who hear the message and receive it. But, they do not receive it like the rocky soil. Those who were the rocky soil only received it as an idea they liked and approved of. But those who are the good soil receive it as a treasure. It is for them an inheritance and Kingdom they take possession of! They receive it to the very depths of heart and soul. Robert Gundry summarizes it this way "the good hearers welcome the word immediately, so that Satan cannot snatch it away. They welcome it deeply so that persecution because of it cannot induce them to fall away. They welcome it exclusively so that other concerns do not stifle it. The understanding that results from this kind of reception goes beyond the intellectual to touch conduct, commitment, and devotion." The result is that the message produces fruit. It is multiplied many times over. This can be understood first as an increase in understanding and in receiving more instruction. But, it also implies that the word makes an eternal, life changing impact. The very life and nature of the Kingdom is in you and you become a very different kind of person. There are a couple of important things we can do to apply these truths. The first is to understand that we cannot overcome Satan, the flesh, or the world by our own willpower or resolve. It is significant that even the twelve whom Jesus chose all fell away at Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. They all proved to be bad soil before the cross. But, it was a very different story after the resurrection and after Pentecost. They became bold witnesses for Christ and joyfully suffered and died for their faith. It is the power of the cross applied to our life through the Holy Spirit that alone can overcome Satan, the flesh, and the world. The Gospel of the Kingdom is the Gospel of the King who died on the cross to make us good soil! Second, parables are good at painting a clear picture of truth, but the picture always breaks down at some point. There is only one kind of seed, the Gospel message, but we need to hear it over and over in all its wonder and in all the breadth of its meaning. By the power of the cross, we are good soil, but we all are in danger of letting these obstacles creep in and make the word ineffective in our life. The battle against Satan, the flesh, and the world is a daily battle. We must constantly be turning to the cross, the Word, and the Holy Spirit to overcome so that the Word is powerful and effective in our lives! Big Idea - Most of us have experienced the long line at immigration when we arrive in a foreign country by airplane. You cannot just walk into the country. There are entry requirements. Either you have to prove you are a citizen of that country by havi… Tim Dunham 2647 https://ccf.sermon.net/22257435/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesowerandtheseed/id/4088555.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22257435 Series: Mark Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Mark puts these two accounts together to show the important contrast or difference between the crowd who is seeking Jesus and flocking after Him and the twelve who Jesus calls. This passage raises several important questions that relate to our lives today. Why isn't it enough to seek Jesus? Or, put another way, why is my religious pursuit inadequate to reach God? What was the crowd missing in their pursuit of Jesus? This passage also raises questions about who God calls and why. Why does God get to choose, and who does He pick? How is it fair if God chooses some but not others? Finally, we need to ask to what Jesus is calling us? Is He calling the twelve (and us) simply to receive the gift of salvation, or is there more to it? In the end, the question we must honestly ask ourselves is which group do we belong to, the crowd or the called? Taking each question in turn, we first must answer the question, what was the crowd missing? They were seeking Jesus, coming from every corner of the region to encounter Him. But why did they come? They came because they heard what He was doing. They came because they believed Jesus could do something for them, that He could meet a need in their life. In fact, Jesus ministers to them, healing the sick and casting evil spirits out of many. But they failed to understand what it meant. They were interested in what Jesus could do, but they never sought to answer the question, who is He? Jesus' mission was not simply to provide a temporary cure for sickness and disease. Rather, "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14–15). He was the long-promised King, and he announced that the kingdom had arrived for those who would enter. The crowd came to see the power of the kingdom at work, restoring life to health and peace. But that is not the same thing as entering the kingdom. To enter the kingdom, you must pledge allegiance to the king, leave behind the ways of the kingdom of darkness, and follow the king. But, the crowd has very little interest in who Jesus is, and they do not comprehend the message of the Kingdom. In contrast to the crowd, Jesus chooses twelve. The scene shifts from the seashore, which perfectly accommodates a massive crowd of people, to a mountain top, which intentionally thins the crowd down to a small handful of people. The image of Jesus calling the twelve to come up on the mountain where He is, reminds us of God calling Moses to meet Him on Mt Sinai, where God calls and instructs Moses as the leader of Israel in the wilderness. How is it fair that Jesus gets to pick who He wants? In the democratic West, we have built an entire worldview on the idea that it is our individual right to choose our path. That we get to be in control of our own destiny! Not to mention, many of us have had the humiliating experience of getting picked last or not at all and the pain of feeling rejected and unwanted. In picking the twelve, does it mean Jesus is rejecting the crowd and doesn't care about them? This is not what it means. In fact, it is the very opposite. The crowd continues to grow as the word of Jesus' miracles spreads farther and farther. Jesus, even as the Messiah, Son of God, cannot meet all the needs of the crowd. He is already at risk of being crushed to death by the crowd. If Jesus is going to continue loving and caring for the crowd, He needs to empower and equip others for the work. His decision to choose some and train them up to do the work is the only way He can meet all the needs of the growing crowd. But this also raises the question of why He picks these twelve men. Is it because they submitted the most impressive resume? Is it because of their great intelligence, previous training, experience, or abilities? Was it because these men had demonstrated more spiritual zeal or faith than the crowd? The amazing and extremely important truth about God's call is that it is not based on anything in us or about us. He chooses according to His desire or free will quite apart from anything we have done to compel Him to pick us. In other words, God's election is the only way grace can work. As the Gospel of Mark moves forward, it will be clear that the twelve aren't really any different than the crowd. They don't really understand who Jesus is any better than the rest. They do not have any more faith. They are not any more spiritual. They are very ordinary fishermen and even a hated tax collector. It is all a matter of God's grace that He calls any. No one deserves to be called. If God were only concerned about being fair, He would call no one! The third question is, what does Jesus call them to? Does the call of the twelve relate in any way to what God is doing in our lives? Jesus calls them so that He can appoint them as Apostles. As Apostles, Jesus appoints them to do two things. The first was simply to be with Him. By spending all their time with Jesus, they would come to know who He really was and is - the Messiah, Son of God. It would take until after the resurrection for the full knowledge of who Jesus was to fully sink in, but the only way to really know Him was to spend significant time with Him. And that was their first calling - to be with Him! As they come to understand who Jesus was and the message He was proclaiming, they would then be equipped and prepared to do the same work that Jesus was doing, the work of proclaiming the Kingdom. This meant, first of all, proclaiming Christ, and, second, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom by doing the same miracles that Jesus was doing. The twelve Apostles served a unique role as the first-hand eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The entire New Testament, the Church, and, in fact, all of Christianity is based on their testimony as those who were with Jesus every day. Jesus may be the cornerstone, but their testimony about Him is the very foundation of the Church. In that respect, the call of the twelve was unique. No one in our day is called to be an Apostle in that sense because we cannot be first-hand witnesses to Jesus as lived and walked on earth. So, does Jesus calling the twelve have any application to us? Yes, more certainly. We may not be called to the unique role of Apostles, but we are called to the same path of discipleship. In the book of Mark, the twelve are also called disciples, and Mark focuses on the discipleship journey of the twelve almost exclusively. We know from the other Gospel that there were many true disciples beyond the twelve, but Mark describes the journey of a disciple through the lives of these twelve. What is a disciple, then? It is one who is called to be with Jesus, to know who He is, and to follow Him as Lord and King. Only the true disciples are in the kingdom. The seeking crowd is not. The call of the disciples is to be with Jesus and to do His ministry. Like Jesus, and the Apostles, we are to proclaim the Kingdom to the crowd and demonstrate its power by meeting real needs and caring for them. Remember, Jesus did not call the twelve to bless them and ignore the crowd. Rather, He called and appointed them in order to equip them to love the crowd just as He did! So we come to the last question. Which group do you find yourself in? Are you in the crowd seeking Jesus, maybe full of religious interest and even a deeply spiritual pursuit of God? Or, are you here today because you know God has called you? Called you first and foremost to be with Him! And as you spend time with Him, to take Jesu to a world lost in darkness. Big Idea - Mark puts these two accounts together to show the important contrast or difference between the crowd who is seeking Jesus and flocking after Him and the twelve who Jesus calls. This passage raises several important questions that relate to our lives today. Why isn't it enough to seek Jesus? Or, put another way, why is my religious pursuit inadequate to reach God? What was the crowd missing in their pursuit of Jesus? This passage also raises questions about who God calls and why. Why does God get to choose, and who does He pick? How is it fair if God chooses some but not others? Finally, we need to ask to what Jesus is calling us? Is He calling the twelve (and us) simply to receive the gift of salvation, or is there more to it? In the end, the question we must honestly ask ourselves is which group do we belong to, the crowd or the called? Taking each question in turn, we first must answer the question, what was the crowd missing? They were seeking Jesus, coming from every corner of the region to encounter Him. But why did they come? They came because they heard what He was doing. They came because they believed Jesus could do something for them, that He could meet a need in their life. In fact, Jesus ministers to them, healing the sick and casting evil spirits out of many. But they failed to understand what it meant. They were interested in what Jesus could do, but they never sought to answer the question, who is He? Jesus' mission was not simply to provide a temporary cure for sickness and disease. Rather, "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14–15). He was the long-promised King, and he announced that the kingdom had arrived for those who would enter. The crowd came to see the power of the kingdom at work, restoring life to health and peace. But that is not the same thing as entering the kingdom. To enter the kingdom, you must pledge allegiance to the king, leave behind the ways of the kingdom of darkness, and follow the king. But, the crowd has very little interest in who Jesus is, and they do not comprehend the message of the Kingdom. In contrast to the crowd, Jesus chooses twelve. The scene shifts from the seashore, which perfectly accommodates a massive crowd of people, to a mountain top, which intentionally thins the crowd down to a small handful of people. The image of Jesus calling the twelve to come up on the mountain where He is, reminds us of God calling Moses to meet Him on Mt Sinai, where God calls and instructs Moses as the leader of Israel in the wilderness. How is it fair that Jesus gets to pick who He wants? In the democratic West, we have built an entire worldview on the idea that it is our individual right to choose our path. That we get to be in control of our own destiny! Not to mention, many of us have had the humiliating experience of getting picked last or not at all and the pain of feeling rejected and unwanted. In picking the twelve, does it mean Jesus is rejecting the crowd and doesn't care about them? This is not what it means. In fact, it is the very opposite. The crowd continues to grow as the word of Jesus' miracles spreads farther and farther. Jesus, even as the Messiah, Son of God, cannot meet all the needs of the crowd. He is already at risk of being crushed to death by the crowd. If Jesus is going to continue loving and caring for the crowd, He needs to empower and equip others for the work. His decision to choose some and train them up to do the work is the only way He can meet all the needs of the growing crowd. But this also raises the question of why He picks these twelve men. Is it because they submitted the most impressive resume? Is it because of their great intelligence, previous training, experience, or abilities? Was it because these men had demonstrated more spiritual zeal or faith than the crowd? The amazing and extremely important truth about God's call is that it is not based on anything in us or about us. He chooses according to His desire or free will quite apart from anything we have done to compel Him to pick us. In other words, God's election is the only way grace can work. As the Gospel of Mark moves forward, it will be clear that the twelve aren't really any different than the crowd. They don't really understand who Jesus is any better than the rest. They do not have any more faith. They are not any more spiritual. They are very ordinary fishermen and even a hated tax collector. It is all a matter of God's grace that He calls any. No one deserves to be called. If God were only concerned about being fair, He would call no one! The third question is, what does Jesus call them to? Does the call of the twelve relate in any way to what God is doing in our lives? Jesus calls them so that He can appoint them as Apostles. As Apostles, Jesus appoints them to do two things. The first was simply to be with Him. By spending all their time with Jesus, they would come to know who He really was and is - the Messiah, Son of God. It would take until after the resurrection for the full knowledge of who Jesus was to fully sink in, but the only way to really know Him was to spend significant time with Him. And that was their first calling - to be with Him! As they come to understand who Jesus was and the message He was proclaiming, they would then be equipped and prepared to do the same work that Jesus was doing, the work of proclaiming the Kingdom. This meant, first of all, proclaiming Christ, and, second, demonstrating the power of the Kingdom by doing the same miracles that Jesus was doing. The twelve Apostles served a unique role as the first-hand eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The entire New Testament, the Church, and, in fact, all of Christianity is based on their testimony as those who were with Jesus every day. Jesus may be the cornerstone, but their testimony about Him is the very foundation of the Church. In that respect, the call of the twelve was unique. No one in our day is called to be an Apostle in that sense because we cannot be first-hand witnesses to Jesus as lived and walked on earth. So, does Jesus calling the twelve have any application to us? Yes, more certainly. We may not be called to the unique role of Apostles, but we are called to the same path of discipleship. In the book of Mark, the twelve are also called disciples, and Mark focuses on the discipleship journey of the twelve almost exclusively. We know from the other Gospel that there were many true disciples beyond the twelve, but Mark describes the journey of a disciple through the lives of these twelve. What is a disciple, then? It is one who is called to be with Jesus, to know who He is, and to follow Him as Lord and King. Only the true disciples are in the kingdom. The seeking crowd is not. The call of the disciples is to be with Jesus and to do His ministry. Like Jesus, and the Apostles, we are to proclaim the Kingdom to the crowd and demonstrate its power by meeting real needs and caring for them. Remember, Jesus did not call the twelve to bless them and ignore the crowd. Rather, He called and appointed them in order to equip them to love the crowd just as He did! So we come to the last question. Which group do you find yourself in? Are you in the crowd seeking Jesus, maybe full of religious interest and even a deeply spiritual pursuit of God? Or, are you here today because you know God has called you? Called you first and foremost to be with Him! And as you spend time with Him, to take Jesu to a world lost in darkness. Big Idea - Mark puts these two accounts together to show the important contrast or difference between the crowd who is seeking Jesus and flocking after Him and the twelve who Jesus calls. This passage raises several important questions that relate to o… Tim Dunham 2724 https://ccf.sermon.net/22243637/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecrowdandthecalled/id/4075412.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22243637 Series: Mark Sun, 03 Mar 2024 02:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Human beings are funny creatures. On the one hand, we don't like being told what to do. We don't like rules and regulations. On the other hand, we can't stop making rules. Our organizations and institutions are full of laws, regulations, and policies which are all made by people. Religion does not escape this problem. All religions are full of rules and laws. In the Old Testament, there are reported to be 613 laws and regulations that the Jewish people were to follow. But, if 613 laws were not enough, the Rabbis made countless more rules intended to help the Jewish people keep the rules! New Testament writers have a very different take on the law. In fact, the Apostle Paul teaches that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4), and that "We are now released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6). Jesus coming to earth, bringing the Kingdom of God, and death on the cross all dramatically changed the way things work. But what exactly does it all mean? The Sabbath is a good test case for understanding our relationship to the law and the commandments. It seems that we no longer keep the Sabbath. Only Seventh-Day Adventists still set apart Saturday as a day of rest. Other Churches have kept most of the rules about the Sabbath, they have just moved it all to a different day. Then there are those who have completely abandoned any notion of a day of rest or Sabbath keeping. How are we to think rightly about the Sabbath? How are we to think rightly about all the laws and commands of God? What does Jesus teach about these things? The Pharisees, who followed the law in the most strict and rigid way, accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath because they were harvesting grain on the Sabbath. In this passage, it seems like Jesus is saying it is okay to break the law if it is for the right cause. It is the idea that the end justifies the means. It was ok to break the law in order to meet a human need. It gives the idea that rules are necessary but flawed. So, it is ok to ignore the rules and break them if they get in the way of helping people. But this is not what Jesus teaches here. Jesus' explanation for the Disciple's behavior unfolds in three steps that follow a clear logical progression. First, Jesus says that keeping the law is not an end in itself. The law is not the goal, rather the law is given for a higher purpose. The law has a purpose, but when the law cannot accomplish that purpose, the higher purpose takes precedence over the law. So, must ask the question, what is the goal or purpose of the law? Jesus' second point is to argue that the law was given as a means to care for people. The goal of the law is to care for and protect those under the law. So, the law is good and serves a fundamental purpose. In this case, the Sabbath is a gift from God intended to provide rest for people. The law was not about holding back from us something good, rather it was given as a means of helping us walk in what was good and best for our wellbeing and health! This goal must be set before us when we interpret the law. If the goal of the law is to provide for the well-being of people, then picking a few heads of grain to snack on is not breaking the law, it is actually keeping the law in its true purpose. Jesus defends the disciples' actions, not because they were breaking the law, but because they were keeping it in line with its true purpose. The real problem is not the law but a flawed way of understanding and interpreting the law. When keeping the law becomes the end goal, and we put too many fences around the law for its own sake, it no longer functions according to its purpose. That is the problem and weakness with laws and rules. They must be applied and used by people who twist and distort the law according to their own sinful purpose and thinking. Laws and policies become a way to control people, or justify our behavior, or make us feel that we are better than we are. Rulers can and do abuse their power, so we put laws in place to keep them in check. We want the law to be king, but the law is heartless and impersonal. Instead of fulfilling its purpose to care for people, it crushes people. But a ruler who is not under the law can be even worse. They crush even more! So, what is the answer? Well, Jesus' final point is that He is the answer. He is the King who has come, a good and loving king who is lord and master over the Sabbath. That is, He alone has the authority to interpret and apply the law according to its good and perfect purpose. He is not teaching that it is ok to break the law for convenience's sake nor to keep the law for its own sake. What He is saying is that we need the right person to help us keep the true purpose of the law for our protection and care, and He is that person. He has the right and authority to apply the law for our good. But even more than that, Jesus is saying that He is a King who accomplishes the true purpose of the law. He is the one who cares for us and protects us and therefore makes the law obsolete - not because the law is bad, but because He is so much better. The Sabbath, rightly applied, can give us rest, but not perfect rest. Jesus, on the other hand, gives complete and perfect rest. He can care for us and restore us to a level of well-being, health, and peace that the law can never do. How do we apply this? First, this does not mean that in the OT, people had to obey, but in the NT, obedience is no longer important or necessary. Living a life of obedience is every bit as important now as it was then. What has changed is what we are obedient to. The law was a guardian caring for people until something better came along. Jesus has come, and now we obey Him, not the written code. Second, that we no longer keep the Sabbath laws of the OT does not mean we no longer need rest! The purpose and goal of the law is no less true or necessary. Jesus has replaced the law only because He is better at fulfilling its true purpose. Jesus commands us not to control us or to limit our freedom but to care for our best health and well-being. His commands are personal and fit our situation, they are not fixed and rigid like the impersonal written code. All those who really trust in His loving care and goodness with obey Him completely! Thirdly, we should follow the pattern of Christ in the way we set up our families, organizations, ministries, and Christian institutions. They should primarily be led by Christ not by rigid regulations that are cold and impersonal. Maybe we need policies, but we should always keep before us the true purpose of rules - to care for people and protect them. When our policies hurt people and put an excessive burden on them, we need to care for people and set aside the policy! Most of all, we need to admit that we do need someone to rule over us. But, what we need is not the law but a Lord. We need a ruler, not to wreck our lives and take away our freedom, but to take care of His and keep us out of danger and trouble! Let Jesus be our rest. May we find every need met in Him. May we find the care, well-being, peace, and joy we all so desperately need to be met in Christ alone! Big Idea - Human beings are funny creatures. On the one hand, we don't like being told what to do. We don't like rules and regulations. On the other hand, we can't stop making rules. Our organizations and institutions are full of laws, regulations, and policies which are all made by people. Religion does not escape this problem. All religions are full of rules and laws. In the Old Testament, there are reported to be 613 laws and regulations that the Jewish people were to follow. But, if 613 laws were not enough, the Rabbis made countless more rules intended to help the Jewish people keep the rules! New Testament writers have a very different take on the law. In fact, the Apostle Paul teaches that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4), and that "We are now released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6). Jesus coming to earth, bringing the Kingdom of God, and death on the cross all dramatically changed the way things work. But what exactly does it all mean? The Sabbath is a good test case for understanding our relationship to the law and the commandments. It seems that we no longer keep the Sabbath. Only Seventh-Day Adventists still set apart Saturday as a day of rest. Other Churches have kept most of the rules about the Sabbath, they have just moved it all to a different day. Then there are those who have completely abandoned any notion of a day of rest or Sabbath keeping. How are we to think rightly about the Sabbath? How are we to think rightly about all the laws and commands of God? What does Jesus teach about these things? The Pharisees, who followed the law in the most strict and rigid way, accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath because they were harvesting grain on the Sabbath. In this passage, it seems like Jesus is saying it is okay to break the law if it is for the right cause. It is the idea that the end justifies the means. It was ok to break the law in order to meet a human need. It gives the idea that rules are necessary but flawed. So, it is ok to ignore the rules and break them if they get in the way of helping people. But this is not what Jesus teaches here. Jesus' explanation for the Disciple's behavior unfolds in three steps that follow a clear logical progression. First, Jesus says that keeping the law is not an end in itself. The law is not the goal, rather the law is given for a higher purpose. The law has a purpose, but when the law cannot accomplish that purpose, the higher purpose takes precedence over the law. So, must ask the question, what is the goal or purpose of the law? Jesus' second point is to argue that the law was given as a means to care for people. The goal of the law is to care for and protect those under the law. So, the law is good and serves a fundamental purpose. In this case, the Sabbath is a gift from God intended to provide rest for people. The law was not about holding back from us something good, rather it was given as a means of helping us walk in what was good and best for our wellbeing and health! This goal must be set before us when we interpret the law. If the goal of the law is to provide for the well-being of people, then picking a few heads of grain to snack on is not breaking the law, it is actually keeping the law in its true purpose. Jesus defends the disciples' actions, not because they were breaking the law, but because they were keeping it in line with its true purpose. The real problem is not the law but a flawed way of understanding and interpreting the law. When keeping the law becomes the end goal, and we put too many fences around the law for its own sake, it no longer functions according to its purpose. That is the problem and weakness with laws and rules. They must be applied and used by people who twist and distort the law according to their own sinful purpose and thinking. Laws and policies become a way to control people, or justify our behavior, or make us feel that we are better than we are. Rulers can and do abuse their power, so we put laws in place to keep them in check. We want the law to be king, but the law is heartless and impersonal. Instead of fulfilling its purpose to care for people, it crushes people. But a ruler who is not under the law can be even worse. They crush even more! So, what is the answer? Well, Jesus' final point is that He is the answer. He is the King who has come, a good and loving king who is lord and master over the Sabbath. That is, He alone has the authority to interpret and apply the law according to its good and perfect purpose. He is not teaching that it is ok to break the law for convenience's sake nor to keep the law for its own sake. What He is saying is that we need the right person to help us keep the true purpose of the law for our protection and care, and He is that person. He has the right and authority to apply the law for our good. But even more than that, Jesus is saying that He is a King who accomplishes the true purpose of the law. He is the one who cares for us and protects us and therefore makes the law obsolete - not because the law is bad, but because He is so much better. The Sabbath, rightly applied, can give us rest, but not perfect rest. Jesus, on the other hand, gives complete and perfect rest. He can care for us and restore us to a level of well-being, health, and peace that the law can never do. How do we apply this? First, this does not mean that in the OT, people had to obey, but in the NT, obedience is no longer important or necessary. Living a life of obedience is every bit as important now as it was then. What has changed is what we are obedient to. The law was a guardian caring for people until something better came along. Jesus has come, and now we obey Him, not the written code. Second, that we no longer keep the Sabbath laws of the OT does not mean we no longer need rest! The purpose and goal of the law is no less true or necessary. Jesus has replaced the law only because He is better at fulfilling its true purpose. Jesus commands us not to control us or to limit our freedom but to care for our best health and well-being. His commands are personal and fit our situation, they are not fixed and rigid like the impersonal written code. All those who really trust in His loving care and goodness with obey Him completely! Thirdly, we should follow the pattern of Christ in the way we set up our families, organizations, ministries, and Christian institutions. They should primarily be led by Christ not by rigid regulations that are cold and impersonal. Maybe we need policies, but we should always keep before us the true purpose of rules - to care for people and protect them. When our policies hurt people and put an excessive burden on them, we need to care for people and set aside the policy! Most of all, we need to admit that we do need someone to rule over us. But, what we need is not the law but a Lord. We need a ruler, not to wreck our lives and take away our freedom, but to take care of His and keep us out of danger and trouble! Let Jesus be our rest. May we find every need met in Him. May we find the care, well-being, peace, and joy we all so desperately need to be met in Christ alone! Big Idea - Human beings are funny creatures. On the one hand, we don't like being told what to do. We don't like rules and regulations. On the other hand, we can't stop making rules. Our organizations and institutions are full of laws, regulations, and… Tim Dunham 2792 https://ccf.sermon.net/22237988/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lordofthesabbath/id/4069995.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22237988 Series: Mark Sun, 21 Jan 2024 02:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - One way to get an idea of what life is like for someone in a profession, or life situation is to follow them around for a day - A day in the life of . . . It gives us a picture of what their life is like, but it also tells us a great deal about what is important to them, what their priorities are, and what motivates them. What would the typical day in your life tell us about you? In Mark chapter 1, we get an amazing glimpse into the typical day in the life of Jesus, and what it reveals about Jesus gives us a clear picture of the extraordinary life that He lived. More importantly, it reveals the heart and mission of Jesus. So, what can we learn about His purpose and mission by this look at a day in the life of Jesus? First, and most significantly, we learn what Jesus meant when He proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). The arrival of the Kingdom of God in Christ meant that the kingdom of darkness was being defeated and brought under the dominion of Jesus the King. We see this in-breaking of the kingdom in two ways. First, in the casting out of demons. The demons must do as Jesus commands. Until now, they had free reign and could wreak havoc in the lives of many people, but Jesus is now driving them back, and they can no longer oppress and destroy people's lives. Secondly, Jesus heals every kind of sickness and disease. The kingdom of darkness brings brokenness into every realm of life, but the kingdom of God is a kingdom where life is restored to health and wholeness as God intended in the original creation before sin entered and wrecked everything. Casting out demons and healing the sick form a major part of Jesus' ministry, so much so that a day in the life of Jesus was a day spent healing many. This may raise the question in our mind: if the kingdom arrived with Jesus and the kingdom of darkness has been pushed back, why is there still so much sickness and evil in the world? Was the kingdom only temporary? Do we need to wait for His return to experience the deliverance from sickness, disease, and brokenness that people experienced for the brief time Jesus walked on earth? Jesus did not take the kingdom with Him when he returned to heaven. He offers it freely to all who will enter by faith. But, the kingdom begun is not the kingdom completed. Jesus did not heal everyone, and everyone He healed eventually died. He drove demons out of people, He did not drive Satan and his army out of the world. When Jesus said the time is fulfilled for the Kingdom to come, He was declaring the inauguration of His kingdom, not its final and complete victory where all of creation would be made new and every evil banished to the lake of fire for eternity. What does this mean for us as we seek deliverance from our own brokenness? Will God heal us? Will God deliver us from demons and spiritual enemies? The good news is that those who enter the kingdom have access to the power to overcome sin and all its consequences. But, in this life, we only experience the beginning of healing and deliverance. For Full and final deliverance, we must wait for the second coming of Christ when He brings the full and final kingdom. We are already in the kingdom and are already being restored and made new, but it is a work in progress, and the work God has begun in us will not be completed until Jesus returns. A day in the life of Jesus reveals a second fact about Jesus that is of vital importance, and that is the source of Jesus' power to live His life with such power to heal and overcome all the spiritual forces of darkness. Jesus rose long before daybreak and went into the wilderness to pray. He got away from the crowds and the distractions to meet with His Father, and in that place, God taught Him what to teach and showed Him what He was to do that day. It was there Jesus, the man who had set aside His glory and eternal power, received power from God to heal. Later, when Jesus sent out the twelve to heal and cast out demons, they ran into a demon who would not leave. They asked Jesus what was the cause of their failure, and He told them, "This kind comes out only by prayer." Jesus understood that the power to overcome the kingdom of darkness begins by seeking God in times of earnest prayer. The kind of prayer Jesus is talking about is wilderness prayer. That is the prayer that 1) puts away every distraction, 2) puts oneself under the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit, 3) determines to depend on God and not our own strength, and 3) does battle with Satan to overcome every temptation. Finally, we see in the day in the life of Jesus that He was driven by the mission of God, not the mission of men. He knew God's call on His life, and He would not be distracted by the aims and ambitions of men. His primary purpose was to preach the kingdom. The arrival of the kingdom, on the one hand, meant healing the brokenness caused by sin, but it also meant proclaiming the new life that God was calling people to in Christ. In other words, Jesus didn't come just to do miracles; He ultimately came to proclaim a message, and that message is that the King has come, and we can have life in Him, and not just temporary healing but eternal life! What are some things we can take away from a day in the life of Jesus? First, the message Jesus proclaimed is far more important than the miracles He performed. The crowd was in awe of what Jesus did, but what they really needed was to pay attention to what He was saying! We all want healing, but what we need more desperately is the saving that comes through the Gospel message! Second, the power to live life well and to overcome sin, evil, and our brokenness requires going into the wilderness to pray and meet God! God has not promised to heal every sickness, but it may well be we are not experiencing the deliverance from our brokenness that God intends because of our failure to meet God in the wilderness! Thirdly, we should always pray for healing, along with seeking medical help. Both are a gift from God, and we should take advantage of both! Big Idea - One way to get an idea of what life is like for someone in a profession, or life situation is to follow them around for a day - A day in the life of . . . It gives us a picture of what their life is like, but it also tells us a great deal about what is important to them, what their priorities are, and what motivates them. What would the typical day in your life tell us about you? In Mark chapter 1, we get an amazing glimpse into the typical day in the life of Jesus, and what it reveals about Jesus gives us a clear picture of the extraordinary life that He lived. More importantly, it reveals the heart and mission of Jesus. So, what can we learn about His purpose and mission by this look at a day in the life of Jesus? First, and most significantly, we learn what Jesus meant when He proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). The arrival of the Kingdom of God in Christ meant that the kingdom of darkness was being defeated and brought under the dominion of Jesus the King. We see this in-breaking of the kingdom in two ways. First, in the casting out of demons. The demons must do as Jesus commands. Until now, they had free reign and could wreak havoc in the lives of many people, but Jesus is now driving them back, and they can no longer oppress and destroy people's lives. Secondly, Jesus heals every kind of sickness and disease. The kingdom of darkness brings brokenness into every realm of life, but the kingdom of God is a kingdom where life is restored to health and wholeness as God intended in the original creation before sin entered and wrecked everything. Casting out demons and healing the sick form a major part of Jesus' ministry, so much so that a day in the life of Jesus was a day spent healing many. This may raise the question in our mind: if the kingdom arrived with Jesus and the kingdom of darkness has been pushed back, why is there still so much sickness and evil in the world? Was the kingdom only temporary? Do we need to wait for His return to experience the deliverance from sickness, disease, and brokenness that people experienced for the brief time Jesus walked on earth? Jesus did not take the kingdom with Him when he returned to heaven. He offers it freely to all who will enter by faith. But, the kingdom begun is not the kingdom completed. Jesus did not heal everyone, and everyone He healed eventually died. He drove demons out of people, He did not drive Satan and his army out of the world. When Jesus said the time is fulfilled for the Kingdom to come, He was declaring the inauguration of His kingdom, not its final and complete victory where all of creation would be made new and every evil banished to the lake of fire for eternity. What does this mean for us as we seek deliverance from our own brokenness? Will God heal us? Will God deliver us from demons and spiritual enemies? The good news is that those who enter the kingdom have access to the power to overcome sin and all its consequences. But, in this life, we only experience the beginning of healing and deliverance. For Full and final deliverance, we must wait for the second coming of Christ when He brings the full and final kingdom. We are already in the kingdom and are already being restored and made new, but it is a work in progress, and the work God has begun in us will not be completed until Jesus returns. A day in the life of Jesus reveals a second fact about Jesus that is of vital importance, and that is the source of Jesus' power to live His life with such power to heal and overcome all the spiritual forces of darkness. Jesus rose long before daybreak and went into the wilderness to pray. He got away from the crowds and the distractions to meet with His Father, and in that place, God taught Him what to teach and showed Him what He was to do that day. It was there Jesus, the man who had set aside His glory and eternal power, received power from God to heal. Later, when Jesus sent out the twelve to heal and cast out demons, they ran into a demon who would not leave. They asked Jesus what was the cause of their failure, and He told them, "This kind comes out only by prayer." Jesus understood that the power to overcome the kingdom of darkness begins by seeking God in times of earnest prayer. The kind of prayer Jesus is talking about is wilderness prayer. That is the prayer that 1) puts away every distraction, 2) puts oneself under the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit, 3) determines to depend on God and not our own strength, and 3) does battle with Satan to overcome every temptation. Finally, we see in the day in the life of Jesus that He was driven by the mission of God, not the mission of men. He knew God's call on His life, and He would not be distracted by the aims and ambitions of men. His primary purpose was to preach the kingdom. The arrival of the kingdom, on the one hand, meant healing the brokenness caused by sin, but it also meant proclaiming the new life that God was calling people to in Christ. In other words, Jesus didn't come just to do miracles; He ultimately came to proclaim a message, and that message is that the King has come, and we can have life in Him, and not just temporary healing but eternal life! What are some things we can take away from a day in the life of Jesus? First, the message Jesus proclaimed is far more important than the miracles He performed. The crowd was in awe of what Jesus did, but what they really needed was to pay attention to what He was saying! We all want healing, but what we need more desperately is the saving that comes through the Gospel message! Second, the power to live life well and to overcome sin, evil, and our brokenness requires going into the wilderness to pray and meet God! God has not promised to heal every sickness, but it may well be we are not experiencing the deliverance from our brokenness that God intends because of our failure to meet God in the wilderness! Thirdly, we should always pray for healing, along with seeking medical help. Both are a gift from God, and we should take advantage of both! Big Idea - One way to get an idea of what life is like for someone in a profession, or life situation is to follow them around for a day - A day in the life of . . . It gives us a picture of what their life is like, but it also tells us a great deal a… Tim Dunham 3504 https://ccf.sermon.net/22221545/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adayinthelife/id/4054389.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22221545 Series: Mark Part#4 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 04:44:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Absolute Authority 1. Authority to compel 2. Authority to teach 3. Authority over demons 4. Jesus is LORD! Absolute Authority 1. Authority to compel 2. Authority to teach 3. Authority over demons 4. Jesus is LORD! Absolute Authority 1. Authority to compel 2. Authority to teach 3. Authority over demons 4. Jesus is LORD!… Andrew Carter 2754 https://ccf.sermon.net/22219140/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_absoluteauthority/id/4052083.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22219140 Series: Mark Part#3 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 04:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus appears on the scene in the Gospel of Mark at the Jordan River and is baptized by John, then He is immediately driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. When we compare Mark's account with Matthew and Luke, it is extremely brief - 16 verses in Matthew compared with 5 in Mark. The main reason for this is that Mark keeps a laser-sharp focus on Jesus and only reveals details that tell us specific things about Jesus - who He is and by what power He is able to do so many extraordinary things. Mark introduces Jesus in this way in order to give us a key to understanding Jesus' life and ministry in the rest of the book. So, what does Mark want us to know and understand about Jesus before we dive into the rest of the book? First, Mark wants us to understand that Jesus is God's dearly loved Son upon whom God has poured out the Holy Spirit in order to come down and do the mighty work of salvation that He promised long ago. Jesus' ministry is greater than John's. He will do mighty works of healing and will teach with great power by the power of the Holy Spirit. He will baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit because He himself has been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Secondly, Jesus will be effective and powerful in ministry, not only because the Spirit is in Him, but also because He is fully submitted to the leading and control of the Spirit in is life. The Spirit is of no benefit if He is not in control and Jesus is fully obedient to the Spirit in every way. The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. Why does Jesus need to be tested by Satan in the wilderness? Aren't there just as many temptations in the city or at home? The wilderness is a special place for testing because Jesus loses all control over His life in the wilderness. He is with the wild animals - wild because they are untamed, beyond human control. Jesus has nothing and is in control of nothing when He is in the wilderness. He has only God to care for Him and protect Him - so He waits on God and trusts in Him alone for 40 days. And God proves faithful in caring for His dearly loved Son, sending angels to minister to Him. Adam and Eve had everything in the garden and were given dominion over all the earth, but they fell into temptation over the one thing that was off-limits. By giving into that temptation, they gave Satan control over their lives and control over all humanity from that day onward. Now Jesus faces the same test over who will have control over His life, God or Satan. He faces the test without anything and with control over nothing. He proves to be much different than Adam and Eve and submits fully to God alone. After this time of testing, Jesus came to Galilee and began to announce that the time was fulfilled and God's kingdom had drawn near. This is indeed good news, the Gospel of God. But what did He mean by the kingdom, and how close is it? Has it truly arrived, or is it just close and coming soon? In terms of the movie theater - is it "coming soon" or is it "now showing?" It is best to understand Jesus announcing that the Kingdom is now showing - it has indeed arrived. But what exactly does that mean? What is the kingdom of God? It is the rule of God over the hearts of people. When Adam and Eve gave in to temptation, they gave Satan and sin control over their lives, and God no longer ruled over their hearts. All humanity has inherited the same rebellious heart, and even the best of the OT characters failed to follow God wholeheartedly. The history of Israel is proof that people will not submit to God's rule. Jesus is announcing that the time is fulfilled when God will rule over the hearts of people because they will submit fully to His rule and authority. Jesus has just demonstrated that the rule of God, the kingdom, has arrived in Him because the rule of God is perfect and complete over His own life - even to the point of driving Him off into a barren and hostile wilderness! This is possible, as Jesus demonstrates by the power of the Holy Spirit, but also because Jesus does not have the same rebellious heart as Adam. Jesus has a very different nature and a very different heart. But it that all it means - that the Kingdom has arrived in Jesus, but it ends there - a very small kingdom of one? No, the truth is that the kingdom is now showing. It is here, and the option to live fully under God's rule will be available to any who seek it. This is possible because the ministry of Jesus, who will baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit, a result made possible by His death and resurrection, will give us a new heart and a new nature, fulfilling the promise of Ezekiel 36:26-27. Now, we can live under the rule of God in a way that has not been possible since the fall in the Garden of Eden! Like a movie theater, all you need to enter in to see what is now showing. The kingdom is now showing for all those who will enter in by repenting and believing! Big Idea - Jesus appears on the scene in the Gospel of Mark at the Jordan River and is baptized by John, then He is immediately driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. When we compare Mark's account with Matthew and Luke, it is extremely brief - 16 verses in Matthew compared with 5 in Mark. The main reason for this is that Mark keeps a laser-sharp focus on Jesus and only reveals details that tell us specific things about Jesus - who He is and by what power He is able to do so many extraordinary things. Mark introduces Jesus in this way in order to give us a key to understanding Jesus' life and ministry in the rest of the book. So, what does Mark want us to know and understand about Jesus before we dive into the rest of the book? First, Mark wants us to understand that Jesus is God's dearly loved Son upon whom God has poured out the Holy Spirit in order to come down and do the mighty work of salvation that He promised long ago. Jesus' ministry is greater than John's. He will do mighty works of healing and will teach with great power by the power of the Holy Spirit. He will baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit because He himself has been baptized with the Holy Spirit. Secondly, Jesus will be effective and powerful in ministry, not only because the Spirit is in Him, but also because He is fully submitted to the leading and control of the Spirit in is life. The Spirit is of no benefit if He is not in control and Jesus is fully obedient to the Spirit in every way. The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. Why does Jesus need to be tested by Satan in the wilderness? Aren't there just as many temptations in the city or at home? The wilderness is a special place for testing because Jesus loses all control over His life in the wilderness. He is with the wild animals - wild because they are untamed, beyond human control. Jesus has nothing and is in control of nothing when He is in the wilderness. He has only God to care for Him and protect Him - so He waits on God and trusts in Him alone for 40 days. And God proves faithful in caring for His dearly loved Son, sending angels to minister to Him. Adam and Eve had everything in the garden and were given dominion over all the earth, but they fell into temptation over the one thing that was off-limits. By giving into that temptation, they gave Satan control over their lives and control over all humanity from that day onward. Now Jesus faces the same test over who will have control over His life, God or Satan. He faces the test without anything and with control over nothing. He proves to be much different than Adam and Eve and submits fully to God alone. After this time of testing, Jesus came to Galilee and began to announce that the time was fulfilled and God's kingdom had drawn near. This is indeed good news, the Gospel of God. But what did He mean by the kingdom, and how close is it? Has it truly arrived, or is it just close and coming soon? In terms of the movie theater - is it "coming soon" or is it "now showing?" It is best to understand Jesus announcing that the Kingdom is now showing - it has indeed arrived. But what exactly does that mean? What is the kingdom of God? It is the rule of God over the hearts of people. When Adam and Eve gave in to temptation, they gave Satan and sin control over their lives, and God no longer ruled over their hearts. All humanity has inherited the same rebellious heart, and even the best of the OT characters failed to follow God wholeheartedly. The history of Israel is proof that people will not submit to God's rule. Jesus is announcing that the time is fulfilled when God will rule over the hearts of people because they will submit fully to His rule and authority. Jesus has just demonstrated that the rule of God, the kingdom, has arrived in Him because the rule of God is perfect and complete over His own life - even to the point of driving Him off into a barren and hostile wilderness! This is possible, as Jesus demonstrates by the power of the Holy Spirit, but also because Jesus does not have the same rebellious heart as Adam. Jesus has a very different nature and a very different heart. But it that all it means - that the Kingdom has arrived in Jesus, but it ends there - a very small kingdom of one? No, the truth is that the kingdom is now showing. It is here, and the option to live fully under God's rule will be available to any who seek it. This is possible because the ministry of Jesus, who will baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit, a result made possible by His death and resurrection, will give us a new heart and a new nature, fulfilling the promise of Ezekiel 36:26-27. Now, we can live under the rule of God in a way that has not been possible since the fall in the Garden of Eden! Like a movie theater, all you need to enter in to see what is now showing. The kingdom is now showing for all those who will enter in by repenting and believing! Big Idea - Jesus appears on the scene in the Gospel of Mark at the Jordan River and is baptized by John, then He is immediately driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. When we compare Mark's account with Matthew and Luke, it is extremely bri… Tim Dunham 3192 https://ccf.sermon.net/22216514/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nowshowing/id/4049558.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22216514 Series: Mark Part#2 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 06:19:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We live in a city that knows how to prepare for a royal visitor. If you have lived here long, you know when preparations are being made for a royal visit - flags appear along the highway, roads are repaired, ribbons and banners are carefully hung, and police dressed in their best uniforms are stationed all along the route. The Gospel of Mark begins not with an account of Jesus' birth but with making preparations for His arrival when He will break onto the scene to begin His ministry. John the Baptist is the one given the charge to prepare the way. How does John prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God? Even more importantly, what are we doing to prepare for Jesus to break into our life and our world? Long before John, God prepared for the coming of Jesus the Messiah through the prophets, like Isaiah, who told of a forerunner who would announce the Messiah. He would be a voice crying in the wilderness. These scriptures build the expectation of a great work of God on the scale of the exodus from Egypt, bringing both salvation and judgment on the Great Day of the Lord. John appeared to fulfill this prophecy by appearing in the wilderness and preparing for the arrival of the Messiah first by preaching a Baptism of repentance. The people were to prepare the way by a change of heart, turning away from their sin and seeking God with all their heart. Baptism pictured washing and making one clean. It was also a rite of passage for a Gentile proselyte. Likewise, this was a step to becoming the new people of God, which the Messiah would bring about through a new saving work, a great second exodus. Thus, the baptism of John did not bring about the forgiveness of sins as much as it anticipated the cross, which would bring true and complete forgiveness and cleansing from all sin. The second way that John prepares the way is by proclaiming the greatness of the one who was coming after him. He would be mightier than John, meaning He would come with even greater spiritual authority than John. He would be much greater than John in honor and glory, John wasn't even worthy to be the slave of His slave! Finally, His ministry would be far more powerful and effective because it would not be with water but with the Holy Spirit. Jesus would accomplish what John's baptism could only picture symbolically. He would bring complete cleansing and would give those who believe the right to be called children of God! We can take away three ways we can prepare for the coming of Jesus in our own lives. First, we need to take a journey into the wilderness - that is, away from the noise and false hopes of the world to a place where we must depend totally on God alone to save us and to help us. Second, we prepare our hearts for the Gospel and its work in our lives through confession. Jesus made it clear that those who think themselves healthy will never seek the help of the Doctor. Likewise, it is only those who know they are sinful and under the wrath of God who will seek the washing and forgiveness that Jesus made possible by His blood. Finally, we need to trust in Jesus, who wants to baptize us with the Holy Spirit to bring about a new saving work of God, a new birth, and a greater exodus by His death and resurrection. By this work, we are washed clean and have the right to be God's children! Big Idea - We live in a city that knows how to prepare for a royal visitor. If you have lived here long, you know when preparations are being made for a royal visit - flags appear along the highway, roads are repaired, ribbons and banners are carefully hung, and police dressed in their best uniforms are stationed all along the route. The Gospel of Mark begins not with an account of Jesus' birth but with making preparations for His arrival when He will break onto the scene to begin His ministry. John the Baptist is the one given the charge to prepare the way. How does John prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God? Even more importantly, what are we doing to prepare for Jesus to break into our life and our world? Long before John, God prepared for the coming of Jesus the Messiah through the prophets, like Isaiah, who told of a forerunner who would announce the Messiah. He would be a voice crying in the wilderness. These scriptures build the expectation of a great work of God on the scale of the exodus from Egypt, bringing both salvation and judgment on the Great Day of the Lord. John appeared to fulfill this prophecy by appearing in the wilderness and preparing for the arrival of the Messiah first by preaching a Baptism of repentance. The people were to prepare the way by a change of heart, turning away from their sin and seeking God with all their heart. Baptism pictured washing and making one clean. It was also a rite of passage for a Gentile proselyte. Likewise, this was a step to becoming the new people of God, which the Messiah would bring about through a new saving work, a great second exodus. Thus, the baptism of John did not bring about the forgiveness of sins as much as it anticipated the cross, which would bring true and complete forgiveness and cleansing from all sin. The second way that John prepares the way is by proclaiming the greatness of the one who was coming after him. He would be mightier than John, meaning He would come with even greater spiritual authority than John. He would be much greater than John in honor and glory, John wasn't even worthy to be the slave of His slave! Finally, His ministry would be far more powerful and effective because it would not be with water but with the Holy Spirit. Jesus would accomplish what John's baptism could only picture symbolically. He would bring complete cleansing and would give those who believe the right to be called children of God! We can take away three ways we can prepare for the coming of Jesus in our own lives. First, we need to take a journey into the wilderness - that is, away from the noise and false hopes of the world to a place where we must depend totally on God alone to save us and to help us. Second, we prepare our hearts for the Gospel and its work in our lives through confession. Jesus made it clear that those who think themselves healthy will never seek the help of the Doctor. Likewise, it is only those who know they are sinful and under the wrath of God who will seek the washing and forgiveness that Jesus made possible by His blood. Finally, we need to trust in Jesus, who wants to baptize us with the Holy Spirit to bring about a new saving work of God, a new birth, and a greater exodus by His death and resurrection. By this work, we are washed clean and have the right to be God's children! Big Idea - We live in a city that knows how to prepare for a royal visitor. If you have lived here long, you know when preparations are being made for a royal visit - flags appear along the highway, roads are repaired, ribbons and banners are carefully… Tim Dunham 3237 https://ccf.sermon.net/22214052/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparingtheway/id/4047151.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22214052 Series: Mark Part#1 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 06:14:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) Mary was poor, and young (2) Mary’s submission (3) A virgin conceives (4) Mary’s disgrace (5) Mary’s journey (6) Gifts and words that prophecy (1) Mary was poor, and young (2) Mary’s submission (3) A virgin conceives (4) Mary’s disgrace (5) Mary’s journey (6) Gifts and words that prophecy (1) Mary was poor, and young (2) Mary’s submission (3) A virgin conceives (4) Mary’s disgrace (5) Mary’s journey (6) Gifts and words that prophecy… Andrew Carter 1920 https://ccf.sermon.net/22214050/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_andaswordwillpiercethroughyour/id/4047149.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22214050 Series: Christmas Sun, 17 Dec 2023 05:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - If we grew up celebrating Christmas at home and at Church, we probably have a very clear image in our mind of what the birth of Jesus, captured in the nativity, is supposed to look like - baby Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph attending to Jesus, with the animals of the stable looking on. The shepherds are there with a few sheep, and the Magi are bringing their gifts, with their camels standing in the background. Overhead is the star, sometimes as an angel shedding light on the entire nighttime scene. Even if we accept that the Magi and the shepherds did not arrive at the same time, this scene seems to capture the story of Jesus's birth. But something is missing from this scene. It only captures part of the story. There are several other important parts of the story that our traditional nativity scene overlooks! A more accurate nativity might be one with Mary and Joseph fleeing the scene with baby Jesus in their arms! This is also an important part of the story but one we easily overlook. What does Jesus' journey to Egypt mean and how does it add to our understanding of who Jesus is and why He came? How does Jesus fulfill the prophet's words, "Out of Egypt I called my son?" Joseph and Mary's sojourn in Egypt with Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of His life, not everyone wanted to worship Jesus. He had enemies from the very start of His life, which will be a theme throughout the Gospel until His enemies finally succeed in killing Him. Jesus is the newborn King, but in the end, He is a King who gave His life to save us. But, in this account, we see God's hand of protection over Jesus until His hour has come. We also see, once again, the faithful obedience of Joseph who does what he is told without question and without delay. But, the main point of this story is that it is one more example of how Jesus' life fulfills prophecy, both the predictions about Him in the Old Testament and the many "types" or pictures that point to Him and give us a clear vision of His purpose and mission. How is Jesus "my son called out of Egypt?" First, He is the true son and the greater Israel who glorifies God in the world. Indeed, all the earth will be blessed through Him! Secondly, He is the truer and greater Moses who is rescued from those who want to kill Him so that He can lead His people out of exile, not from Egypt but from the bondage of sin and death! Big Idea - If we grew up celebrating Christmas at home and at Church, we probably have a very clear image in our mind of what the birth of Jesus, captured in the nativity, is supposed to look like - baby Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph attending to Jesus, with the animals of the stable looking on. The shepherds are there with a few sheep, and the Magi are bringing their gifts, with their camels standing in the background. Overhead is the star, sometimes as an angel shedding light on the entire nighttime scene. Even if we accept that the Magi and the shepherds did not arrive at the same time, this scene seems to capture the story of Jesus's birth. But something is missing from this scene. It only captures part of the story. There are several other important parts of the story that our traditional nativity scene overlooks! A more accurate nativity might be one with Mary and Joseph fleeing the scene with baby Jesus in their arms! This is also an important part of the story but one we easily overlook. What does Jesus' journey to Egypt mean and how does it add to our understanding of who Jesus is and why He came? How does Jesus fulfill the prophet's words, "Out of Egypt I called my son?" Joseph and Mary's sojourn in Egypt with Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of His life, not everyone wanted to worship Jesus. He had enemies from the very start of His life, which will be a theme throughout the Gospel until His enemies finally succeed in killing Him. Jesus is the newborn King, but in the end, He is a King who gave His life to save us. But, in this account, we see God's hand of protection over Jesus until His hour has come. We also see, once again, the faithful obedience of Joseph who does what he is told without question and without delay. But, the main point of this story is that it is one more example of how Jesus' life fulfills prophecy, both the predictions about Him in the Old Testament and the many "types" or pictures that point to Him and give us a clear vision of His purpose and mission. How is Jesus "my son called out of Egypt?" First, He is the true son and the greater Israel who glorifies God in the world. Indeed, all the earth will be blessed through Him! Secondly, He is the truer and greater Moses who is rescued from those who want to kill Him so that He can lead His people out of exile, not from Egypt but from the bondage of sin and death! Big Idea - If we grew up celebrating Christmas at home and at Church, we probably have a very clear image in our mind of what the birth of Jesus, captured in the nativity, is supposed to look like - baby Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph attending … Tim Dunham 2838 https://ccf.sermon.net/22209465/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outofegypt/id/4042684.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22209465 Series: Christmas Part#3 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 05:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We begin this advent season with a focus on the Prophetic Inauguration of Christ. The prophets all looked for the coming of a Messiah, and they all found their fulfillment in Jesus. Daniel is no exception. He also points to the coming of the Messiah and we see this most clearly in Daniel chapter 7 where Daniel speaks of the Son of Man. This was Jesus' favorite title for Himself. He was the Son of God, but this title He uses for Himself only a couple of times, and only indirectly. But, He calls Himself Son of Man dozens of times. Why did Jesus pick this name for Himself, and what was its significance? It was not an obvious title, like Son of God, and it left people confused by what it meant - John 12:34 (ESV) — 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” The title, Son of Man, can only make sense as we see what it means in Daniel 7. Who is the Son of Man, and what was Jesus claiming by using this title? This is the second vision in the book of Daniel and it is very similar to the first vision in chapter 2 - the vision of Nebuchadnezzar's giant statue. It has many similarities to his final vision in chapters 10-12. These visions all look to a future where four successive kingdoms will dominate the world. In each vision, special focus is given to the final kingdom which will be especially devil and oppressive for God's people. In the vision of chapter 7, what can be said of these kingdoms is that they are beastly. They are monsters. It pictures men, kings, who have turned into beasts devouring flesh, dreadful, terrifying, breaking in pieces, and stamping into the ground what is left. In Genesis 1-2 God created man and gave him dominion over creation to care for it and to shepherd God's creation. But, instead of being shepherds who care for God's gift, we have become wolves that devour and destroy. This is true of all humanity, but the higher one climbs in rank and power the more that power can be used for harm and evil. Daniel paints a bleak picture that the kingdoms, governments, and rulers of the world will not get better, and we will not usher in a time of world peace. Instead, it will reach a climax with a ruler who is the most beastly of all. But, then the scene changes to a courtroom and the judge who will bring an end to all the beasts. In their place will rule the Son of Man, and His kingdom will never end. This kingdom will be the eternal possession of the Saints of God, who were targets of the beasts. Jesus adopts this title as a cryptic way of saying that He is the promised one who is coming to set up a kingdom that will never end for all those who belong to Him. At first glance, this vision looks like a bunch of power-hungry beasts being overthrown by one who is even more powerful. Those who use power to dominate are conquered by one with even greater power. But how is this any better? Is God, and the Son of Man, just like them? Why is His kingdom any better, just because no one can overthrow Him? The Son of Man is not only the one who will set up a never-ending Kingdom, but we see in this passage that He is worthy to receive such dominion and power to rule and reign. First, we see that God is not a monster but a righteous judge who overthrows the beast on the basis of wisdom, and righteousness. Second, the Son of Man is coronated as King, and He is worthy because He is also God, one in nature and being with the Ancient of Days. He is God who rides on the clouds and will be worshiped by every people, nation, and language. But, He is not the Ancient of Day, pointing to the trinity. Third, He does not grab power to crush people underfoot but rather gives His people a kingdom for their joy and benefit. This Kingdom is not only His kingdom, but it is their Kingdom, and it is their dominion. Fourth, He is called the Son of Man because He is God but also fully human, an obvious OT reference to the incarnation. But why is that important? How does being a man make Him worthy to receive the Kingdom? First, because this dominion was given to man in creation. Therefore, it is the rightful possession of humanity, and He is the ultimate human being who fulfilled God's intended design and purpose in creation. Secondly, HE took on human flesh and blood to redeem fallen and broken humanity. We are the saints, the sanctified ones of the Most High, but His blood. Therefore, He alone is worthy to reign! Big Idea - We begin this advent season with a focus on the Prophetic Inauguration of Christ. The prophets all looked for the coming of a Messiah, and they all found their fulfillment in Jesus. Daniel is no exception. He also points to the coming of the Messiah and we see this most clearly in Daniel chapter 7 where Daniel speaks of the Son of Man. This was Jesus' favorite title for Himself. He was the Son of God, but this title He uses for Himself only a couple of times, and only indirectly. But, He calls Himself Son of Man dozens of times. Why did Jesus pick this name for Himself, and what was its significance? It was not an obvious title, like Son of God, and it left people confused by what it meant - John 12:34 (ESV) — 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” The title, Son of Man, can only make sense as we see what it means in Daniel 7. Who is the Son of Man, and what was Jesus claiming by using this title? This is the second vision in the book of Daniel and it is very similar to the first vision in chapter 2 - the vision of Nebuchadnezzar's giant statue. It has many similarities to his final vision in chapters 10-12. These visions all look to a future where four successive kingdoms will dominate the world. In each vision, special focus is given to the final kingdom which will be especially devil and oppressive for God's people. In the vision of chapter 7, what can be said of these kingdoms is that they are beastly. They are monsters. It pictures men, kings, who have turned into beasts devouring flesh, dreadful, terrifying, breaking in pieces, and stamping into the ground what is left. In Genesis 1-2 God created man and gave him dominion over creation to care for it and to shepherd God's creation. But, instead of being shepherds who care for God's gift, we have become wolves that devour and destroy. This is true of all humanity, but the higher one climbs in rank and power the more that power can be used for harm and evil. Daniel paints a bleak picture that the kingdoms, governments, and rulers of the world will not get better, and we will not usher in a time of world peace. Instead, it will reach a climax with a ruler who is the most beastly of all. But, then the scene changes to a courtroom and the judge who will bring an end to all the beasts. In their place will rule the Son of Man, and His kingdom will never end. This kingdom will be the eternal possession of the Saints of God, who were targets of the beasts. Jesus adopts this title as a cryptic way of saying that He is the promised one who is coming to set up a kingdom that will never end for all those who belong to Him. At first glance, this vision looks like a bunch of power-hungry beasts being overthrown by one who is even more powerful. Those who use power to dominate are conquered by one with even greater power. But how is this any better? Is God, and the Son of Man, just like them? Why is His kingdom any better, just because no one can overthrow Him? The Son of Man is not only the one who will set up a never-ending Kingdom, but we see in this passage that He is worthy to receive such dominion and power to rule and reign. First, we see that God is not a monster but a righteous judge who overthrows the beast on the basis of wisdom, and righteousness. Second, the Son of Man is coronated as King, and He is worthy because He is also God, one in nature and being with the Ancient of Days. He is God who rides on the clouds and will be worshiped by every people, nation, and language. But, He is not the Ancient of Day, pointing to the trinity. Third, He does not grab power to crush people underfoot but rather gives His people a kingdom for their joy and benefit. This Kingdom is not only His kingdom, but it is their Kingdom, and it is their dominion. Fourth, He is called the Son of Man because He is God but also fully human, an obvious OT reference to the incarnation. But why is that important? How does being a man make Him worthy to receive the Kingdom? First, because this dominion was given to man in creation. Therefore, it is the rightful possession of humanity, and He is the ultimate human being who fulfilled God's intended design and purpose in creation. Secondly, HE took on human flesh and blood to redeem fallen and broken humanity. We are the saints, the sanctified ones of the Most High, but His blood. Therefore, He alone is worthy to reign! Big Idea - We begin this advent season with a focus on the Prophetic Inauguration of Christ. The prophets all looked for the coming of a Messiah, and they all found their fulfillment in Jesus. Daniel is no exception. He also points to the coming of the… Tim Dunham 3171 https://ccf.sermon.net/22203664/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesonofman/id/4037638.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22203664 Series: Daniel Sun, 26 Nov 2023 04:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - There is something in our nature that wants to know what will happen in the future. I think it is more than just simple curiosity. When the future is unknown it makes us feel helpless and out of control. Maybe we think that if we know what is coming, we can somehow control it, or at least not feel helpless about tomorrow. But, this would only work if we could know what will happen and then have the power to change it, to alter what will happen. This is a popular theme in many movies. We hope to have this power over the future, but only if we know what it is. Is this realistic? Is it possible to know the future, and if so, can we do anything about it? In the book of Daniel, we get some amazing glimpses into the future; at least, Daniel gets a view of the future from his time. Much of what was future to Daniel is now ancient history to us. But, from this vantage point, looking back, we can check to see the accuracy of Daniel's prophecies. One of the most powerful lessons of the book of Daniel is that God can certainly tell us what will happen in the future with incredible and absolute accuracy. This is the first lesson of Daniel 11 - God knows the future with amazing clarity. But, it is also clear that God does not give Daniel a peak into the future so that people can change the future. In fact, the only reason God can give such a detailed explanation of what will happen next is because it is fixed, and not only that but the events of history are set and established by God Himself. God knows what will happen from the beginning to the end of history because He wrote the Script, and He alone has the power to determine its outcome. We cannot change history just by knowing what will happen. Does this mean we are powerless victims of destiny? Is free will and human choice just an illusion? Are we nothing more than puppets who have no choice but to follow the Script? God is Sovereign over the events and flow of history, but not because He controls us like puppets. It is a mystery and beyond our understanding, but God Sovereignly controls the course of history and its outcome without directly controlling us! We see that the course of history involves kings and rulers who did not follow God and were free agents who were evil and wicked people. In the end, they are accountable for their actions and choices. Not only that but behind powerful earthly rulers are even more powerful spiritual forces who exert influence over human affairs. Here again, we see that God does not move the spiritual forces like chess pieces, but He enrolls angelic beings to combat the forces of evil. What is most amazing is that these spiritual forces are activated and moved through the prayers of the godly! So, the script is written and history is set, but we are a very active part of how it unfolds for good and for evil. We are all active players in the story, and what we do matters! Our great desire to know and change the course of history, in the end, is motivated by our fear that the future is bad and that serious trouble may lie ahead. What we want more than anything else is to avoid trouble. But, Daniel's vision warns us that there will be periods of incredible trouble and evil in the world. This is seen in two characters who are highlighted in the prophecy. The first time of trouble was under Antiochus Epiphanes. He is seen as a prototype of the ultimate time of trouble, known as the great tribulation when the second and most evil ruler of all time will appear on the scene. These times of trouble cannot be avoided - God appoints it as part of His judgment of the wicked and a time of purifying for the godly. We cannot prevent or avoid it, but we do have the choice about how we respond when these troubled times come. We can hold on to our faith in God and keep worshiping Him, no matter what, or we can turn away from God with the hope that we will escape suffering. But, the hope of escape is a lie. The evil one is a destroyer, and nothing good comes from him in the end. But, there is hope for those who persevere. The evil one will be destroyed, and his reign will be short. We may not be able to change the history of the world, but the one thing we do hold in our own power is our own eternal future. At the end, all will be raised from the dead and all will stand before God in judgment. Those who worshiped God and sought to bring others to righteousness will be raised to life eternal with God. Those who sought the path of escape by following the evil one will be raised to shame and everlasting contempt. Thus, the future that matters most, the eternal future is in your hands. Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Do you live to worship God and to bring others to righteousness? Then your eternal future will be bright, and you will shine like the morning star for all eternity! Big Idea - There is something in our nature that wants to know what will happen in the future. I think it is more than just simple curiosity. When the future is unknown it makes us feel helpless and out of control. Maybe we think that if we know what is coming, we can somehow control it, or at least not feel helpless about tomorrow. But, this would only work if we could know what will happen and then have the power to change it, to alter what will happen. This is a popular theme in many movies. We hope to have this power over the future, but only if we know what it is. Is this realistic? Is it possible to know the future, and if so, can we do anything about it? In the book of Daniel, we get some amazing glimpses into the future; at least, Daniel gets a view of the future from his time. Much of what was future to Daniel is now ancient history to us. But, from this vantage point, looking back, we can check to see the accuracy of Daniel's prophecies. One of the most powerful lessons of the book of Daniel is that God can certainly tell us what will happen in the future with incredible and absolute accuracy. This is the first lesson of Daniel 11 - God knows the future with amazing clarity. But, it is also clear that God does not give Daniel a peak into the future so that people can change the future. In fact, the only reason God can give such a detailed explanation of what will happen next is because it is fixed, and not only that but the events of history are set and established by God Himself. God knows what will happen from the beginning to the end of history because He wrote the Script, and He alone has the power to determine its outcome. We cannot change history just by knowing what will happen. Does this mean we are powerless victims of destiny? Is free will and human choice just an illusion? Are we nothing more than puppets who have no choice but to follow the Script? God is Sovereign over the events and flow of history, but not because He controls us like puppets. It is a mystery and beyond our understanding, but God Sovereignly controls the course of history and its outcome without directly controlling us! We see that the course of history involves kings and rulers who did not follow God and were free agents who were evil and wicked people. In the end, they are accountable for their actions and choices. Not only that but behind powerful earthly rulers are even more powerful spiritual forces who exert influence over human affairs. Here again, we see that God does not move the spiritual forces like chess pieces, but He enrolls angelic beings to combat the forces of evil. What is most amazing is that these spiritual forces are activated and moved through the prayers of the godly! So, the script is written and history is set, but we are a very active part of how it unfolds for good and for evil. We are all active players in the story, and what we do matters! Our great desire to know and change the course of history, in the end, is motivated by our fear that the future is bad and that serious trouble may lie ahead. What we want more than anything else is to avoid trouble. But, Daniel's vision warns us that there will be periods of incredible trouble and evil in the world. This is seen in two characters who are highlighted in the prophecy. The first time of trouble was under Antiochus Epiphanes. He is seen as a prototype of the ultimate time of trouble, known as the great tribulation when the second and most evil ruler of all time will appear on the scene. These times of trouble cannot be avoided - God appoints it as part of His judgment of the wicked and a time of purifying for the godly. We cannot prevent or avoid it, but we do have the choice about how we respond when these troubled times come. We can hold on to our faith in God and keep worshiping Him, no matter what, or we can turn away from God with the hope that we will escape suffering. But, the hope of escape is a lie. The evil one is a destroyer, and nothing good comes from him in the end. But, there is hope for those who persevere. The evil one will be destroyed, and his reign will be short. We may not be able to change the history of the world, but the one thing we do hold in our own power is our own eternal future. At the end, all will be raised from the dead and all will stand before God in judgment. Those who worshiped God and sought to bring others to righteousness will be raised to life eternal with God. Those who sought the path of escape by following the evil one will be raised to shame and everlasting contempt. Thus, the future that matters most, the eternal future is in your hands. Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Do you live to worship God and to bring others to righteousness? Then your eternal future will be bright, and you will shine like the morning star for all eternity! Big Idea - There is something in our nature that wants to know what will happen in the future. I think it is more than just simple curiosity. When the future is unknown it makes us feel helpless and out of control. Maybe we think that if we know what i… Tim Dunham 3366 https://ccf.sermon.net/22201118/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thingstocome/id/4035138.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22201118 Series: Daniel Sun, 19 Nov 2023 04:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God created the world, and it was good. He created the Garden of Eden and put Adam and Eve in it as a place that was very good, the best! A place where they could experience all the goodness and joy of God walking daily in His presence. But, they rejected all of that and chose to go their own way. They chose the path of sin and rebellion against God. Now, all humanity is under the curse and bondage of sin. In chapter 9, Daniel prays a prayer of deep confession for the sins of Israel. They were God's chosen people who had entered into a covenant relationship with God, but they were still walking in the same path of sin and rebellion as Adam and Eve. Daniel prays for God's mercy, to turn from His wrath, and to make His face shine on the Sanctuary that was in ruins - that is, to restore worship and His glorious presence in Jerusalem. God immediately sends Gabriel to give Daniel the answer, but the answer turns out to be much more involved and over a much longer period of time than Daniel could imagine. In order to give the proper treatment to the patient, you have to have the proper diagnosis. Daniel had some idea of the root problem, but he had no idea that God had a plan to deal with the disease of sin that went far beyond rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring the Temple! What was God's final plan for Israel to deal with the sin that constantly plagued them? When will it all truly end? Gabriel is dispatched to give the answer to Daniel's prayer because Daniel is dearly loved and treasured by God! The answer comes as an expanded and upgraded explanation of Jeremiah's 70 years. God would return the exiles to Jerusalem after 70 years, but that does not answer Daniel's prayer, because the Temple and the offerings and sacrifices presented there could not really deal with the problem of sin. Something much greater was needed. This plan would unfold, not in 70 years, but in seventy weeks of years! The end result would finally deal with sin - the real problem of the Jews and of all humanity! God's plan would result in six incredible results that completely reverse and bring to an end the consequences of the choice of Adam. Sin would be brought to an end, its guilt removed by making atonement, never-ending righteousness would be restored, all the prophecies would be fulfilled, and a true and eternal temple would be dedicated. How would this amazing promise all come to pass? First, the exiles will return to Jerusalem and the Temple and city will be rebuilt, but in troubled times. This will take seven weeks or 49 years. Then 62 weeks will pass until the Anointed one comes who will be "cut off" that is he will be killed. These amazing prophecies point to the first advent, or coming of Christ, which would occur 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given. This prophecy was fulfilled exactly as given when Artaxerxes I told Ezra to return to Jerusalem in 458 B.C. to rebuild the Temple. Exactly 438 years later, Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry as the Messiah, in 26 AD. A few short years later He was crucified, and by His death, He made atonement for sin, once and for all! Sin was put to an end by His death! For those who put their faith in Him, the Kingdom has come, along with His everlasting righteousness. But, this prophecy is primarily about Israel, and unfortunately, the Jews, for the most part, rejected their King and did not receive the gift of atonement He offered. So, after the 69 weeks of years, but before the 70th week, the Messiah is cut off, and the Temple is once again destroyed. Forty years after Jesus' death, Rome destroyed the Temple, and Jerusalem was once again leveled and left desolate. The Jews were scattered across the Empire and any hope of a restored nation or Temple has been lost for the past 2,000 years. But that is not the end for Israel. There is still one more week - seven years that will unfold and bring about the final consummation of God's plan to put an end to sin and bring in everlasting righteousness. The final week will begin when another prince, one who is the exact opposite of the true Prince, will come. He will appear to be the promised Messiah by attempting to fulfill the role but he is a counterfeit. He will enter into a covenant relationship with the Jews, who by this time will once again be a nation. For the first 3 1/2 years, things will go well, and it appears that there will once again be a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and Jews will once again be offering sacrifices in the Temple. But, that all will change during the second 3 1/2 years as he will bring an end to worship, and his true nature as the Anti-Christ will be made clear. His rule is described as one coming on the wing of abominations who makes everything desolate - he is not a good creator but an evil destroyer. But, after 3 1/2 years of destruction, his decreed end will come, and the destroyer will be destroyed! With Jesus first coming, sin was fully and finally dealt with, but the Evil one and his power to deceive were not fully dealt with, so sin still reigns in the hearts of those who do not know Christ. But at His second coming, Satan will be finally conquered and sin and evil will be finally done away with. What does it mean to live in the gap, between Jesus' first and second coming? It means, that our sin has been fully atoned, we are forgiven, its power is broken and we no longer need to lie under its power or be plagued by its guilt. But it also means that Satan is still alive and well and is doing all he can to pull us back under his dominion. But, through the cross, we have the power to overcome! Lastly, living in between means that God's plan for Israel still waits for the final chapter which is unfolding right before us. The end is growing closer every day; as we will see, it is not a happy time. We must prepare by our resolve to stand firm and hold on to Jesus no matter how bad it gets! Big Idea - God created the world, and it was good. He created the Garden of Eden and put Adam and Eve in it as a place that was very good, the best! A place where they could experience all the goodness and joy of God walking daily in His presence. But, they rejected all of that and chose to go their own way. They chose the path of sin and rebellion against God. Now, all humanity is under the curse and bondage of sin. In chapter 9, Daniel prays a prayer of deep confession for the sins of Israel. They were God's chosen people who had entered into a covenant relationship with God, but they were still walking in the same path of sin and rebellion as Adam and Eve. Daniel prays for God's mercy, to turn from His wrath, and to make His face shine on the Sanctuary that was in ruins - that is, to restore worship and His glorious presence in Jerusalem. God immediately sends Gabriel to give Daniel the answer, but the answer turns out to be much more involved and over a much longer period of time than Daniel could imagine. In order to give the proper treatment to the patient, you have to have the proper diagnosis. Daniel had some idea of the root problem, but he had no idea that God had a plan to deal with the disease of sin that went far beyond rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring the Temple! What was God's final plan for Israel to deal with the sin that constantly plagued them? When will it all truly end? Gabriel is dispatched to give the answer to Daniel's prayer because Daniel is dearly loved and treasured by God! The answer comes as an expanded and upgraded explanation of Jeremiah's 70 years. God would return the exiles to Jerusalem after 70 years, but that does not answer Daniel's prayer, because the Temple and the offerings and sacrifices presented there could not really deal with the problem of sin. Something much greater was needed. This plan would unfold, not in 70 years, but in seventy weeks of years! The end result would finally deal with sin - the real problem of the Jews and of all humanity! God's plan would result in six incredible results that completely reverse and bring to an end the consequences of the choice of Adam. Sin would be brought to an end, its guilt removed by making atonement, never-ending righteousness would be restored, all the prophecies would be fulfilled, and a true and eternal temple would be dedicated. How would this amazing promise all come to pass? First, the exiles will return to Jerusalem and the Temple and city will be rebuilt, but in troubled times. This will take seven weeks or 49 years. Then 62 weeks will pass until the Anointed one comes who will be "cut off" that is he will be killed. These amazing prophecies point to the first advent, or coming of Christ, which would occur 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given. This prophecy was fulfilled exactly as given when Artaxerxes I told Ezra to return to Jerusalem in 458 B.C. to rebuild the Temple. Exactly 438 years later, Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry as the Messiah, in 26 AD. A few short years later He was crucified, and by His death, He made atonement for sin, once and for all! Sin was put to an end by His death! For those who put their faith in Him, the Kingdom has come, along with His everlasting righteousness. But, this prophecy is primarily about Israel, and unfortunately, the Jews, for the most part, rejected their King and did not receive the gift of atonement He offered. So, after the 69 weeks of years, but before the 70th week, the Messiah is cut off, and the Temple is once again destroyed. Forty years after Jesus' death, Rome destroyed the Temple, and Jerusalem was once again leveled and left desolate. The Jews were scattered across the Empire and any hope of a restored nation or Temple has been lost for the past 2,000 years. But that is not the end for Israel. There is still one more week - seven years that will unfold and bring about the final consummation of God's plan to put an end to sin and bring in everlasting righteousness. The final week will begin when another prince, one who is the exact opposite of the true Prince, will come. He will appear to be the promised Messiah by attempting to fulfill the role but he is a counterfeit. He will enter into a covenant relationship with the Jews, who by this time will once again be a nation. For the first 3 1/2 years, things will go well, and it appears that there will once again be a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and Jews will once again be offering sacrifices in the Temple. But, that all will change during the second 3 1/2 years as he will bring an end to worship, and his true nature as the Anti-Christ will be made clear. His rule is described as one coming on the wing of abominations who makes everything desolate - he is not a good creator but an evil destroyer. But, after 3 1/2 years of destruction, his decreed end will come, and the destroyer will be destroyed! With Jesus first coming, sin was fully and finally dealt with, but the Evil one and his power to deceive were not fully dealt with, so sin still reigns in the hearts of those who do not know Christ. But at His second coming, Satan will be finally conquered and sin and evil will be finally done away with. What does it mean to live in the gap, between Jesus' first and second coming? It means, that our sin has been fully atoned, we are forgiven, its power is broken and we no longer need to lie under its power or be plagued by its guilt. But it also means that Satan is still alive and well and is doing all he can to pull us back under his dominion. But, through the cross, we have the power to overcome! Lastly, living in between means that God's plan for Israel still waits for the final chapter which is unfolding right before us. The end is growing closer every day; as we will see, it is not a happy time. We must prepare by our resolve to stand firm and hold on to Jesus no matter how bad it gets! Big Idea - God created the world, and it was good. He created the Garden of Eden and put Adam and Eve in it as a place that was very good, the best! A place where they could experience all the goodness and joy of God walking daily in His presence. But,… Tim Dunham 259 https://ccf.sermon.net/22198862/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_70weeksofyears/id/4032937.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22198862 Series: Daniel Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:06:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How can we be more effective in prayer? There are many examples in Scripture of how to pray. The prayer of Daniel is only one. But, it is a good model for prayer, and there is much we can imitate from Daniel. In the end, Gabriel told Daniel that he was "greatly loved" and precious to God. This was certainly God's response to Daniel's attitude and heart in prayer. What did Daniel pray that caused God to respond with such affection? Daniel's prayer contains five elements that we can follow, five things that gave Him favor with God. First, Daniel enters into prayer with a great spirit of humility. Second, he begins his prayer by praising God for His greatness. Third, Daniel confesses the sins of Israel, which stands in stark contrast to God's righteousness. This makes Daniel's plea for help one that is based fully on God's grace and not on any right or demand we can make on God. Fourth, Daniel frames his request on the basis of what God already said He was going to do. Finally, Daniel's greatest concern is not for his own sake or benefit. Instead, his great concern is for the glory of God in the world. But God's honor is not separate from what happens to God's people. He has allowed the honor of His name to be attached to those who bear His name. Big Idea - How can we be more effective in prayer? There are many examples in Scripture of how to pray. The prayer of Daniel is only one. But, it is a good model for prayer, and there is much we can imitate from Daniel. In the end, Gabriel told Daniel that he was "greatly loved" and precious to God. This was certainly God's response to Daniel's attitude and heart in prayer. What did Daniel pray that caused God to respond with such affection? Daniel's prayer contains five elements that we can follow, five things that gave Him favor with God. First, Daniel enters into prayer with a great spirit of humility. Second, he begins his prayer by praising God for His greatness. Third, Daniel confesses the sins of Israel, which stands in stark contrast to God's righteousness. This makes Daniel's plea for help one that is based fully on God's grace and not on any right or demand we can make on God. Fourth, Daniel frames his request on the basis of what God already said He was going to do. Finally, Daniel's greatest concern is not for his own sake or benefit. Instead, his great concern is for the glory of God in the world. But God's honor is not separate from what happens to God's people. He has allowed the honor of His name to be attached to those who bear His name. Big Idea - How can we be more effective in prayer? There are many examples in Scripture of how to pray. The prayer of Daniel is only one. But, it is a good model for prayer, and there is much we can imitate from Daniel. In the end, Gabriel told Daniel … Tim Dunham 3033 https://ccf.sermon.net/22196864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_apleaformercy/id/4031010.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22196864 Series: Daniel Part#8 Sun, 05 Nov 2023 09:57:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is going to happen next? The world is in great turmoil, and we want to know how it is going to end. Will things get better, or will they get worse? For Daniel and the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that was just as pressing a question. God had made covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would be like the sand of the sea, they would possess the Promised Land, and they would become a great nation, the kingdom of priests. God fulfilled all those promises, but the Babylonian captivity had brought an end to all of that. Was God finished with His covenant people? Or did God still care for them and have a plan for them? In the first half of the book of Daniel, we see God's faithfulness in caring for Daniel and his friends. Their faith is severely tested, but when they trust in God, He was more than faithful to rescue and save them. The second half of the book is a series of visions that Daniel received. These focus on how God will continue to be faithful to His covenant people. He is not done with them. He has a plan, and He will not abandon His chosen ones. But, the visions also reveal that Israel will continue to rebel against God and be unfaithful to Him. This results in periods of great judgment and tribulation. In the vision of Chapter 8, God shows Daniel a vision of the people of Israel restored to their homeland and the temple rebuilt. But, there will come a time of rebellion when people turn away from God, and there is great suffering as God allows them to suffer a period of great judgment. But, the period of tribulation is limited to seven years. The vision gives accurate and detailed accounts of how history will unfold. First, the ram. This is the kingdom of the Medes and Persians would burst on the scene, and they will become the great world power. Then, the goat. Greece will rise to power by the hand of a swift and powerful conqueror who will defeat every enemy he encounters. His kingdom will be divided into four. This pictures with amazing accuracy the rise of Greece under Alexander the Great, and the subsequent division of his kingdom under four generals. Finally, the little horn. From one of the four kingdoms will rise a ruler who will bring great persecution to the Jews and Jerusalem. He will be a tricky and powerful ruler who will come against the holy ones and cause many to suffer and die. Then he will come against God Himself, the temple, and the Jewish religion. His oppression of the Jews will last 7 years, but then his rule will quickly end. That is, God will bring it to an end. This predicts with amazing accuracy the reign of Antiochus Epiphany. Looking back, we can see how perfectly this vision was fulfilled in every detail. But, it is part of a bigger vision of history that Daniel's other visions encompass. Antiochus is a type or a pattern that will repeated again in history. Many like him have come and gone, but at the very end, there will be one more, and the one will be the worst. He is the little horn of chapter 7, who is the Anti-Christ. We can take away a couple of important lessons from this vision. First, God knows the future, not because He has a crystal ball by which He can look to what is coming next. Rather, He is sovereign over history. He is in control of what is going to happen because He is the one who raises up kings and kingdoms, and He is the one who brings them to an end. Evil rulers have come to power in Jewish history, but also now - in the Middle East, Russia, Myanmar, Nigeria, etc. And they come against God's people, often with violent persecution and hatred. In part, these rulers are instruments of God's judgment on the wicked, but God's holy ones get caught in the cross-fire. Like Daniel, it is a time of testing for those who follow God. Will we remain faithful to God even in times of great tribulation? During those times, we need to double our resolve to follow God and trust Him as Daniel did! Because it won't last forever. From Antiochus Epiphany to the final Anti-Christ, all are stopped short of their evil assaults by the rescuing hand of our mighty God. When we suffer, we need to keep in mind it won't last forever, God will bring it to an end! In the meantime - be faithful! Christ has overcome the Evil One, death, the grave, and sin. He has risen and reigns on high. Evil still exists in this world, but there is coming a day when it will be fully and finally defeated, so trust in Jesus and keep your eyes on Him! Big Idea - What is going to happen next? The world is in great turmoil, and we want to know how it is going to end. Will things get better, or will they get worse? For Daniel and the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that was just as pressing a question. God had made covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would be like the sand of the sea, they would possess the Promised Land, and they would become a great nation, the kingdom of priests. God fulfilled all those promises, but the Babylonian captivity had brought an end to all of that. Was God finished with His covenant people? Or did God still care for them and have a plan for them? In the first half of the book of Daniel, we see God's faithfulness in caring for Daniel and his friends. Their faith is severely tested, but when they trust in God, He was more than faithful to rescue and save them. The second half of the book is a series of visions that Daniel received. These focus on how God will continue to be faithful to His covenant people. He is not done with them. He has a plan, and He will not abandon His chosen ones. But, the visions also reveal that Israel will continue to rebel against God and be unfaithful to Him. This results in periods of great judgment and tribulation. In the vision of Chapter 8, God shows Daniel a vision of the people of Israel restored to their homeland and the temple rebuilt. But, there will come a time of rebellion when people turn away from God, and there is great suffering as God allows them to suffer a period of great judgment. But, the period of tribulation is limited to seven years. The vision gives accurate and detailed accounts of how history will unfold. First, the ram. This is the kingdom of the Medes and Persians would burst on the scene, and they will become the great world power. Then, the goat. Greece will rise to power by the hand of a swift and powerful conqueror who will defeat every enemy he encounters. His kingdom will be divided into four. This pictures with amazing accuracy the rise of Greece under Alexander the Great, and the subsequent division of his kingdom under four generals. Finally, the little horn. From one of the four kingdoms will rise a ruler who will bring great persecution to the Jews and Jerusalem. He will be a tricky and powerful ruler who will come against the holy ones and cause many to suffer and die. Then he will come against God Himself, the temple, and the Jewish religion. His oppression of the Jews will last 7 years, but then his rule will quickly end. That is, God will bring it to an end. This predicts with amazing accuracy the reign of Antiochus Epiphany. Looking back, we can see how perfectly this vision was fulfilled in every detail. But, it is part of a bigger vision of history that Daniel's other visions encompass. Antiochus is a type or a pattern that will repeated again in history. Many like him have come and gone, but at the very end, there will be one more, and the one will be the worst. He is the little horn of chapter 7, who is the Anti-Christ. We can take away a couple of important lessons from this vision. First, God knows the future, not because He has a crystal ball by which He can look to what is coming next. Rather, He is sovereign over history. He is in control of what is going to happen because He is the one who raises up kings and kingdoms, and He is the one who brings them to an end. Evil rulers have come to power in Jewish history, but also now - in the Middle East, Russia, Myanmar, Nigeria, etc. And they come against God's people, often with violent persecution and hatred. In part, these rulers are instruments of God's judgment on the wicked, but God's holy ones get caught in the cross-fire. Like Daniel, it is a time of testing for those who follow God. Will we remain faithful to God even in times of great tribulation? During those times, we need to double our resolve to follow God and trust Him as Daniel did! Because it won't last forever. From Antiochus Epiphany to the final Anti-Christ, all are stopped short of their evil assaults by the rescuing hand of our mighty God. When we suffer, we need to keep in mind it won't last forever, God will bring it to an end! In the meantime - be faithful! Christ has overcome the Evil One, death, the grave, and sin. He has risen and reigns on high. Evil still exists in this world, but there is coming a day when it will be fully and finally defeated, so trust in Jesus and keep your eyes on Him! Big Idea - What is going to happen next? The world is in great turmoil, and we want to know how it is going to end. Will things get better, or will they get worse? For Daniel and the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that was just as pressing a qu… Tim Dunham 3666 https://ccf.sermon.net/22196862/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theramthegoatandthelittlehorn/id/4031008.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22196862 Series: Daniel Part#7 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 04:08:00 +0000 Andrew Carter The drunken feast Writing on the wall Daniel arrives at the feast Lessons for our current world The drunken feast Writing on the wall Daniel arrives at the feast Lessons for our current world The drunken feast Writing on the wall Daniel arrives at the feast Lessons for our current world … Andrew Carter 3263 https://ccf.sermon.net/22188003/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graffitifromheaven/id/4022248.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22188003 Series: Daniel Part#5 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 04:02:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2906 https://ccf.sermon.net/22188002/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_daniel4/id/4022247.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22188002 Series: Daniel Part#4 Sun, 08 Oct 2023 07:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Peter warns us, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12). NO doubt, the image comes from Daniel 3! Life can be hard and we can find ourselves in the intense heat and pressure of the furnace of life. It is our nature to avoid the fiery trials, but in Daniel 3 we see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choosing the fiery furnace rather than conforming to the demands of the King. What motivated them to make such a choice? Where did their extraordinary faith come from? How can we have that kind of faith? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made the commitment and choice to serve their God and worship Him alone because they believed with all their heart that their God was the Most High God who was more than able to deliver them from anything. This understanding of God came from their history as a nation who had lots of experience with God delivering them, but also from their own personal experience in Babylon. Unlike the empty and powerless gods of Babylon, their God was real and powerful. But, they did not make their choice based on any certainty that God would rescue them from the furnace. God was more than able, but they did not assume this was God's purpose. They accepted the reality that God, in His wisdom, had a good plan and purpose for them, and they could trust His plan no matter what. They had great faith, but just as important, they were also yielded to God's plan, not their own. This combination of faith and submission created in them an unwavering devotion to God that stood in stark contrast to the forced devotion of the Babylonians to their king and his gods. Their faith and devotion were not in vain, but God did not actually deliver them from the fire. They must walk through the trial and face the flames, but God walks with them in the trial, and he does deliver them through the fire. In the end, Nebuchadnezzar truly worships the God Most High, who is able to deliver as a result of their life and witness! Big Idea - Peter warns us, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12). NO doubt, the image comes from Daniel 3! Life can be hard and we can find ourselves in the intense heat and pressure of the furnace of life. It is our nature to avoid the fiery trials, but in Daniel 3 we see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choosing the fiery furnace rather than conforming to the demands of the King. What motivated them to make such a choice? Where did their extraordinary faith come from? How can we have that kind of faith? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made the commitment and choice to serve their God and worship Him alone because they believed with all their heart that their God was the Most High God who was more than able to deliver them from anything. This understanding of God came from their history as a nation who had lots of experience with God delivering them, but also from their own personal experience in Babylon. Unlike the empty and powerless gods of Babylon, their God was real and powerful. But, they did not make their choice based on any certainty that God would rescue them from the furnace. God was more than able, but they did not assume this was God's purpose. They accepted the reality that God, in His wisdom, had a good plan and purpose for them, and they could trust His plan no matter what. They had great faith, but just as important, they were also yielded to God's plan, not their own. This combination of faith and submission created in them an unwavering devotion to God that stood in stark contrast to the forced devotion of the Babylonians to their king and his gods. Their faith and devotion were not in vain, but God did not actually deliver them from the fire. They must walk through the trial and face the flames, but God walks with them in the trial, and he does deliver them through the fire. In the end, Nebuchadnezzar truly worships the God Most High, who is able to deliver as a result of their life and witness! Big Idea - Peter warns us, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12). NO doubt, the image comes from Daniel 3! Life can be hard and we can fi… Tim Dunham 3381 https://ccf.sermon.net/22182796/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourgodisable/id/4017139.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22182796 Series: Daniel Part#3 Sun, 01 Oct 2023 05:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Since the beginning of time, people have believed that there is a god or gods in the heavens who have power over the earth. Religion is our attempt to understand who these gods are, what they are like, and, most importantly, how we can communicate with them in order to get their help. In modern times, people have come to a more scientific understanding of the universe, and there is now the sense that we know how it all works and we can control the world based on scientific knowledge, so we no longer need the gods, and there is no proof of their existence. But even science has to admit that the universe had a beginning and, therefore, has to have a source. The order and intelligent design of the universe point to a designer - a god who created it. It brings us back to the same question - is there a god beyond us? If so, what do we need to know about this god? Of course, there are many religions and many theories about this god, or gods. In the end, the real question is not the question of the existence of god but how we can know. How can we be certain we have the right information about god and the right understanding of what he wants from us? When we come to Daniel chapter 2 this is exactly the question King Nebuchadnezzar is struggling with. He has had a dream, and he is convinced it is a message from the gods. He is surrounded by wisemen and experts who claim to know how to communicate with the gods, but the King is not confident that they really know. He wants proof. He wants to be certain that they are really hearing from the gods and not just making things up. So, he puts them to a test. The test is simple: if you really can communicate with the gods, then they can tell you my dream as well as give you its interpretation. If you cannot tell me the dream, you are just making things up! Nebuchadnezzar's question is significant and one we all need to answer. How do we know we have the right god? How can we be certain our understanding of God is correct, and we aren't just making things up? How can we know? When it becomes a matter of life and death, and their very life is hanging in the balance, the wise men of Babylon have to admit that they really do not know how to communicate with the gods. The problem, they point out, is that the dwelling of the gods is not with flesh - they don't live on earth! They live far beyond us, and therefore, it is impossible to communicate with them. Since that is the case, the King decides they are worthless and declares off with their heads! But Daniel has a very different view of the gods. He believes in the God of the Heavens, which is a code name for the one true God, the God of his forefathers, the God of Israel. What makes this god unique and radically different from all the other gods is that this God has made himself known. He is a God who is a god of revelation. He has taken the initiative to reveal Himself to us, and we can, therefore, know Him. He communicates with us, and we can talk with Him and seek His help and mercy simply by asking in prayer! But how can we know Daniel was right? The same way Nebuchadnezzar came to be convinced - because He reveals mysteries and secrets that no human being could know! Not only in revealing the King's dream, but Scripture is full of revelation about God and about the unfolding events of history that are supernatural and beyond what any human being could know. We can trust the Bible as a source of revelation from and about God because it can be put the test of truth. Did the prophecies of the Bible come to pass? The answer is an overwhelming yes! In fact, the king's dream was such an accurate picture of world history many skeptics are convinced the book of Daniel had to be written after the events took place and not before. But, there is growing proof that Daniel knew too much about Babylon to be written 500 years later. Most significantly, the great skeptic Nebuchadnezzar was absolutely convinced, so much so that he bowed down before Daniel and worshiped his God! He also rewards Daniel and places him in one of the highest positions of leadership in his government! In the end, we see that the wise men of Babylon, along with every other man-made religion, falls short because they fail to recognize the revelation of God that He has given to us. Most importantly they were wrong about the fact that God does not dwell with flesh. The greatest revelation of God and proof that He is real and we can know is found in Jesus, who is the word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, who did come to earth and showed us in real life who God is. He has ascended to heaven, but He sent the Holy Spirit so that the triune God can make His home, His dwelling, with us personally. Like the king, this personal, direct revelation from God should cause us to bow before Him in awe and wonder and the deepest worship! Big Idea - Since the beginning of time, people have believed that there is a god or gods in the heavens who have power over the earth. Religion is our attempt to understand who these gods are, what they are like, and, most importantly, how we can communicate with them in order to get their help. In modern times, people have come to a more scientific understanding of the universe, and there is now the sense that we know how it all works and we can control the world based on scientific knowledge, so we no longer need the gods, and there is no proof of their existence. But even science has to admit that the universe had a beginning and, therefore, has to have a source. The order and intelligent design of the universe point to a designer - a god who created it. It brings us back to the same question - is there a god beyond us? If so, what do we need to know about this god? Of course, there are many religions and many theories about this god, or gods. In the end, the real question is not the question of the existence of god but how we can know. How can we be certain we have the right information about god and the right understanding of what he wants from us? When we come to Daniel chapter 2 this is exactly the question King Nebuchadnezzar is struggling with. He has had a dream, and he is convinced it is a message from the gods. He is surrounded by wisemen and experts who claim to know how to communicate with the gods, but the King is not confident that they really know. He wants proof. He wants to be certain that they are really hearing from the gods and not just making things up. So, he puts them to a test. The test is simple: if you really can communicate with the gods, then they can tell you my dream as well as give you its interpretation. If you cannot tell me the dream, you are just making things up! Nebuchadnezzar's question is significant and one we all need to answer. How do we know we have the right god? How can we be certain our understanding of God is correct, and we aren't just making things up? How can we know? When it becomes a matter of life and death, and their very life is hanging in the balance, the wise men of Babylon have to admit that they really do not know how to communicate with the gods. The problem, they point out, is that the dwelling of the gods is not with flesh - they don't live on earth! They live far beyond us, and therefore, it is impossible to communicate with them. Since that is the case, the King decides they are worthless and declares off with their heads! But Daniel has a very different view of the gods. He believes in the God of the Heavens, which is a code name for the one true God, the God of his forefathers, the God of Israel. What makes this god unique and radically different from all the other gods is that this God has made himself known. He is a God who is a god of revelation. He has taken the initiative to reveal Himself to us, and we can, therefore, know Him. He communicates with us, and we can talk with Him and seek His help and mercy simply by asking in prayer! But how can we know Daniel was right? The same way Nebuchadnezzar came to be convinced - because He reveals mysteries and secrets that no human being could know! Not only in revealing the King's dream, but Scripture is full of revelation about God and about the unfolding events of history that are supernatural and beyond what any human being could know. We can trust the Bible as a source of revelation from and about God because it can be put the test of truth. Did the prophecies of the Bible come to pass? The answer is an overwhelming yes! In fact, the king's dream was such an accurate picture of world history many skeptics are convinced the book of Daniel had to be written after the events took place and not before. But, there is growing proof that Daniel knew too much about Babylon to be written 500 years later. Most significantly, the great skeptic Nebuchadnezzar was absolutely convinced, so much so that he bowed down before Daniel and worshiped his God! He also rewards Daniel and places him in one of the highest positions of leadership in his government! In the end, we see that the wise men of Babylon, along with every other man-made religion, falls short because they fail to recognize the revelation of God that He has given to us. Most importantly they were wrong about the fact that God does not dwell with flesh. The greatest revelation of God and proof that He is real and we can know is found in Jesus, who is the word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, who did come to earth and showed us in real life who God is. He has ascended to heaven, but He sent the Holy Spirit so that the triune God can make His home, His dwelling, with us personally. Like the king, this personal, direct revelation from God should cause us to bow before Him in awe and wonder and the deepest worship! Big Idea - Since the beginning of time, people have believed that there is a god or gods in the heavens who have power over the earth. Religion is our attempt to understand who these gods are, what they are like, and, most importantly, how we can commu… Tim Dunham 3276 https://ccf.sermon.net/22180127/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deepandhiddenthings/id/4014533.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22180127 Series: Daniel Part#2 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 06:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Does God ever lose? We love the story of Elijah's showdown on Mt Carmel with the Prophets of Baal. We see the mighty power of God as fire falls from heaven and consumes Elijah's sacrifice on the altar and even the altar itself! God wins! But Daniel is not Elijah. Daniel is taken captive as a prisoner of war, along with items of worship from the Temple. Jehoiakim, King of Israel, is defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. In ancient times, conquering a nation also meant you conquered their gods. When Nebuchadnezzar put the captured Temple vessels in the house of his own god, Marduk, it was proof to everyone that Yahweh, the God of Israel, had been defeated by Marduk, the god of Babylon. How could God allow Himself to be defeated? More importantly, what did it mean for Daniel and the people of Israel to be now following a God who lost? This is a very relevant question as we seek to live out our faith in God in a place where the God of the Bible is easily dismissed as nothing. It seems that in Thailand, Jesus cannot begin to rival the thousands of Temples and countless idols that seem to have so much more power than the God of the Bible. What does it look like to live out our faith in a place where it feels like God is losing? In spite of all appearances, the truth is that God is in control and is at work even when it looks like He has lost. The entire book is really the story of how God works and how God wins even when it seems like He has lost. First, we see that even in the worst of circumstances, God is still in control. He is in the circumstances, no matter how bad it may look. Second, God is the one who helps us solve our problems when we resolve to live for His purpose. Daniel was resolved to be different in order to be faithful to God and a witness to Him. God is the one who made the way for Daniel and his friends to live a life that would honor God and glorify His name before the Babylonians. Finally, God is the one who gives us success. God gave Daniel and his friends the skills and abilities they needed to succeed to stand out above and beyond everyone else. God does win, but His victory is often not evident in the circumstances. Rather, it is in the lives of His servants who shine with the light of God's glory. Daniel is a witness to the glory of God in the midst of terrible circumstances. In the end, Daniel sees the fall of Babylon and the rise of a new kingdom. But, more than that, he sees the future day when God will conquer every kingdom and authority in heaven and on earth. What matters, then, is not how things appear to be right now but our resolve to faith and to faithfulness as those who seek to be a witness to the glory of God in the midst of whatever circumstances we find ourselves. If we live for the glory of God, God will meet us and give us success every step of the way! Big Idea - Does God ever lose? We love the story of Elijah's showdown on Mt Carmel with the Prophets of Baal. We see the mighty power of God as fire falls from heaven and consumes Elijah's sacrifice on the altar and even the altar itself! God wins! But Daniel is not Elijah. Daniel is taken captive as a prisoner of war, along with items of worship from the Temple. Jehoiakim, King of Israel, is defeated by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. In ancient times, conquering a nation also meant you conquered their gods. When Nebuchadnezzar put the captured Temple vessels in the house of his own god, Marduk, it was proof to everyone that Yahweh, the God of Israel, had been defeated by Marduk, the god of Babylon. How could God allow Himself to be defeated? More importantly, what did it mean for Daniel and the people of Israel to be now following a God who lost? This is a very relevant question as we seek to live out our faith in God in a place where the God of the Bible is easily dismissed as nothing. It seems that in Thailand, Jesus cannot begin to rival the thousands of Temples and countless idols that seem to have so much more power than the God of the Bible. What does it look like to live out our faith in a place where it feels like God is losing? In spite of all appearances, the truth is that God is in control and is at work even when it looks like He has lost. The entire book is really the story of how God works and how God wins even when it seems like He has lost. First, we see that even in the worst of circumstances, God is still in control. He is in the circumstances, no matter how bad it may look. Second, God is the one who helps us solve our problems when we resolve to live for His purpose. Daniel was resolved to be different in order to be faithful to God and a witness to Him. God is the one who made the way for Daniel and his friends to live a life that would honor God and glorify His name before the Babylonians. Finally, God is the one who gives us success. God gave Daniel and his friends the skills and abilities they needed to succeed to stand out above and beyond everyone else. God does win, but His victory is often not evident in the circumstances. Rather, it is in the lives of His servants who shine with the light of God's glory. Daniel is a witness to the glory of God in the midst of terrible circumstances. In the end, Daniel sees the fall of Babylon and the rise of a new kingdom. But, more than that, he sees the future day when God will conquer every kingdom and authority in heaven and on earth. What matters, then, is not how things appear to be right now but our resolve to faith and to faithfulness as those who seek to be a witness to the glory of God in the midst of whatever circumstances we find ourselves. If we live for the glory of God, God will meet us and give us success every step of the way! Big Idea - Does God ever lose? We love the story of Elijah's showdown on Mt Carmel with the Prophets of Baal. We see the mighty power of God as fire falls from heaven and consumes Elijah's sacrifice on the altar and even the altar itself! God wins! But… Tim Dunham 3106 https://ccf.sermon.net/22177365/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_winninginthemidstoflosing/id/4011835.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22177365 Series: Daniel Part#1 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:10:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - The book of 1 Peter ends where it began with a call to stand firm in our faith in the midst of suffering. In 1:7 Peter begins by saying that faith is more precious than gold. Faith is the greatest resource we can ever possess. We think riches and wealth will protect us and give us what we want and need, but Peter reminds us that these things fail and perish. The only thing that can really protect us and give us what we need is faith, that is our faith in the eternal God who alone can protect us and give us what we need. In his final words, Peter comes back to the same themes of suffering and faith. In order for our faith to be strong and to be adequate, it must be put to the test. It is put to the test through times of suffering. But, anything that can be tested can also fail. Peter gives us some final words of wisdom to make sure our faith stands strong in the midst of the testing. So, how can we make sure our faith passes the test in times of suffering and hardship? Humility is the attitude of the heart that makes faith possible. Pride wants to make us God, or at the very least convinces us that no one knows what we need or can take care of 'me' better than 'me.' Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God is admitting we don't know what is best and that we do not have the power or ability to take care of ourselves. Only the humble person will ask for help, and we desperately need God's help Faith has no power in itself. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. We put our faith in God because He is more than able to take care of us. But faith has no power in itself. Humble faith understands that we are helpless to do anything, but faith is a strong confidence in what God can do. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. God is the object of our faith and Peter gives us three essential truths about God that form the basis or content of our faith. First, we must know that God is mighty. That is, He is more than able to rescue us, care for us, and keep us safe. Second, we must also believe that He actually wants to help us. That He actually cares for us and has a heart to help us. Thirdly, we must believe that, even though we don't deserve such help, and no matter how much we may feel unworthy of His kindness, He is a God of all grace! Grace is at the very core of who God is. He shows us kindness, not based on anything we have done to deserve it, but on who He is - a God of infinite and unfailing love. We stand up to the Devil firm in our faith by holding on to these three vital truths that form the core of our faith. While grace is a free gift, Peter reminds us that there are two important things we must do to tap into God's grace. The first is to humble ourselves, the second is to have faith in God's power and goodness. So, the beginning of faith is humility, and the condition of grace is humility. Faith is an unshakeable confidence in what God can do and will do for us according to His grace. Suffering is putting faith to the test - when things go bad, do we turn to self to keep us safe and give us what we need? Or, do we trust in God and hold firmly to His power and His grace? Turning to self is actually being devoured by the Devil. Turning to God is overcoming every enemy. And in the end, we will share in His glory! Big Idea - S - The book of 1 Peter ends where it began with a call to stand firm in our faith in the midst of suffering. In 1:7 Peter begins by saying that faith is more precious than gold. Faith is the greatest resource we can ever possess. We think riches and wealth will protect us and give us what we want and need, but Peter reminds us that these things fail and perish. The only thing that can really protect us and give us what we need is faith, that is our faith in the eternal God who alone can protect us and give us what we need. In his final words, Peter comes back to the same themes of suffering and faith. In order for our faith to be strong and to be adequate, it must be put to the test. It is put to the test through times of suffering. But, anything that can be tested can also fail. Peter gives us some final words of wisdom to make sure our faith stands strong in the midst of the testing. So, how can we make sure our faith passes the test in times of suffering and hardship? Humility is the attitude of the heart that makes faith possible. Pride wants to make us God, or at the very least convinces us that no one knows what we need or can take care of 'me' better than 'me.' Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God is admitting we don't know what is best and that we do not have the power or ability to take care of ourselves. Only the humble person will ask for help, and we desperately need God's help Faith has no power in itself. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. We put our faith in God because He is more than able to take care of us. But faith has no power in itself. Humble faith understands that we are helpless to do anything, but faith is a strong confidence in what God can do. The power of faith lies in the object or content of our faith. God is the object of our faith and Peter gives us three essential truths about God that form the basis or content of our faith. First, we must know that God is mighty. That is, He is more than able to rescue us, care for us, and keep us safe. Second, we must also believe that He actually wants to help us. That He actually cares for us and has a heart to help us. Thirdly, we must believe that, even though we don't deserve such help, and no matter how much we may feel unworthy of His kindness, He is a God of all grace! Grace is at the very core of who God is. He shows us kindness, not based on anything we have done to deserve it, but on who He is - a God of infinite and unfailing love. We stand up to the Devil firm in our faith by holding on to these three vital truths that form the core of our faith. While grace is a free gift, Peter reminds us that there are two important things we must do to tap into God's grace. The first is to humble ourselves, the second is to have faith in God's power and goodness. So, the beginning of faith is humility, and the condition of grace is humility. Faith is an unshakeable confidence in what God can do and will do for us according to His grace. Suffering is putting faith to the test - when things go bad, do we turn to self to keep us safe and give us what we need? Or, do we trust in God and hold firmly to His power and His grace? Turning to self is actually being devoured by the Devil. Turning to God is overcoming every enemy. And in the end, we will share in His glory! Big Idea - S - The book of 1 Peter ends where it began with a call to stand firm in our faith in the midst of suffering. In 1:7 Peter begins by saying that faith is more precious than gold. Faith is the greatest resource we can ever possess. We think r… Tim Dunham 2764 https://ccf.sermon.net/22175280/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumilityoffaith/id/4009789.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22175280 Series: 1 Peter Sun, 10 Sep 2023 06:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We relate to and interact with things based on their nature and purpose. For example, our relationship with a school differs greatly from a movie theater. For one, attendance at school is mandatory, but going to a movie is not. In this passage, Peter talks about the basic nature of the Church and how we relate to it. We live in a consumer-driven society where our primary interaction with the world is as a customer. This has certainly crept into the Church, where the Church is viewed as a business where we go to get a service or an experience, much like going to a restaurant. We choose the place based on what they have on the menu and how well it suits our tastes and cravings at that moment. If they don't have what we are looking for on the menu, we go somewhere else. Churches, on the other hand, feel that they must meet the customer's needs. They must offer what people are looking for and make the customer happy. This is measured by how many customers they can attract and if they return regularly. But Peter pictures our interaction with the Church not as consumers but as sheep and Church leaders as shepherds who are not providing a product to sell but providing care for the flock. So, the Church is much more like a family and nothing at all like a business. This should challenge us to think very differently about why we go to Church, what we look for in a Church, and how we connect with it. What does the image of the Church as sheep and shepherds teach us about how we do Church? First of all, Peter tells us that the Church is organized primarily around a group of leaders who function not as CEOs or executives but as shepherds. The main role and purpose of the Church is, therefore, to provide spiritual care for the members. The Church is not a bunch of customers but a flock of sheep. This is not a very flattering picture, as sheep are characterized primarily as animals needing lots of help! They are weak, vulnerable to attack, and prone to wander off and get lost. They need protection, feeding, and clear direction. In light of this reality, the most essential qualifications of its leaders are not their organizational skills, admin ability, or visionary leadership, although these are helpful. But of critical importance is their heart and capacity to provide care for the sheep. This care involves many things but can be summarized as feeding, leading, and protecting. The spirit and heart of a shepherd will be evident in their priorities as a leader, in their motivation as a leader, in their leadership style, and finally in their incentive for leading. For the part of the sheep, what distinguishes their interaction with the Church is the spirit of submission. We see in this context that the biblical picture of submission is primarily one of entrusting ourselves to the care of another. Shepherds should be trustworthy and people who know how to care for the sheep. But the sheep need to entrust themselves into the care of those called to shepherd. This means we need to admit we are sheep - that is, we are in urgent need of help and care! Finally, the shepherds and sheep need to relate to one another in a spirit of true humility. The shepherds need the humility of knowing that they are also sheep. They lead because they are more mature, not because they are without sin or fault! They are not better or above the sheep because they are also sheep. It is their heart of compassion and burden to care for others that sets them apart, not their superiority. The sheep must put on humility in the attitude of accepting the truth that they need help and care. It is the humility of laying aside our stubborn spirit of independence. Instead, we need the humility to entrust our spiritual care into the hands of another. Ultimately, Jesus is the Great Shepherd Big Idea - We relate to and interact with things based on their nature and purpose. For example, our relationship with a school differs greatly from a movie theater. For one, attendance at school is mandatory, but going to a movie is not. In this passage, Peter talks about the basic nature of the Church and how we relate to it. We live in a consumer-driven society where our primary interaction with the world is as a customer. This has certainly crept into the Church, where the Church is viewed as a business where we go to get a service or an experience, much like going to a restaurant. We choose the place based on what they have on the menu and how well it suits our tastes and cravings at that moment. If they don't have what we are looking for on the menu, we go somewhere else. Churches, on the other hand, feel that they must meet the customer's needs. They must offer what people are looking for and make the customer happy. This is measured by how many customers they can attract and if they return regularly. But Peter pictures our interaction with the Church not as consumers but as sheep and Church leaders as shepherds who are not providing a product to sell but providing care for the flock. So, the Church is much more like a family and nothing at all like a business. This should challenge us to think very differently about why we go to Church, what we look for in a Church, and how we connect with it. What does the image of the Church as sheep and shepherds teach us about how we do Church? First of all, Peter tells us that the Church is organized primarily around a group of leaders who function not as CEOs or executives but as shepherds. The main role and purpose of the Church is, therefore, to provide spiritual care for the members. The Church is not a bunch of customers but a flock of sheep. This is not a very flattering picture, as sheep are characterized primarily as animals needing lots of help! They are weak, vulnerable to attack, and prone to wander off and get lost. They need protection, feeding, and clear direction. In light of this reality, the most essential qualifications of its leaders are not their organizational skills, admin ability, or visionary leadership, although these are helpful. But of critical importance is their heart and capacity to provide care for the sheep. This care involves many things but can be summarized as feeding, leading, and protecting. The spirit and heart of a shepherd will be evident in their priorities as a leader, in their motivation as a leader, in their leadership style, and finally in their incentive for leading. For the part of the sheep, what distinguishes their interaction with the Church is the spirit of submission. We see in this context that the biblical picture of submission is primarily one of entrusting ourselves to the care of another. Shepherds should be trustworthy and people who know how to care for the sheep. But the sheep need to entrust themselves into the care of those called to shepherd. This means we need to admit we are sheep - that is, we are in urgent need of help and care! Finally, the shepherds and sheep need to relate to one another in a spirit of true humility. The shepherds need the humility of knowing that they are also sheep. They lead because they are more mature, not because they are without sin or fault! They are not better or above the sheep because they are also sheep. It is their heart of compassion and burden to care for others that sets them apart, not their superiority. The sheep must put on humility in the attitude of accepting the truth that they need help and care. It is the humility of laying aside our stubborn spirit of independence. Instead, we need the humility to entrust our spiritual care into the hands of another. Ultimately, Jesus is the Great Shepherd Big Idea - We relate to and interact with things based on their nature and purpose. For example, our relationship with a school differs greatly from a movie theater. For one, attendance at school is mandatory, but going to a movie is not. In this passa… Tim Dunham 3230 https://ccf.sermon.net/22172098/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_shepherdandsheep/id/4006672.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22172098 Series: 1 Peter Sun, 03 Sep 2023 04:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We live in a world where it seems everyone has become a victim. There is real suffering in the world, and many suffer very real pain and abuse. But never in the history of the world has an entire society embraced trauma like the modern Western world. In an insightful New Yorker article, “The Case Against the Trauma Plot,” Parul Sehgal writes, “In a world infatuated with victimhood, has trauma emerged as a passport to status—our red badge of courage?” In such a climate, almost any life event can be experienced as trauma. Kevin DeYoung writes about this and asks, "Why is everyone in such a hurry to be hurt? Many people suffer at the hands of others. The world can be unfair, at times mercilessly so. Millions of people in the world are genuine victims right now. All of us will be at some point, whether it’s for small matters or large, for a long duration or short. But we aren’t all victims, not all the time anyway, not for everything. Offendedness is just about the last shared moral currency in our country. And I’m sorry, but it’s really annoying." He argues that in many cases people choose to be offended and take the role of a victim as a way to manipulate others. "For starters, being hurt is easier than being right. To prove you’re offended, you just have to rustle up moral indignation and tell the world about it. Or, we demand apologies. Sometimes, no doubt, because a genuine sin has been committed. But often, we demand apologies just because we can. It’s a way to shame those with whom we disagree." In a world where all of society has embraced the idea of suffering and trauma as a way to gain status and identity, that is, we have come to shape our very sense of who we are as victims of everything, how are we to read and understand passages like 1 Peter 4 that call us to a life of suffering. Is Peter saying that being a Christian is all about becoming a victim? We will suffer, and there is nothing we can do about it - we are just victims, and we are called to a life of unhealed trauma? As we study this passage, we will see that Peter has a very different idea about suffering, and the last thing he is calling us to is to take on the role of a victim! Suffering is part of life, not only for Christians but for everyone. Peter shows us how we can suffer well and, at the same time, rise above it as more than just victims. Instead of post-traumatic stress, we can experience post-traumatic growth. Peter begins by connecting suffering in the world as a part of God's judgment. Peter likely lived to see the total destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. This would have been seen as an apocalyptic event marking the end times, as prophesied in the Old Testament. In this light, the world's destruction and suffering are identified with God's judgment on the nations. But, the house of God, the Church, is not exempt from suffering under times of God's wrath. Peter’s point is that everyone suffers, but what matters is not who suffers, but how it ends. For God's people, suffering ends in salvation. But, for the ungodly suffering does not end at all! When we suffer, it is important to remember that if we are in Christ, our suffering only lasts for a moment, and then we will experience the salvation of God. Peter then tells us how we can face suffering, not as a helpless victim traumatized by it, but as those who can face suffering head-on with courage. First, we must ensure we are suffering for the right cause. We need to live for God's purpose and suffer for His glory and for doing good, not because we sin and make bad choices. We can face hard things with courage when we know it is for the right reason or purpose. Second, when things get tough, we need to place our whole life in God's loving care with the faith and confidence that He is a good and loving God who is willing and able to take care of us and save us in the end. He is a faithful Creator who is more than worthy of our trust. We do not suffer alone, but God is with us, and we need to learn to experience His faithful presence in the midst of all our life, but especially in suffering and trials. Finally, we need to focus on the mission and not the suffering. The mission is to love God, love people, and seek His Kingdom. When we set our minds on serving God and loving others no matter what the circumstances or difficulties, the sense of mission and purpose keeps us moving forward rather than getting stuck in our problems and pain. In the end, taking on the role of a victim is very self-focused, and we can easily begin wallowing in self-pity, feeling sorry for ourselves, and expecting others to do the same. But, when we focus on loving others and are committed to the cause of Christ, it lifts us above our problems and gives us something to fight for instead of getting stuck. These four attitudes as we face suffering will give us the courage to face suffering head-on and grow through trauma rather than being overwhelmed by it. But waiting until the crisis is upon us won't work. We must practice these habits daily when things are going well so that it will be our natural reflex, our trained response when calamity or hardship strikes. Big Idea - We live in a world where it seems everyone has become a victim. There is real suffering in the world, and many suffer very real pain and abuse. But never in the history of the world has an entire society embraced trauma like the modern Western world. In an insightful New Yorker article, “The Case Against the Trauma Plot,” Parul Sehgal writes, “In a world infatuated with victimhood, has trauma emerged as a passport to status—our red badge of courage?” In such a climate, almost any life event can be experienced as trauma. Kevin DeYoung writes about this and asks, "Why is everyone in such a hurry to be hurt? Many people suffer at the hands of others. The world can be unfair, at times mercilessly so. Millions of people in the world are genuine victims right now. All of us will be at some point, whether it’s for small matters or large, for a long duration or short. But we aren’t all victims, not all the time anyway, not for everything. Offendedness is just about the last shared moral currency in our country. And I’m sorry, but it’s really annoying." He argues that in many cases people choose to be offended and take the role of a victim as a way to manipulate others. "For starters, being hurt is easier than being right. To prove you’re offended, you just have to rustle up moral indignation and tell the world about it. Or, we demand apologies. Sometimes, no doubt, because a genuine sin has been committed. But often, we demand apologies just because we can. It’s a way to shame those with whom we disagree." In a world where all of society has embraced the idea of suffering and trauma as a way to gain status and identity, that is, we have come to shape our very sense of who we are as victims of everything, how are we to read and understand passages like 1 Peter 4 that call us to a life of suffering. Is Peter saying that being a Christian is all about becoming a victim? We will suffer, and there is nothing we can do about it - we are just victims, and we are called to a life of unhealed trauma? As we study this passage, we will see that Peter has a very different idea about suffering, and the last thing he is calling us to is to take on the role of a victim! Suffering is part of life, not only for Christians but for everyone. Peter shows us how we can suffer well and, at the same time, rise above it as more than just victims. Instead of post-traumatic stress, we can experience post-traumatic growth. Peter begins by connecting suffering in the world as a part of God's judgment. Peter likely lived to see the total destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. This would have been seen as an apocalyptic event marking the end times, as prophesied in the Old Testament. In this light, the world's destruction and suffering are identified with God's judgment on the nations. But, the house of God, the Church, is not exempt from suffering under times of God's wrath. Peter’s point is that everyone suffers, but what matters is not who suffers, but how it ends. For God's people, suffering ends in salvation. But, for the ungodly suffering does not end at all! When we suffer, it is important to remember that if we are in Christ, our suffering only lasts for a moment, and then we will experience the salvation of God. Peter then tells us how we can face suffering, not as a helpless victim traumatized by it, but as those who can face suffering head-on with courage. First, we must ensure we are suffering for the right cause. We need to live for God's purpose and suffer for His glory and for doing good, not because we sin and make bad choices. We can face hard things with courage when we know it is for the right reason or purpose. Second, when things get tough, we need to place our whole life in God's loving care with the faith and confidence that He is a good and loving God who is willing and able to take care of us and save us in the end. He is a faithful Creator who is more than worthy of our trust. We do not suffer alone, but God is with us, and we need to learn to experience His faithful presence in the midst of all our life, but especially in suffering and trials. Finally, we need to focus on the mission and not the suffering. The mission is to love God, love people, and seek His Kingdom. When we set our minds on serving God and loving others no matter what the circumstances or difficulties, the sense of mission and purpose keeps us moving forward rather than getting stuck in our problems and pain. In the end, taking on the role of a victim is very self-focused, and we can easily begin wallowing in self-pity, feeling sorry for ourselves, and expecting others to do the same. But, when we focus on loving others and are committed to the cause of Christ, it lifts us above our problems and gives us something to fight for instead of getting stuck. These four attitudes as we face suffering will give us the courage to face suffering head-on and grow through trauma rather than being overwhelmed by it. But waiting until the crisis is upon us won't work. We must practice these habits daily when things are going well so that it will be our natural reflex, our trained response when calamity or hardship strikes. Big Idea - We live in a world where it seems everyone has become a victim. There is real suffering in the world, and many suffer very real pain and abuse. But never in the history of the world has an entire society embraced trauma like the modern Weste… Tim Dunham 3004 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doessufferinghavetobetraumatic/id/4004410.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169789 Series: 1 Peter Part#10 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 04:22:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter writes, "So that in everything, God may be glorified." In the context of this passage, "everything" certainly means everything in the ministry and life of the local Church, the body of Christ living in community. The Church's highest goal and purpose is to bring glory and honor to God. We often think of this taking place most significantly in the Sunday morning worship service, where we sing praises to God, hopefully with a genuine and joyful heart! This is important and the main reason we gather together. But, in this passage, Peter doesn't say anything about singing praises or exalting God in our energetic worship on Sunday morning. His vision for glorifying God is much broader. When he says everything, he really does mean in everything - in all the life of the Church. So, how do we truly glorify God in everything as a local fellowship of believers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand? The "everything" Peter refers to most directly connects to verse 11 and has the idea that all the ministry of the Church, whether preaching or serving, should glorify God. But, it is not a stretch to put all the commands to the Church given in this section under this great overriding purpose, to glorify God in everything. So then, Peter lists four ways that we as a Church are to bring glory to God. The first is through our focused prayer. He speaks of an effective kind of prayer because we pray with a pure and alert mind. Secondly, we glorify God in the Church by loving one another. This is our highest calling ("above all") and must be the focus of diligent effort. Love is hard because we all still struggle with sin, and it's not easy loving people who, at times, can be very unlovable. But we must do it for the sake of God's glory in the Church. Thirdly, we are to show hospitality. The life of the Church must extend beyond a meeting on Sunday morning. Loving each other requires more involvement than just an hour or two on Sunday. We must be involved in each other's lives around the dinner table! Finally, we glorify God by using our spiritual gifts to serve each other. God is glorified through all the ministry (serving) in the body because He fills it with power so that our ministry has a supernatural impact. So that, in everything, God might be glorified through Jesus Christ. If we seek the glory of God, then we must commit to active participation in the community life of the Church. Too often, we think only about glorifying God in our personal life, which is essential. But, God is most greatly glorified and most significantly exalted, not in our individual lives, but collectively as we live out the Gospel together in the community of faith. Church matters - the very glory of God depends on it! Big Idea - In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter writes, "So that in everything, God may be glorified." In the context of this passage, "everything" certainly means everything in the ministry and life of the local Church, the body of Christ living in community. The Church's highest goal and purpose is to bring glory and honor to God. We often think of this taking place most significantly in the Sunday morning worship service, where we sing praises to God, hopefully with a genuine and joyful heart! This is important and the main reason we gather together. But, in this passage, Peter doesn't say anything about singing praises or exalting God in our energetic worship on Sunday morning. His vision for glorifying God is much broader. When he says everything, he really does mean in everything - in all the life of the Church. So, how do we truly glorify God in everything as a local fellowship of believers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand? The "everything" Peter refers to most directly connects to verse 11 and has the idea that all the ministry of the Church, whether preaching or serving, should glorify God. But, it is not a stretch to put all the commands to the Church given in this section under this great overriding purpose, to glorify God in everything. So then, Peter lists four ways that we as a Church are to bring glory to God. The first is through our focused prayer. He speaks of an effective kind of prayer because we pray with a pure and alert mind. Secondly, we glorify God in the Church by loving one another. This is our highest calling ("above all") and must be the focus of diligent effort. Love is hard because we all still struggle with sin, and it's not easy loving people who, at times, can be very unlovable. But we must do it for the sake of God's glory in the Church. Thirdly, we are to show hospitality. The life of the Church must extend beyond a meeting on Sunday morning. Loving each other requires more involvement than just an hour or two on Sunday. We must be involved in each other's lives around the dinner table! Finally, we glorify God by using our spiritual gifts to serve each other. God is glorified through all the ministry (serving) in the body because He fills it with power so that our ministry has a supernatural impact. So that, in everything, God might be glorified through Jesus Christ. If we seek the glory of God, then we must commit to active participation in the community life of the Church. Too often, we think only about glorifying God in our personal life, which is essential. But, God is most greatly glorified and most significantly exalted, not in our individual lives, but collectively as we live out the Gospel together in the community of faith. Church matters - the very glory of God depends on it! Big Idea - In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter writes, "So that in everything, God may be glorified." In the context of this passage, "everything" certainly means everything in the ministry and life of the local Church, the body of Christ living in community. The C… Tim Dunham 3114 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169788/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thatgodmaybeglorified/id/4004408.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169788 Series: 1 Peter Part#8 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 04:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter warns us to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against our soul. But we all know that the desires and cravings of the flesh are a powerful force, and resisting them is no small task. In this passage, Peter again reminds us that we are not to indulge in the worldly pleasures that everyone around us so freely dives into - sexual immorality, wild parties, getting drunk, etc. We may not be tempted to go to the bar, get drunk, and go home and sleep with a total stranger. But everyone deals with cravings and evil desires. Maybe our cravings are more socially acceptable, so we think they are not as serious, like overeating. Or, our sins are more secret and online than at the local pub. Regardless of the kind of sin we struggle with, we all struggle, and the real question is how can we overcome the "passions of the flesh?" Peter answers that we overcome these evil desires by arming ourselves with a different kind of thinking or mindset. It is the same way of thinking that governed the life and actions of Jesus and gave Him the power to overcome sin and, more importantly, to accomplish God's will and purpose in His life perfectly. The mindset of Christ was to obey God and do His will no matter the cost. So, how do we arm ourselves for the battle waging between our flesh and soul so that we follow God and do His will no matter the cost? First, we must remember daily that the power of sin over us has been broken and defeated by the death of Christ. Second, we must set our life on the right goal - living to do God's will rather than living for ourselves. Third, we need to change our understanding of the conditions of a good life. Finally, we need to learn the skill of delayed gratification. It is far better to wait for the reward than seek pleasure in the moment of passion. Big Idea - In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter warns us to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against our soul. But we all know that the desires and cravings of the flesh are a powerful force, and resisting them is no small task. In this passage, Peter again reminds us that we are not to indulge in the worldly pleasures that everyone around us so freely dives into - sexual immorality, wild parties, getting drunk, etc. We may not be tempted to go to the bar, get drunk, and go home and sleep with a total stranger. But everyone deals with cravings and evil desires. Maybe our cravings are more socially acceptable, so we think they are not as serious, like overeating. Or, our sins are more secret and online than at the local pub. Regardless of the kind of sin we struggle with, we all struggle, and the real question is how can we overcome the "passions of the flesh?" Peter answers that we overcome these evil desires by arming ourselves with a different kind of thinking or mindset. It is the same way of thinking that governed the life and actions of Jesus and gave Him the power to overcome sin and, more importantly, to accomplish God's will and purpose in His life perfectly. The mindset of Christ was to obey God and do His will no matter the cost. So, how do we arm ourselves for the battle waging between our flesh and soul so that we follow God and do His will no matter the cost? First, we must remember daily that the power of sin over us has been broken and defeated by the death of Christ. Second, we must set our life on the right goal - living to do God's will rather than living for ourselves. Third, we need to change our understanding of the conditions of a good life. Finally, we need to learn the skill of delayed gratification. It is far better to wait for the reward than seek pleasure in the moment of passion. Big Idea - In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter warns us to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against our soul. But we all know that the desires and cravings of the flesh are a powerful force, and resisting them is no small task. In this passage… Tim Dunham 3013 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169786/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_armyourselves/id/4004407.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169786 Series: 1 Peter Part#7 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 04:02:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Peter tells us that we are to return evil and insults with blessing. It is one thing to endure the criticism and scorn of those who hate us, but it is quite another thing to respond with kindness and actually seek to make life better for them! This is asking a lot, maybe even asking for the impossible. Why are we supposed to bless those who mistreat us? What does it look like, and how is it even possible? Peter tells us that we are to respond to evil and insults by blessing because it is the right and good thing to do. Responding to evil with evil is unjustified, though we certainly think it is. In the end, we are acting just like them. It is not responding with the heart and character of God. It is not doing good. We are to do good, guard our tongue, and seek peace with everyone so that we will be blessed by God, who blesses the righteous but turns away from the wicked. But there is more at stake than simply doing what is right and good. A more important reason for blessing those who mistreat us is so that we can point them to the glory of Christ. We are to hold Jesus as so sacred and honored in our hearts that our greatest desire is to see Him honored and worshipped by everyone. That is the ultimate blessing we seek for others - that they would know and worship Him. We must be prepared to explain the reason for our hope in Christ with gentleness and grace. Finally, we are to bless them because, in the end, we are far better off than they are! When we are insulted and mistreated, it makes us feel like we are losers and dishonored, but Jesus' death and resurrection assure us that we will share in His glorious victory over every enemy. Jesus died to take away our sins, bring us to God, and share in His glory forever. So it is better to suffer a little now for the right reasons than to be counted with those who will suffer for all eternity for doing evil. Big Idea - Peter tells us that we are to return evil and insults with blessing. It is one thing to endure the criticism and scorn of those who hate us, but it is quite another thing to respond with kindness and actually seek to make life better for them! This is asking a lot, maybe even asking for the impossible. Why are we supposed to bless those who mistreat us? What does it look like, and how is it even possible? Peter tells us that we are to respond to evil and insults by blessing because it is the right and good thing to do. Responding to evil with evil is unjustified, though we certainly think it is. In the end, we are acting just like them. It is not responding with the heart and character of God. It is not doing good. We are to do good, guard our tongue, and seek peace with everyone so that we will be blessed by God, who blesses the righteous but turns away from the wicked. But there is more at stake than simply doing what is right and good. A more important reason for blessing those who mistreat us is so that we can point them to the glory of Christ. We are to hold Jesus as so sacred and honored in our hearts that our greatest desire is to see Him honored and worshipped by everyone. That is the ultimate blessing we seek for others - that they would know and worship Him. We must be prepared to explain the reason for our hope in Christ with gentleness and grace. Finally, we are to bless them because, in the end, we are far better off than they are! When we are insulted and mistreated, it makes us feel like we are losers and dishonored, but Jesus' death and resurrection assure us that we will share in His glorious victory over every enemy. Jesus died to take away our sins, bring us to God, and share in His glory forever. So it is better to suffer a little now for the right reasons than to be counted with those who will suffer for all eternity for doing evil. Big Idea - Peter tells us that we are to return evil and insults with blessing. It is one thing to endure the criticism and scorn of those who hate us, but it is quite another thing to respond with kindness and actually seek to make life better for the… Tim Dunham 3180 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169784/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessthosewhoinsultyou/id/4004404.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169784 Series: 1 Peter Part#7 Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:56:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1 Peter 3:1-7 1 Peter 3:1-7 1 Peter 3:1-7… Andrew Carter 2859 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169783/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_1peter317/id/4004402.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169783 Series: 1 Peter Part#6 Sun, 02 Jul 2023 03:48:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1 Peter 2:13-25 1 Peter 2:13-25 1 Peter 2:13-25… Andrew Carter 3089 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169782/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_1peter21325/id/4004401.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169782 Series: 1 Peter Part#5 Sun, 25 Jun 2023 03:44:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1 Peter 2:4-12 1 Peter 2:4-12 1 Peter 2:4-12… Andrew Carter 2827 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169781/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_1peter2412/id/4004399.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169781 Series: 1 Peter Part#4 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 03:34:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1 Peter 1:10-16 1 Peter 1:10-16 1 Peter 1:10-16… Andrew Carter 2795 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169779/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_1peter11016/id/4004397.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169779 Series: 1 Peter Part#2 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 03:24:00 +0000 Andrew Carter 1 Peter 1:1-9 1 Peter 1:1-9 1 Peter 1:1-9… Andrew Carter 2742 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169776/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_1peter119/id/4004396.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169776 Series: 1 Peter Part#1 Sun, 28 May 2023 03:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As we come to the end of the Book of Job, we come to understand that the book is not about helping find comfort in the midst of suffering. In fact, the book offers no help or comfort for those who are suffering. Instead, the book is really about helping us understand and evaluate our motives in doing what is good and right. Are we trying to be a good person? If so, what is our motive in being a good person and doing good deeds? But even more significantly, the book examines why God does good. Why does God bless people with good things? Why does He take care of creation? Why does He take care of us? These are both extremely important questions because our answers to these questions frame the nature of our relationship with God. That is, it defines the kind of relationship God seeks with human beings. Is the God of the Bible a god like the ancient gods who didn't really know what they wanted but were dependent on people to give them what they wanted once they figured it out? If people did the bidding of the gods, the gods would return the favor. This merit-based system of karma, or getting what you deserve, has survived to this very day and is evident in some form or another in most religions. But is Yahweh like that? Does that characterize the kind of relationship He wants to have with us? Of course, the answer is no. That is not at all what He is like. So how does the Book of Job paint a different picture? How does God want to relate to us? Does that define the kind of relationship we have with Him? The first question the book deals with is why we do the right thing. Job illustrates that we should not do the right thing as a means to an end. That is, to manipulate God into giving us what we want. Job had the right understanding that righteousness was an objective standard you could know, and it was important and right to do good for its own sake. Our motive for doing good is that it is the right thing to do. But is that our motivation? Or are we more like Job's friends who are trying to manipulate God, earn His favor, or the favor and respect of others? It is sometimes hard to evaluate our own motives, but sometimes our motives get tested when we suffer. If we get angry at God because we are not getting what we deserve, it indicates that we are doing good for the wrong reasons. The more important question is, why does God do good? Why does He bless us at all? In His final speech to Job, God reveals that His motive is to care for His creation, not to give everyone what they deserve. God cannot be controlled or manipulated. He also does not do good to manipulate us nor as a response to being manipulated by us! God is just, but His relationship with creation and with us is not based on giving everyone exactly what they deserve moment by moment. Instead, He cares for all that He has made by providing, protecting, and sustaining the world and all that is in it. God's protection and care are needed in a world that is not perfectly ordered. In a world where the disorder of progressive creation and of sin, this protection and care is not always guaranteed. Instead, it is a general principle of how God works. When bad things happen, it results from living in a world where disorder exists. Where good things happen, it is a sign of God's loving care in the midst of the disorder and chaos. His care is a matter of His goodness, not a matter of getting what we deserve (that is reserved for the Day of Judgement). In the end, Job's fortune is restored. This is not supposed to erase all his suffering somehow, but to show that God will not change how He works in the world. He is a God who loves to bless people! But, we now understand that it comes from a God who cares about Job and seeks to show Him favor far beyond the cold and impersonal response of giving him exactly what he deserves. God wants us to know Him - as He really is. In the end, Job's eyes are opened, and He comes to really know what God is like! Finally, we see that God's goodness extends even further in that He often gives people what they don't deserve. That is, He extends grace to those who deserve punishment. God is angry with Job's friends and finds them guilty of speaking falsely about God. But, instead of punishing them, He makes a way for them to be forgiven. This grace, ironically, comes through the priestly mediation of Job. Job, who is suffering as if he were being punished, prays for those who deserve punishment but escape it because of the sacrifice given in their place and the prayers of a mediator who is suffering the punishment they deserve. What an amazing picture of Jesus and the cross! God wants us to know Him and relate to Him based on grace, not works. Because of what He has done for us, even in suffering, not because of what we have done for Him! Big Idea - As we come to the end of the Book of Job, we come to understand that the book is not about helping find comfort in the midst of suffering. In fact, the book offers no help or comfort for those who are suffering. Instead, the book is really about helping us understand and evaluate our motives in doing what is good and right. Are we trying to be a good person? If so, what is our motive in being a good person and doing good deeds? But even more significantly, the book examines why God does good. Why does God bless people with good things? Why does He take care of creation? Why does He take care of us? These are both extremely important questions because our answers to these questions frame the nature of our relationship with God. That is, it defines the kind of relationship God seeks with human beings. Is the God of the Bible a god like the ancient gods who didn't really know what they wanted but were dependent on people to give them what they wanted once they figured it out? If people did the bidding of the gods, the gods would return the favor. This merit-based system of karma, or getting what you deserve, has survived to this very day and is evident in some form or another in most religions. But is Yahweh like that? Does that characterize the kind of relationship He wants to have with us? Of course, the answer is no. That is not at all what He is like. So how does the Book of Job paint a different picture? How does God want to relate to us? Does that define the kind of relationship we have with Him? The first question the book deals with is why we do the right thing. Job illustrates that we should not do the right thing as a means to an end. That is, to manipulate God into giving us what we want. Job had the right understanding that righteousness was an objective standard you could know, and it was important and right to do good for its own sake. Our motive for doing good is that it is the right thing to do. But is that our motivation? Or are we more like Job's friends who are trying to manipulate God, earn His favor, or the favor and respect of others? It is sometimes hard to evaluate our own motives, but sometimes our motives get tested when we suffer. If we get angry at God because we are not getting what we deserve, it indicates that we are doing good for the wrong reasons. The more important question is, why does God do good? Why does He bless us at all? In His final speech to Job, God reveals that His motive is to care for His creation, not to give everyone what they deserve. God cannot be controlled or manipulated. He also does not do good to manipulate us nor as a response to being manipulated by us! God is just, but His relationship with creation and with us is not based on giving everyone exactly what they deserve moment by moment. Instead, He cares for all that He has made by providing, protecting, and sustaining the world and all that is in it. God's protection and care are needed in a world that is not perfectly ordered. In a world where the disorder of progressive creation and of sin, this protection and care is not always guaranteed. Instead, it is a general principle of how God works. When bad things happen, it results from living in a world where disorder exists. Where good things happen, it is a sign of God's loving care in the midst of the disorder and chaos. His care is a matter of His goodness, not a matter of getting what we deserve (that is reserved for the Day of Judgement). In the end, Job's fortune is restored. This is not supposed to erase all his suffering somehow, but to show that God will not change how He works in the world. He is a God who loves to bless people! But, we now understand that it comes from a God who cares about Job and seeks to show Him favor far beyond the cold and impersonal response of giving him exactly what he deserves. God wants us to know Him - as He really is. In the end, Job's eyes are opened, and He comes to really know what God is like! Finally, we see that God's goodness extends even further in that He often gives people what they don't deserve. That is, He extends grace to those who deserve punishment. God is angry with Job's friends and finds them guilty of speaking falsely about God. But, instead of punishing them, He makes a way for them to be forgiven. This grace, ironically, comes through the priestly mediation of Job. Job, who is suffering as if he were being punished, prays for those who deserve punishment but escape it because of the sacrifice given in their place and the prayers of a mediator who is suffering the punishment they deserve. What an amazing picture of Jesus and the cross! God wants us to know Him and relate to Him based on grace, not works. Because of what He has done for us, even in suffering, not because of what we have done for Him! Big Idea - As we come to the end of the Book of Job, we come to understand that the book is not about helping find comfort in the midst of suffering. In fact, the book offers no help or comfort for those who are suffering. Instead, the book is really a… Tim Dunham 3111 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169774/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegoodnessofgod/id/4004394.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22169774 Series: Job Part#7 Sun, 21 May 2023 02:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Job thought he understood how the world worked. In his understanding, the world operated based on the merit system - you were either blessed or cursed as a result of getting what you deserve. His logic was that God created the world and God is just, therefore, everything that happens to you must be according to the principle of justice. The only problem with this view is that Job was not getting what he deserved. He knew he was righteous, but he suffered great loss, and pain. He was not getting what he deserved, in fact, he was getting a life he was certain he did not deserve. His only explanation is that God has made a mistake, and as a result, God must not really be just after all. What's more, Job began to develop his theology, his understanding of God, based on his bad experiences. The more he did this, the smaller God was, and the more he brought God down to his level. This is certainly one of the great dangers when we suffer. We know that if God is truly all-powerful then He could end our suffering or prevent it from ever happening in the first place. When God does not relieve our suffering, we can start to form wrong ideas about God and His character. God, in His kindness and grace, speaks to Job to straighten out his thinking. God's purpose is not to make Job feel worse or to condemn him and justify himself - that is Job's strategy! Instead, God's purpose is to show Job that the problem is not with God's character but with his own flawed worldview and misunderstandings about the greatness of God! Correcting Job's worldview and theology will not necessarily remove him from suffering, but it does give him a new and better way to think about himself, his suffering, and, most importantly, how he thinks about God. So, how does God's rebuke change Job's worldview and theology? How can it help us face suffering in our own life with greater courage and faith? God's rebuke first shows Job that his view of God is far too small and simplistic. He has reduced God to a being who exists on the same level as he does. God's questions are intended to help Job see the incredible wisdom and greatness of God in creation, both in how he set up the universe and in how He cares for even its most wild creatures. We have a very different understanding of how the universe works, but it should only cause us to be more in awe of the greatness of God, not less! Second, God's questions are intended to show Job that whatever he may understand about how the universe works, he cannot control any of it. At many points, the universe is quite ordered, but at some points, it is on the verge of chaos or can even be seen as chaotic. But God is even working in the chaos, even there, God is caring for and controlling nature. Thirdly, God asks Job if he knows how to run the universe so that everyone and everything gets what they deserve. Specifically, that the wicked are punished. If Job can establish the laws of nature to bring about perfect order and justice, then Job is "saved," that is, it will prove that his worldview is correct. But a brief glance at the way the laws of nature operate easily demonstrates that this is not possible. That understanding of nature is far too simplistic. It becomes quickly clear that nature is not at all concerned about us or with making sure we get what we deserve! How does this help Job in his suffering? How does it help us when we suffer? First, it helps us remember that suffering is not about getting what we deserve but is a consequence of living in a world that is not completely ordered. The ancients understood creation as God bringing order out of chaos, but the universe is a work in progress. Chaos still exists. It is God's grace and wisdom that He made the universe the way He did, and we may not understand it all. In addition, humanity added to the chaos by bringing sin, the ultimate chaos, into the world. Suffering is an inherent risk of living in a world where chaos still lurks. Therefore, suffering may have no reason or explanation other than the fact that the world is a dangerous place! Second, this doesn't mean God is no longer Sovereign and that He created a world He can no longer control! But how God controls the universe and how he works out His purpose is extremely complicated, and it is not something we can figure out. God can control things directly, but that is not how he normally works. He gives people free will, and He chooses not to control our every move. But, He is still Sovereign because our free will and the chaos of the universe do not prevent Him from doing His will and working out His purpose and plan. He is big enough to accomplish everything according to His purpose without micro-managing everything. Thirdly, the bigger God gets in our vision of Him, the smaller we become when we see ourselves next to Him. But this is a good thing. The bigger God is and the smaller we are, the easier it is to trust Him more because we see His greatness and wisdom, and we understand that we need help! In the end, the most important thing in life is not or comfort or even our safety, but it is our faith. Our faith and trust in God will never be any bigger than our view of Him! Great faith requires that we see Him as a great God! Big Idea - Job thought he understood how the world worked. In his understanding, the world operated based on the merit system - you were either blessed or cursed as a result of getting what you deserve. His logic was that God created the world and God is just, therefore, everything that happens to you must be according to the principle of justice. The only problem with this view is that Job was not getting what he deserved. He knew he was righteous, but he suffered great loss, and pain. He was not getting what he deserved, in fact, he was getting a life he was certain he did not deserve. His only explanation is that God has made a mistake, and as a result, God must not really be just after all. What's more, Job began to develop his theology, his understanding of God, based on his bad experiences. The more he did this, the smaller God was, and the more he brought God down to his level. This is certainly one of the great dangers when we suffer. We know that if God is truly all-powerful then He could end our suffering or prevent it from ever happening in the first place. When God does not relieve our suffering, we can start to form wrong ideas about God and His character. God, in His kindness and grace, speaks to Job to straighten out his thinking. God's purpose is not to make Job feel worse or to condemn him and justify himself - that is Job's strategy! Instead, God's purpose is to show Job that the problem is not with God's character but with his own flawed worldview and misunderstandings about the greatness of God! Correcting Job's worldview and theology will not necessarily remove him from suffering, but it does give him a new and better way to think about himself, his suffering, and, most importantly, how he thinks about God. So, how does God's rebuke change Job's worldview and theology? How can it help us face suffering in our own life with greater courage and faith? God's rebuke first shows Job that his view of God is far too small and simplistic. He has reduced God to a being who exists on the same level as he does. God's questions are intended to help Job see the incredible wisdom and greatness of God in creation, both in how he set up the universe and in how He cares for even its most wild creatures. We have a very different understanding of how the universe works, but it should only cause us to be more in awe of the greatness of God, not less! Second, God's questions are intended to show Job that whatever he may understand about how the universe works, he cannot control any of it. At many points, the universe is quite ordered, but at some points, it is on the verge of chaos or can even be seen as chaotic. But God is even working in the chaos, even there, God is caring for and controlling nature. Thirdly, God asks Job if he knows how to run the universe so that everyone and everything gets what they deserve. Specifically, that the wicked are punished. If Job can establish the laws of nature to bring about perfect order and justice, then Job is "saved," that is, it will prove that his worldview is correct. But a brief glance at the way the laws of nature operate easily demonstrates that this is not possible. That understanding of nature is far too simplistic. It becomes quickly clear that nature is not at all concerned about us or with making sure we get what we deserve! How does this help Job in his suffering? How does it help us when we suffer? First, it helps us remember that suffering is not about getting what we deserve but is a consequence of living in a world that is not completely ordered. The ancients understood creation as God bringing order out of chaos, but the universe is a work in progress. Chaos still exists. It is God's grace and wisdom that He made the universe the way He did, and we may not understand it all. In addition, humanity added to the chaos by bringing sin, the ultimate chaos, into the world. Suffering is an inherent risk of living in a world where chaos still lurks. Therefore, suffering may have no reason or explanation other than the fact that the world is a dangerous place! Second, this doesn't mean God is no longer Sovereign and that He created a world He can no longer control! But how God controls the universe and how he works out His purpose is extremely complicated, and it is not something we can figure out. God can control things directly, but that is not how he normally works. He gives people free will, and He chooses not to control our every move. But, He is still Sovereign because our free will and the chaos of the universe do not prevent Him from doing His will and working out His purpose and plan. He is big enough to accomplish everything according to His purpose without micro-managing everything. Thirdly, the bigger God gets in our vision of Him, the smaller we become when we see ourselves next to Him. But this is a good thing. The bigger God is and the smaller we are, the easier it is to trust Him more because we see His greatness and wisdom, and we understand that we need help! In the end, the most important thing in life is not or comfort or even our safety, but it is our faith. Our faith and trust in God will never be any bigger than our view of Him! Great faith requires that we see Him as a great God! Big Idea - Job thought he understood how the world worked. In his understanding, the world operated based on the merit system - you were either blessed or cursed as a result of getting what you deserve. His logic was that God created the world and God … Tim Dunham 2870 https://ccf.sermon.net/22130650/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howgreatisourgod/id/3966126.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22130650 Series: Job Part#6 Sun, 14 May 2023 07:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The second act of the drama opens with Job looking back at his life before disaster struck and comparing it with his current life. We see that Job's suffering not only impacted his personal life but it destroyed his standing in the community. It caused him to lose face on a grand scale. He concludes with a final speech where he makes an oath that if he has committed any kind of wrong against anyone, then He calls on God to bring the appropriate judgment on him. If God does not judge, then he is not guilty. A new character, Elihu, then comes on the scene—the voice of youthful idealism. Unlike Job's other friends, Elihu has a much higher view of God and much better theology. Elihu's main point is that Job must uphold God as just and righteous. Job is trying to defend his reputation at the expense of God's reputation, and that cannot be. This is true, and Elihu seems to be a voice of wisdom. But, we see that his argument in the end also falls short. We know that Job's suffering is not God's judgment or punishment, but Elihu cannot escape the conclusion that suffering must be God's judgment upon sin. In fact, Elihu goes so far as to say that everything that happens to us is ultimately an act of judgment - either blessing on the good or punishment on the wicked. We know this cannot be true, but it still leaves the question, "How can God be a just and righteous God if bad things happen to good people?" We do not get the full answer until God speaks in the next scene, but we can draw one important conclusion here. The problem in the thinking of Elihu, Job, and all his friends is that they are trying to define God's justice in terms of every life event that happens to them. God is just, but does that mean that every event in life is an act of God's judgment? The answer must clearly be no. God's justice cannot be explained in terms of the merit system. Everything that happens to us cannot be viewed in the light of God's blessing or judgment. To put it another way, is everything in life a matter of getting what we deserve, or is it a matter of simply dealing with what we get? There are many problems with this idea that everything in life is a matter of getting what we deserve. The first is that it sets up a social hierarchy that is in itself extremely unjust! Job experiences the social isolation that this thinking creates when we assume anyone in bad circumstances is a bad person and should be cast out of society. Second, it assumes judgment is immediate, but the Bible views God's judgment made at the end of the race, not each step along the way. God is slow to anger, and He is patient with sinners. He gives every opportunity for repentance and is full of forgiveness toward all who turn back to Him. Third, God loves his enemies, and He blesses those who curse Him. He even sent His Son to die, not for the righteous, but for His enemies. So, God sends rain on the good and the evil. That explains why God does not always judge the wicked, but why does he allow suffering on the good? Elihu is the only one who tries to tackle this problem. He argues that God can use suffering to speak to and teach us. Ultimately, his answer breaks down because he connects all suffering to God's judgment. But there is still some truth in what he says. God can use bad things to bring about good things. This is not so much an explanation of why God allows suffering in the world, but it points to the truth that even the worst things in our life can bring about the best things in the end. Suffering is probably not God's judgment, but it can always be God's tool to help us grow. Big Idea - The second act of the drama opens with Job looking back at his life before disaster struck and comparing it with his current life. We see that Job's suffering not only impacted his personal life but it destroyed his standing in the community. It caused him to lose face on a grand scale. He concludes with a final speech where he makes an oath that if he has committed any kind of wrong against anyone, then He calls on God to bring the appropriate judgment on him. If God does not judge, then he is not guilty. A new character, Elihu, then comes on the scene—the voice of youthful idealism. Unlike Job's other friends, Elihu has a much higher view of God and much better theology. Elihu's main point is that Job must uphold God as just and righteous. Job is trying to defend his reputation at the expense of God's reputation, and that cannot be. This is true, and Elihu seems to be a voice of wisdom. But, we see that his argument in the end also falls short. We know that Job's suffering is not God's judgment or punishment, but Elihu cannot escape the conclusion that suffering must be God's judgment upon sin. In fact, Elihu goes so far as to say that everything that happens to us is ultimately an act of judgment - either blessing on the good or punishment on the wicked. We know this cannot be true, but it still leaves the question, "How can God be a just and righteous God if bad things happen to good people?" We do not get the full answer until God speaks in the next scene, but we can draw one important conclusion here. The problem in the thinking of Elihu, Job, and all his friends is that they are trying to define God's justice in terms of every life event that happens to them. God is just, but does that mean that every event in life is an act of God's judgment? The answer must clearly be no. God's justice cannot be explained in terms of the merit system. Everything that happens to us cannot be viewed in the light of God's blessing or judgment. To put it another way, is everything in life a matter of getting what we deserve, or is it a matter of simply dealing with what we get? There are many problems with this idea that everything in life is a matter of getting what we deserve. The first is that it sets up a social hierarchy that is in itself extremely unjust! Job experiences the social isolation that this thinking creates when we assume anyone in bad circumstances is a bad person and should be cast out of society. Second, it assumes judgment is immediate, but the Bible views God's judgment made at the end of the race, not each step along the way. God is slow to anger, and He is patient with sinners. He gives every opportunity for repentance and is full of forgiveness toward all who turn back to Him. Third, God loves his enemies, and He blesses those who curse Him. He even sent His Son to die, not for the righteous, but for His enemies. So, God sends rain on the good and the evil. That explains why God does not always judge the wicked, but why does he allow suffering on the good? Elihu is the only one who tries to tackle this problem. He argues that God can use suffering to speak to and teach us. Ultimately, his answer breaks down because he connects all suffering to God's judgment. But there is still some truth in what he says. God can use bad things to bring about good things. This is not so much an explanation of why God allows suffering in the world, but it points to the truth that even the worst things in our life can bring about the best things in the end. Suffering is probably not God's judgment, but it can always be God's tool to help us grow. Big Idea - The second act of the drama opens with Job looking back at his life before disaster struck and comparing it with his current life. We see that Job's suffering not only impacted his personal life but it destroyed his standing in the community… Tim Dunham 2495 https://ccf.sermon.net/22127866/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettingwhatwedeserve/id/3963393.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22127866 Series: Job Part#5 Sun, 07 May 2023 03:12:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When we suffer, struggle, and meet with trials and difficulties, when bad things happen, it is very natural to ask why? What is the reason for our suffering? We have this sense that there must be some cause for our suffering, and we want an explanation. Like Job's friends, the first reason that comes to mind is that we must have done something wrong and are being punished. We want to know why because we believe that if we know the cause, then we can know how to fix it, how to make the suffering stop, and how to avoid suffering in the future. The Book of Job is dealing with this very question. How are we to make sense of the suffering and hardships we encounter in life? How are we to think about all the suffering we see around us in the world? We need is wisdom and understanding, but where can wisdom be found? Chapter 28 is a break in the action that divides the book into two may sections or acts. Job and his friends exit the stage, and the narrator comes on stage to give us some things to ponder as we reflect on act one. Act one brings us to see that both Job and his friends cannot explain the events of Job's life. The retribution principle does not adequately explain why people suffer - it is overly simplistic. It does not reflect the reality that the wicked often prosper, and in the case of Job, a truly good man is suffering. What Job and his friends need is wisdom, which an ancient reader would expect to be introduced at some point, as this is in a category known as wisdom literature. First, the narrator paints a vivid picture of man's ingenuity and determination to explore the depths, literally, and bring to light that which is hidden. Unlike the birds and beasts, we have a real talent for exploration and discovery. But, our ingenuity and technology fail us in the search for wisdom. The problem is that we don't even know where to look for it. It cannot be found by exploring the depths of the earth or the sea or searching the expanse of the universe. In short, wisdom is beyond the reach of human intellect, technology, and ingenuity. The question is not where can wisdom be found, but where does it come from? The source of wisdom is God himself. We cannot discover it on our own because it is beyond both space and time. The wisdom we are searching for to explain suffering came from God and was woven into the very fabric of the universe at creation. This is a major point in the book. The world does not operate by the merit system or by the retribution principle. And if we think about it, we can see that the laws of the universe would turn into chaos if the world ran like a vending machine. Instead, the world operates on the basis of God's wisdom. We can define what wisdom is - it is the ability to know what course of action to take in order to achieve the best and highest good. But we cannot understand how that wisdom works in the way God created the universe. God created the wind and the rain, as well as all the other forces of nature. They operate according to the wisdom of God, that is, for the ultimate good. God made the world good, and wisdom is what keeps it pointed in that direction. But, the forces of nature have the potential for both benefit and great harm. Gravity keeps us from drifting off into space, which is a good thing, but it is a destructive force if you fall off a cliff. The wisdom that makes sense of all this is beyond us. Like the infant that is outraged when her mom takes away the razor they discovered and feels they have been dealt a great injustice, cannot understand that there is higher wisdom at work they do not know. This is frustrating news for us. We want answers and explanations, not because we are curious, but because we want control. Job's friends hold on fiercely to their worldview because they are certain it gives them control over the world and God. We want the same thing, a measure of control, even over God. We want the world to operate on the basis of justice, even if a flawed justice so that we can make demands on God. If we cannot understand why we suffer, and the wisdom to make sense of it all is beyond us, this seems quite unfair and hopeless! But God does not leave us in the dark. We cannot find wisdom on our own, but God can and will give us wisdom. He promises to grant wisdom to those who fear Him and who turn away from evil. Fear in the Bible can mean many things, but when it is used to describe the fear of the Lord, it means to take God very seriously, to be in awe of God's might, power, and awesome character in all its fullness. Ultimately, it means to worship God and consider Him worthy of our trust and devotion. We turn away from evil because we turn to God and His goodness. Will this answer our question about why we suffer? No, certainly not. But, it is the path to growing in wisdom, the understanding that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. We may have doubts about the goodness and wisdom of God. How do we overcome these doubts, especially if the problem of pain and suffering makes it hard for us to believe that God is good? First, we can look at creation itself and see that it is extraordinary, complex, mysterious, beautiful, and good. Second, we must look at God's revelation about Himself and the world in the Bible. God created the universe good, but sin came into the world and has brought evil and destruction to all God made. This was not God's doing but ours, and it is the cause of much of our suffering. Thirdly, we should never lose sight of what God has done to redeem and restore the broken world. He entered fully and completely into the brokenness and suffering of the world. He took on human flesh to experience fully all the pain and suffering we experience, and He endured that suffering to an extreme farther than any of us. He is a good and loving God, and we find His glorious wisdom supremely in the cross, which is foolishness to the world but salvation to those who believe and take God seriously! Big Idea - When we suffer, struggle, and meet with trials and difficulties, when bad things happen, it is very natural to ask why? What is the reason for our suffering? We have this sense that there must be some cause for our suffering, and we want an explanation. Like Job's friends, the first reason that comes to mind is that we must have done something wrong and are being punished. We want to know why because we believe that if we know the cause, then we can know how to fix it, how to make the suffering stop, and how to avoid suffering in the future. The Book of Job is dealing with this very question. How are we to make sense of the suffering and hardships we encounter in life? How are we to think about all the suffering we see around us in the world? We need is wisdom and understanding, but where can wisdom be found? Chapter 28 is a break in the action that divides the book into two may sections or acts. Job and his friends exit the stage, and the narrator comes on stage to give us some things to ponder as we reflect on act one. Act one brings us to see that both Job and his friends cannot explain the events of Job's life. The retribution principle does not adequately explain why people suffer - it is overly simplistic. It does not reflect the reality that the wicked often prosper, and in the case of Job, a truly good man is suffering. What Job and his friends need is wisdom, which an ancient reader would expect to be introduced at some point, as this is in a category known as wisdom literature. First, the narrator paints a vivid picture of man's ingenuity and determination to explore the depths, literally, and bring to light that which is hidden. Unlike the birds and beasts, we have a real talent for exploration and discovery. But, our ingenuity and technology fail us in the search for wisdom. The problem is that we don't even know where to look for it. It cannot be found by exploring the depths of the earth or the sea or searching the expanse of the universe. In short, wisdom is beyond the reach of human intellect, technology, and ingenuity. The question is not where can wisdom be found, but where does it come from? The source of wisdom is God himself. We cannot discover it on our own because it is beyond both space and time. The wisdom we are searching for to explain suffering came from God and was woven into the very fabric of the universe at creation. This is a major point in the book. The world does not operate by the merit system or by the retribution principle. And if we think about it, we can see that the laws of the universe would turn into chaos if the world ran like a vending machine. Instead, the world operates on the basis of God's wisdom. We can define what wisdom is - it is the ability to know what course of action to take in order to achieve the best and highest good. But we cannot understand how that wisdom works in the way God created the universe. God created the wind and the rain, as well as all the other forces of nature. They operate according to the wisdom of God, that is, for the ultimate good. God made the world good, and wisdom is what keeps it pointed in that direction. But, the forces of nature have the potential for both benefit and great harm. Gravity keeps us from drifting off into space, which is a good thing, but it is a destructive force if you fall off a cliff. The wisdom that makes sense of all this is beyond us. Like the infant that is outraged when her mom takes away the razor they discovered and feels they have been dealt a great injustice, cannot understand that there is higher wisdom at work they do not know. This is frustrating news for us. We want answers and explanations, not because we are curious, but because we want control. Job's friends hold on fiercely to their worldview because they are certain it gives them control over the world and God. We want the same thing, a measure of control, even over God. We want the world to operate on the basis of justice, even if a flawed justice so that we can make demands on God. If we cannot understand why we suffer, and the wisdom to make sense of it all is beyond us, this seems quite unfair and hopeless! But God does not leave us in the dark. We cannot find wisdom on our own, but God can and will give us wisdom. He promises to grant wisdom to those who fear Him and who turn away from evil. Fear in the Bible can mean many things, but when it is used to describe the fear of the Lord, it means to take God very seriously, to be in awe of God's might, power, and awesome character in all its fullness. Ultimately, it means to worship God and consider Him worthy of our trust and devotion. We turn away from evil because we turn to God and His goodness. Will this answer our question about why we suffer? No, certainly not. But, it is the path to growing in wisdom, the understanding that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. We may have doubts about the goodness and wisdom of God. How do we overcome these doubts, especially if the problem of pain and suffering makes it hard for us to believe that God is good? First, we can look at creation itself and see that it is extraordinary, complex, mysterious, beautiful, and good. Second, we must look at God's revelation about Himself and the world in the Bible. God created the universe good, but sin came into the world and has brought evil and destruction to all God made. This was not God's doing but ours, and it is the cause of much of our suffering. Thirdly, we should never lose sight of what God has done to redeem and restore the broken world. He entered fully and completely into the brokenness and suffering of the world. He took on human flesh to experience fully all the pain and suffering we experience, and He endured that suffering to an extreme farther than any of us. He is a good and loving God, and we find His glorious wisdom supremely in the cross, which is foolishness to the world but salvation to those who believe and take God seriously! Big Idea - When we suffer, struggle, and meet with trials and difficulties, when bad things happen, it is very natural to ask why? What is the reason for our suffering? We have this sense that there must be some cause for our suffering, and we want an … Tim Dunham 3052 https://ccf.sermon.net/22125141/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wherecanwisdombefound/id/3960697.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22125141 Series: Job Part#4 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 07:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In chapters 22-27, we find the last cycle of speeches between Job and his friends. It is laid out in debate format, and in the end, Job soundly defeats the logic and arguments of his friends. He holds firmly to his integrity and righteousness. His friends have not convinced him his suffering is a result of any great sin or wickedness he has committed. But winning the debate does not solve anything. If their goal was to encourage Job, they have failed terribly. In fact, the debate format has only made them all enemies and pushed each further into their own corners. In the end, the friends and Job have not moved closer to a healthy understanding of what is going on in Job's life or in a better understanding of God. Instead, the debate has pushed each side farther away from God. The friends have a wrong understanding of God based on a wrong understanding of how God works in the world. Job has the wrong idea of God based on his personal experience. The only right understanding of God can come from revelation. As the first half of the book draws to an end, things have only gotten worse - Job is not only suffering from a great tragedy, but he feels attacked and condemned by his "best friends" and even more alienated from God. His friends, despite Job's superior answers and logic, feel more arrogant and smug in their bad theology. It is a disaster! But the sad truth is that all too often, we can do the same thing to our friends! Even the most well-meaning friends can end up dragging down those who are hurting into even lower realms of discouragement but our misguided efforts to "help." So, what can we learn from Job's failed counselors about helping those who are hurting? Job's friends come with good intentions, desiring to help, but they illustrate how the best of intentions cannot overcome bad advice! We see in their approach three errors we must avoid if we want to really help those who are hurting. First, they think they speak for God, but they do not. Second, their goal is to fix Job, not comfort him. Third, they are so focused on what they have to say they never really listen to Job's complaints. Fourth, when Job doesn't take their great advice, they become adversarial instead of supportive. What does Job really need? 1) A friend who points him to God rather than giving answers. 2) A friend who will really listen. 3) A friend who will understand, even if they don't fully agree. 4) A friend who will point him toward God and let God speak for Himself. That is, knowing God based on what He has revealed about Himself, in creation, the Word, Jesus, and the Cross. Big Idea - In chapters 22-27, we find the last cycle of speeches between Job and his friends. It is laid out in debate format, and in the end, Job soundly defeats the logic and arguments of his friends. He holds firmly to his integrity and righteousness. His friends have not convinced him his suffering is a result of any great sin or wickedness he has committed. But winning the debate does not solve anything. If their goal was to encourage Job, they have failed terribly. In fact, the debate format has only made them all enemies and pushed each further into their own corners. In the end, the friends and Job have not moved closer to a healthy understanding of what is going on in Job's life or in a better understanding of God. Instead, the debate has pushed each side farther away from God. The friends have a wrong understanding of God based on a wrong understanding of how God works in the world. Job has the wrong idea of God based on his personal experience. The only right understanding of God can come from revelation. As the first half of the book draws to an end, things have only gotten worse - Job is not only suffering from a great tragedy, but he feels attacked and condemned by his "best friends" and even more alienated from God. His friends, despite Job's superior answers and logic, feel more arrogant and smug in their bad theology. It is a disaster! But the sad truth is that all too often, we can do the same thing to our friends! Even the most well-meaning friends can end up dragging down those who are hurting into even lower realms of discouragement but our misguided efforts to "help." So, what can we learn from Job's failed counselors about helping those who are hurting? Job's friends come with good intentions, desiring to help, but they illustrate how the best of intentions cannot overcome bad advice! We see in their approach three errors we must avoid if we want to really help those who are hurting. First, they think they speak for God, but they do not. Second, their goal is to fix Job, not comfort him. Third, they are so focused on what they have to say they never really listen to Job's complaints. Fourth, when Job doesn't take their great advice, they become adversarial instead of supportive. What does Job really need? 1) A friend who points him to God rather than giving answers. 2) A friend who will really listen. 3) A friend who will understand, even if they don't fully agree. 4) A friend who will point him toward God and let God speak for Himself. That is, knowing God based on what He has revealed about Himself, in creation, the Word, Jesus, and the Cross. Big Idea - In chapters 22-27, we find the last cycle of speeches between Job and his friends. It is laid out in debate format, and in the end, Job soundly defeats the logic and arguments of his friends. He holds firmly to his integrity and righteousnes… Tim Dunham 3436 https://ccf.sermon.net/22122171/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtolosefriendsandinfluenceno/id/3957795.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22122171 Series: Job Part#3 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 07:50:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why is there suffering in this world? Why is life often so full of pain and hardship? How can a God who is all-loving and all-powerful allow evil in the world? These are tough questions, and for anyone who has really suffered, or who is in the midst of great trials and painful life circumstances, these are not just lofty philosophical questions. These become desperate cries from the heart about real-life hurt and injustice. Job is suffering from the loss of everything he had, including his own children, and he is in daily torment from a terrible skin disease with no relief (and no doctors to prescribe any number of modern-day treatments). Job's plight and his desperate question can be summed up in the well-known modern-day version that asks "Why do bad things happen to good people?" If God really is good, loving, and just it seems like a fair question. The Bible points toward the retribution principle - you reap what you sow. Do good get good, do bad get bad. But it doesn’t seem to work out that way. Is the principle wrong? When bad things happen to me, does it mean God is punishing me? When life gets really hard, or I have to suffer through painful things, it feels like God doesn't really love me, or that He doesn't really care. That is undoubtedly how Job felt. But is it true? In Job 4-21, record two of the three speech cycles that make up the first half of the book. In each cycle, Job's friends each give one speech, and Job responds to each, one by one. The three friends probably represent different voices in society at the time - the traditionalist - we have always done it this way, the theologian - this is what the Bible says, and the practical guy - this is just how it works in life. They might be three different voices, but in the end, they are all three saying the same thing. They fully believe in the principle of sowing and reaping, and therefore, they see Job's suffering in this light. But, they have actually taken it one step further by affirming the opposite - if you are suffering, you must be wicked. It looks like Job is being punished. Therefore, he must have done something wrong. And given the extent of his suffering, it must have been really bad! We know this is not true because we got a peak behind the scenes, but from an earthly vantage point, it sure seems like Job is being punished for something. When bad things happen to us, we can meet with the same voices, either from our friends who think they are helping or from inside our own heads. Job's friends really do think they are helping. They want Job's suffering to stop. In their mind, the solution is simple - just admit your sin, make things right with God, and then God will restore your blessings. They represent the same charge the Challenger made - people only do what is right because God blesses them. But Job repeatedly responds that he is not guilty of any sin. What is more important, while his friends want to help Job by restoring his prosperity, Job is not interested in that. Instead, Job wants to be vindicated. That is, he wants to show that he is not guilty, and he does not care if he ever gets his fortune restored. He really does care only for righteousness for its own sake, and not for its benefits. So, Job proves that God is right and the Challenger is wrong - people can pursue righteousness for its own sake and not for personal gain. Job and his friends also differ on another point. They represent the accusation of the Challenger that God is subverting righteousness by the way He operates in the world. But, as Job holds on to his pure motives in doing what is right, he is forced to accuse God that He is not being truly just in the way He operates in the world. Because God is not treating Job according to the principle of sowing, God is being unjust. This comes much closer to the modern-day dilemma expressed in the phrase, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It easily becomes an accusation that God is not just or fair in the way He runs the universe. So, how are we to answer the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" How are we to respond when it feels like God is punishing us or doesn't care about us when bad things come into our lives? The speech cycles give us insight into the thinking of Job and his friends in order to point out serious flaws and errors in their thinking. The first error is that both Job and his friends ultimately see a world run by a system or policy rather than a person. The friends see the principle of sowing and reaping administered by justice alone. Job also wants this, but his own experience shows that is not how it works. His only conclusion is that God must not be just. But God does not run the world by policy alone. Any organization run by policy alone becomes inhuman. All become slaves to rules that never bend and cannot take into account individual human circumstances. It is heartless and empty. It is much better when a wise and loving person is leading. A person can bring wisdom, love, justice, and all the other good attributes of their character into play. God rules the universe, not by simplistic and narrow policy, but by bringing all his attributes to the table to wisely govern and rule for the ultimate good. We often do the same thing - seeking a system or policy that explains suffering and evil. Instead, we need to see that God is a person, and He rules over the world as a personal being with many attributes that work in harmony for His good and perfect purposes. Second, when we understand this, we see that God the principle of sowing and reaping is not a matter of God's justice but of grace. The problem was not with the sowing principle but that they turned into a merit system that completely removed God's grace and kindness. When it operates based on justice, everything turns into a commercial transaction - like buying groceries or a car. It is how the merit system works in Buddhism. Every deed or action must result in some kind of payoff of good or evil. In the triangle of tension, we must replace "justice" with grace. That means we God does bless us, but it is never based on earning it or having the right to His blessings. Rather, all is a gift of His grace and goodness. Third, When we replace "justice" with grace, it can appear that God works in the world in purely arbitrary and random ways. Some people randomly get good, others get evil. It can look like God is playing some kind of cosmic roulette. But we need to trust God and see that life and the problem of good and evil are far more complicated than we can imagine. Job and his friends made God too small and the problems far too simplistic. Job believed that both good and bad come from the hand of God, which is true at one level, but it is overly simplistic and leaves out many other important factors. So, we need to trust the wisdom of God that sees all, knows all, and comprehends the problem and the complex answers in ways that are far beyond our ability to grasp. The best example of this is how the justice and purpose of God were accomplished on the cross. The cross was both an incredible injustice and, at the same time, the most perfect justice in all of human history. All this means that in the end, when we suffer or when we reflect on the bad things that have come into our life, our response should be one of seeking God the person, growing to know Him more in all His attributes, and trusting in His grace and wisdom, rather than seeking justice, or logical explanations. Second, we can summarize this section by applying Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Big Idea - Why is there suffering in this world? Why is life often so full of pain and hardship? How can a God who is all-loving and all-powerful allow evil in the world? These are tough questions, and for anyone who has really suffered, or who is in the midst of great trials and painful life circumstances, these are not just lofty philosophical questions. These become desperate cries from the heart about real-life hurt and injustice. Job is suffering from the loss of everything he had, including his own children, and he is in daily torment from a terrible skin disease with no relief (and no doctors to prescribe any number of modern-day treatments). Job's plight and his desperate question can be summed up in the well-known modern-day version that asks "Why do bad things happen to good people?" If God really is good, loving, and just it seems like a fair question. The Bible points toward the retribution principle - you reap what you sow. Do good get good, do bad get bad. But it doesn’t seem to work out that way. Is the principle wrong? When bad things happen to me, does it mean God is punishing me? When life gets really hard, or I have to suffer through painful things, it feels like God doesn't really love me, or that He doesn't really care. That is undoubtedly how Job felt. But is it true? In Job 4-21, record two of the three speech cycles that make up the first half of the book. In each cycle, Job's friends each give one speech, and Job responds to each, one by one. The three friends probably represent different voices in society at the time - the traditionalist - we have always done it this way, the theologian - this is what the Bible says, and the practical guy - this is just how it works in life. They might be three different voices, but in the end, they are all three saying the same thing. They fully believe in the principle of sowing and reaping, and therefore, they see Job's suffering in this light. But, they have actually taken it one step further by affirming the opposite - if you are suffering, you must be wicked. It looks like Job is being punished. Therefore, he must have done something wrong. And given the extent of his suffering, it must have been really bad! We know this is not true because we got a peak behind the scenes, but from an earthly vantage point, it sure seems like Job is being punished for something. When bad things happen to us, we can meet with the same voices, either from our friends who think they are helping or from inside our own heads. Job's friends really do think they are helping. They want Job's suffering to stop. In their mind, the solution is simple - just admit your sin, make things right with God, and then God will restore your blessings. They represent the same charge the Challenger made - people only do what is right because God blesses them. But Job repeatedly responds that he is not guilty of any sin. What is more important, while his friends want to help Job by restoring his prosperity, Job is not interested in that. Instead, Job wants to be vindicated. That is, he wants to show that he is not guilty, and he does not care if he ever gets his fortune restored. He really does care only for righteousness for its own sake, and not for its benefits. So, Job proves that God is right and the Challenger is wrong - people can pursue righteousness for its own sake and not for personal gain. Job and his friends also differ on another point. They represent the accusation of the Challenger that God is subverting righteousness by the way He operates in the world. But, as Job holds on to his pure motives in doing what is right, he is forced to accuse God that He is not being truly just in the way He operates in the world. Because God is not treating Job according to the principle of sowing, God is being unjust. This comes much closer to the modern-day dilemma expressed in the phrase, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It easily becomes an accusation that God is not just or fair in the way He runs the universe. So, how are we to answer the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" How are we to respond when it feels like God is punishing us or doesn't care about us when bad things come into our lives? The speech cycles give us insight into the thinking of Job and his friends in order to point out serious flaws and errors in their thinking. The first error is that both Job and his friends ultimately see a world run by a system or policy rather than a person. The friends see the principle of sowing and reaping administered by justice alone. Job also wants this, but his own experience shows that is not how it works. His only conclusion is that God must not be just. But God does not run the world by policy alone. Any organization run by policy alone becomes inhuman. All become slaves to rules that never bend and cannot take into account individual human circumstances. It is heartless and empty. It is much better when a wise and loving person is leading. A person can bring wisdom, love, justice, and all the other good attributes of their character into play. God rules the universe, not by simplistic and narrow policy, but by bringing all his attributes to the table to wisely govern and rule for the ultimate good. We often do the same thing - seeking a system or policy that explains suffering and evil. Instead, we need to see that God is a person, and He rules over the world as a personal being with many attributes that work in harmony for His good and perfect purposes. Second, when we understand this, we see that God the principle of sowing and reaping is not a matter of God's justice but of grace. The problem was not with the sowing principle but that they turned into a merit system that completely removed God's grace and kindness. When it operates based on justice, everything turns into a commercial transaction - like buying groceries or a car. It is how the merit system works in Buddhism. Every deed or action must result in some kind of payoff of good or evil. In the triangle of tension, we must replace "justice" with grace. That means we God does bless us, but it is never based on earning it or having the right to His blessings. Rather, all is a gift of His grace and goodness. Third, When we replace "justice" with grace, it can appear that God works in the world in purely arbitrary and random ways. Some people randomly get good, others get evil. It can look like God is playing some kind of cosmic roulette. But we need to trust God and see that life and the problem of good and evil are far more complicated than we can imagine. Job and his friends made God too small and the problems far too simplistic. Job believed that both good and bad come from the hand of God, which is true at one level, but it is overly simplistic and leaves out many other important factors. So, we need to trust the wisdom of God that sees all, knows all, and comprehends the problem and the complex answers in ways that are far beyond our ability to grasp. The best example of this is how the justice and purpose of God were accomplished on the cross. The cross was both an incredible injustice and, at the same time, the most perfect justice in all of human history. All this means that in the end, when we suffer or when we reflect on the bad things that have come into our life, our response should be one of seeking God the person, growing to know Him more in all His attributes, and trusting in His grace and wisdom, rather than seeking justice, or logical explanations. Second, we can summarize this section by applying Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Big Idea - Why is there suffering in this world? Why is life often so full of pain and hardship? How can a God who is all-loving and all-powerful allow evil in the world? These are tough questions, and for anyone who has really suffered, or who is in … Tim Dunham 3451 https://ccf.sermon.net/22122170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenbadthingshappentogoodpeopl/id/3957793.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22122170 Job, Suffering, Series: Job Part#2 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 05:23:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we might have life through His blood! But death was not the end of the story. He rose again bodily. In the resurrection, we understand that His death was sufficient to reverse all the terrible effects of sin and to give us life in Him and the hope of the same resurrection. We have looked at all the wonderful effects of the blood of Christ leading up to today. One might think that once we move past Good Friday and the cross, and now we come to the day of resurrection, there is nothing left to say about the blood. That the blood has no place in the story of the resurrection or in the glorious realm of heaven where Jesus now resides and rules on high. But, we find that we are not done with the blood! What is the place of the blood of Christ in the resurrection and in the joy of heaven? First, we see that the power that brought Jesus to life again from the dead is the very blood of the covenant. Death was the result of the curse or rightful punishment for sin. When Jesus took upon Himself a human body and on the cross took upon Himself the curse of sin, He brought on Himself all its consequences, the greatest of which is death. The only way He could escape the grave is if the curse was broken by paying the full price for sin. He is eternal Spirit and lived a life in the flesh of perfect obedience. This gave His sacrifice, His blood, the power to reverse the curse of sin. So, it was by His own blood that Jesus rose again from the dead. Second, we see that the blood of Jesus is what gives us the right to stand before the throne of God in heaven, to receive all the glory and benefits of eternal life with Him, and what is even more, it is the ultimate source of our greatest joy for all eternity as we rejoice in our great salvation and the incredible sacrifice of the Lamb for us! Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we might have life through His blood! But death was not the end of the story. He rose again bodily. In the resurrection, we understand that His death was sufficient to reverse all the terrible effects of sin and to give us life in Him and the hope of the same resurrection. We have looked at all the wonderful effects of the blood of Christ leading up to today. One might think that once we move past Good Friday and the cross, and now we come to the day of resurrection, there is nothing left to say about the blood. That the blood has no place in the story of the resurrection or in the glorious realm of heaven where Jesus now resides and rules on high. But, we find that we are not done with the blood! What is the place of the blood of Christ in the resurrection and in the joy of heaven? First, we see that the power that brought Jesus to life again from the dead is the very blood of the covenant. Death was the result of the curse or rightful punishment for sin. When Jesus took upon Himself a human body and on the cross took upon Himself the curse of sin, He brought on Himself all its consequences, the greatest of which is death. The only way He could escape the grave is if the curse was broken by paying the full price for sin. He is eternal Spirit and lived a life in the flesh of perfect obedience. This gave His sacrifice, His blood, the power to reverse the curse of sin. So, it was by His own blood that Jesus rose again from the dead. Second, we see that the blood of Jesus is what gives us the right to stand before the throne of God in heaven, to receive all the glory and benefits of eternal life with Him, and what is even more, it is the ultimate source of our greatest joy for all eternity as we rejoice in our great salvation and the incredible sacrifice of the Lamb for us! Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we m… Tim Dunham 3098 https://ccf.sermon.net/22116514/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessedbethename/id/3952241.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22116514 Series: Job Part#1 Sun, 09 Apr 2023 05:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we might have life through His blood! But death was not the end of the story. He rose again bodily. In the resurrection, we understand that His death was sufficient to reverse all the terrible effects of sin and to give us life in Him and the hope of the same resurrection. We have looked at all the wonderful effects of the blood of Christ leading up to today. One might think that once we move past Good Friday and the cross, and now we come to the day of resurrection, there is nothing left to say about the blood. That the blood has no place in the story of the resurrection or in the glorious realm of heaven where Jesus now resides and rules on high. But, we find that we are not done with the blood! What is the place of the blood of Christ in the resurrection and in the joy of heaven? First, we see that the power that brought Jesus to life again from the dead is the very blood of the covenant. Death was the result of the curse or rightful punishment for sin. When Jesus took upon Himself a human body and on the cross took upon Himself the curse of sin, He brought on Himself all its consequences, the greatest of which is death. The only way He could escape the grave is if the curse was broken by paying the full price for sin. He is eternal Spirit and lived a life in the flesh of perfect obedience. This gave His sacrifice, His blood, the power to reverse the curse of sin. So, it was by His own blood that Jesus rose again from the dead. Second, we see that the blood of Jesus is what gives us the right to stand before the throne of God in heaven, to receive all the glory and benefits of eternal life with Him, and what is even more, it is the ultimate source of our greatest joy for all eternity as we rejoice in our great salvation and the incredible sacrifice of the Lamb for us! Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we might have life through His blood! But death was not the end of the story. He rose again bodily. In the resurrection, we understand that His death was sufficient to reverse all the terrible effects of sin and to give us life in Him and the hope of the same resurrection. We have looked at all the wonderful effects of the blood of Christ leading up to today. One might think that once we move past Good Friday and the cross, and now we come to the day of resurrection, there is nothing left to say about the blood. That the blood has no place in the story of the resurrection or in the glorious realm of heaven where Jesus now resides and rules on high. But, we find that we are not done with the blood! What is the place of the blood of Christ in the resurrection and in the joy of heaven? First, we see that the power that brought Jesus to life again from the dead is the very blood of the covenant. Death was the result of the curse or rightful punishment for sin. When Jesus took upon Himself a human body and on the cross took upon Himself the curse of sin, He brought on Himself all its consequences, the greatest of which is death. The only way He could escape the grave is if the curse was broken by paying the full price for sin. He is eternal Spirit and lived a life in the flesh of perfect obedience. This gave His sacrifice, His blood, the power to reverse the curse of sin. So, it was by His own blood that Jesus rose again from the dead. Second, we see that the blood of Jesus is what gives us the right to stand before the throne of God in heaven, to receive all the glory and benefits of eternal life with Him, and what is even more, it is the ultimate source of our greatest joy for all eternity as we rejoice in our great salvation and the incredible sacrifice of the Lamb for us! Big Idea - Today, we celebrate the wonder of the resurrection. Jesus died a terrible death on the cruel cross laying down His life and shedding His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, and taking on Himself our guilt and punishment that we m… Tim Dunham 2933 https://ccf.sermon.net/22116513/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eternaloythroughtheblood/id/3952240.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22116513 Series: Easter Part#7 Sun, 02 Apr 2023 06:39:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) Peter, Apostle of Hope (2) People with a living hope maintain an alert and disciplined mind (3) People with a living hope are called to holiness (4) People with a living hope possess a healthy fear of God (5) People with a living hope know they have been bought with precious blood (1) Peter, Apostle of Hope (2) People with a living hope maintain an alert and disciplined mind (3) People with a living hope are called to holiness (4) People with a living hope possess a healthy fear of God (5) People with a living hope know they have been bought with precious blood (1) Peter, Apostle of Hope (2) People with a living hope maintain an alert and disciplined mind (3) People with a living hope are called to holiness (4) People with a living hope possess a healthy fear of God (5) People with a living hope know they… Andrew Carter 2816 https://ccf.sermon.net/22110390/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_redeemedbypreciousblood/id/3946253.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22110390 Series: Easter Part#6 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 03:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Revelation 12:11 says that they conquered Satan by the blood of the lamb. We know that Satan is an enemy, but do we really understand how intense and real the spiritual battle is that is raging all around us? We underestimate Satan, I think in part because we misunderstand how God deals with Satan. We see that God is all-powerful, and so we assume God can just kick Satan out of heaven or, better yet, just get rid of him altogether. But this is not what we see in the Bible. We are shocked to find Satan in heaven in the first place! How can he be there? Why does it take a battle to throw him down from heaven to earth? What's worse, now he is on earth and mad as a hornet! Why doesn't got destroy Satan? If Michael and his angels have to battle Satan to defeat him, what chance do we have? We need to take very seriously that the war is real, and we should never take it lightly. Victory is ours, but if we are going to win, we must step onto the battlefield prepared, well-armed, and with the right battle plan. God has not destroyed Satan, and neither will we. But we can take away his weapons so that he is powerless. So, we must first understand what gives Satan power and then know how to take away his weapons to render him powerless. That is how we will conquer him. So, what are the weapons he wields that give him power, and how can we disarm him? A quick survey of Revelation 12:1-12 speaks of the first coming of Christ, his ascension, and reign on high. The scene then shifts to a heavenly battle where Satan is defeated and thrown down from heaven to earth. The result is that the woman, who represents the people of God, flee to the wilderness for protection from Satan, who seeks to destroy her. We are told they conquered by the blood of the Lamb. The is rejoicing in the heavens, but woe on earth, as Satan is fighting mad because of his defeat and the short time he has left. This passage reveals the weapons of Satan and how to disarm him. His first weapon is actually the truth and the law. The second weapon is deception. He uses the truth in heaven, and he uses lies and deception on earth. So, we see two truths and a lie, well, two lies. In heaven and before God, Satan uses the law and the truth against us. He is the accuser of the brethren. It is more of a courtroom battle than an armed conflict. God has not destroyed Satan or kicked him out of heaven because Satan comes with a just complaint and represents the voice of justice. Based on God's law and His righteousness Satan speaks two truths that form his accusation against us. First, all humanity is guilty before God, guilty of treason against the king. The second truth is that because we are guilty, we are under a death sentence. We are not fit to be God's people or be part of His kingdom, we belong to Satan and the kingdom of darkness. God may destroy Satan, but He cannot ignore the truth of his accusations. Satan and the truth of his accusations must be answered in order to defeat him. Satan's other weapon is deception. He cannot deceive God, but he can certainly deceive us. He is the deceiver of the whole world, and he lies to us about many things, but they can be summarized in two points. First, he lies to us about who we are, and second, he lies to us about who God is. When we listen to these lies, Satan gains great power and control over us, and by these, he can defeat us. Now that we understand his weapons, what can we do to disarm him and take away his power? John tells us that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." The blood of the Lamb defeated Satan. The scene in heaven of Satan's defeat was made possible by what Jesus did on earth. It was not Michael who overpowered Satan but the blood of the Lamb. How does the blood of Jesus disarm both the truth and lies of Satan? First, His blood silences Satan's accusations by fulfilling the law and paying the penalty for sin. There is now no condemnation. There is no longer any charge anyone can bring against us. Secondly, the blood of Jesus defeats the lies of Satan with the truth that by His blood, I am holy, righteous, and a child of God. That is who we are in Christ, by His blood. And it is by His blood that we know and affirm the truth that God is a loving Father because the blood is the indisputable proof of God's love for us. The more we know the power of the blood and speak its truth against Satan's lies, the less power He has over us. This is how we overcome, how we conquer Satan by the blood of the Lamb. And this is why we rejoice with the angels in heaven! Big Idea - Revelation 12:11 says that they conquered Satan by the blood of the lamb. We know that Satan is an enemy, but do we really understand how intense and real the spiritual battle is that is raging all around us? We underestimate Satan, I think in part because we misunderstand how God deals with Satan. We see that God is all-powerful, and so we assume God can just kick Satan out of heaven or, better yet, just get rid of him altogether. But this is not what we see in the Bible. We are shocked to find Satan in heaven in the first place! How can he be there? Why does it take a battle to throw him down from heaven to earth? What's worse, now he is on earth and mad as a hornet! Why doesn't got destroy Satan? If Michael and his angels have to battle Satan to defeat him, what chance do we have? We need to take very seriously that the war is real, and we should never take it lightly. Victory is ours, but if we are going to win, we must step onto the battlefield prepared, well-armed, and with the right battle plan. God has not destroyed Satan, and neither will we. But we can take away his weapons so that he is powerless. So, we must first understand what gives Satan power and then know how to take away his weapons to render him powerless. That is how we will conquer him. So, what are the weapons he wields that give him power, and how can we disarm him? A quick survey of Revelation 12:1-12 speaks of the first coming of Christ, his ascension, and reign on high. The scene then shifts to a heavenly battle where Satan is defeated and thrown down from heaven to earth. The result is that the woman, who represents the people of God, flee to the wilderness for protection from Satan, who seeks to destroy her. We are told they conquered by the blood of the Lamb. The is rejoicing in the heavens, but woe on earth, as Satan is fighting mad because of his defeat and the short time he has left. This passage reveals the weapons of Satan and how to disarm him. His first weapon is actually the truth and the law. The second weapon is deception. He uses the truth in heaven, and he uses lies and deception on earth. So, we see two truths and a lie, well, two lies. In heaven and before God, Satan uses the law and the truth against us. He is the accuser of the brethren. It is more of a courtroom battle than an armed conflict. God has not destroyed Satan or kicked him out of heaven because Satan comes with a just complaint and represents the voice of justice. Based on God's law and His righteousness Satan speaks two truths that form his accusation against us. First, all humanity is guilty before God, guilty of treason against the king. The second truth is that because we are guilty, we are under a death sentence. We are not fit to be God's people or be part of His kingdom, we belong to Satan and the kingdom of darkness. God may destroy Satan, but He cannot ignore the truth of his accusations. Satan and the truth of his accusations must be answered in order to defeat him. Satan's other weapon is deception. He cannot deceive God, but he can certainly deceive us. He is the deceiver of the whole world, and he lies to us about many things, but they can be summarized in two points. First, he lies to us about who we are, and second, he lies to us about who God is. When we listen to these lies, Satan gains great power and control over us, and by these, he can defeat us. Now that we understand his weapons, what can we do to disarm him and take away his power? John tells us that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." The blood of the Lamb defeated Satan. The scene in heaven of Satan's defeat was made possible by what Jesus did on earth. It was not Michael who overpowered Satan but the blood of the Lamb. How does the blood of Jesus disarm both the truth and lies of Satan? First, His blood silences Satan's accusations by fulfilling the law and paying the penalty for sin. There is now no condemnation. There is no longer any charge anyone can bring against us. Secondly, the blood of Jesus defeats the lies of Satan with the truth that by His blood, I am holy, righteous, and a child of God. That is who we are in Christ, by His blood. And it is by His blood that we know and affirm the truth that God is a loving Father because the blood is the indisputable proof of God's love for us. The more we know the power of the blood and speak its truth against Satan's lies, the less power He has over us. This is how we overcome, how we conquer Satan by the blood of the Lamb. And this is why we rejoice with the angels in heaven! Big Idea - Revelation 12:11 says that they conquered Satan by the blood of the lamb. We know that Satan is an enemy, but do we really understand how intense and real the spiritual battle is that is raging all around us? We underestimate Satan, I think … Tim Dunham 3028 https://ccf.sermon.net/22107015/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_victorythroughtheblood/id/3942926.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22107015 Series: Easter Part#5 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 05:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Often in Scripture, the idea of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin are put together. At first glance, it may seem that it is just two ways of talking about the same thing. In fact, most commentators make very little distinction between them. But, they do, in fact, describe two very different aspects of what the blood of Jesus has accomplished for us. Does it really matter? Isn't it enough to know that God has dealt with our sin and it's all good? The truth is, many Christians struggle with feelings of guilt and have a hard time grasping ad believing that they are really forgiven and that God has indeed dealt fully and completely with all our sins. I think one cause of this is that we do not fully understand all that Jesus has done in dealing with sin, and therefore we are not applying the full blessing of His grace to our lives. We battle with feelings of guilt and shame over our failures and mistakes because we do not understand what Jesus has done cast these away and set us free from self-condemnation and feelings of guilt. So, what is the difference between forgiveness and cleansing? How does Jesus' blood make us clean, and what does that mean for us in everyday life? The main difference between forgiveness and cleansing is that forgiveness deals with our guilt before God, that is how our sin has affected God and His relationship with us. Cleansing, on the other hand, has to do with the effects sin has had on us and the stain it has left on us, body and soul. Being guilty and being dirty are very different things. The remedy for guilt is forgiveness, the remedy for dirt is a bath! It is also important to understand that there is a difference between guilt and feeling guilty. Because we think these are the same thing, we misunderstand the important work of being washed in the blood. Guilt is a legal term that describes our position before God as lawbreakers deserving of punishment. Jesus' blood atones for sin, that is, it removes our guilt and puts us in right standing before God legally. But feeling guilty has nothing to do with our legal standing before God. It is how we think about ourselves. Our conscience is like a judge that tells us how we are doing. But not in a legal sense as much as in our relationships. Conscience has to do with how we feel we are doing in relation to ourselves - are we measuring up to our own expectations, and in relation to others - are we pleasing to them or disappointing to them? Jesus has dealt with our actual guilt, but we can still feel disappointed with ourselves and feel even worse that we have disappointed God and those we love. Hebrews 9:14 tells us that the blood of Jesus has purified or washed our conscience from dead works. Our conscience is the place where sin has left a deep and ugly stain. The Bible uses an image of a wedding robe that needs to be washed and bleached white. If you were invited to the wedding of a king or a prince, it would be insulting to the king to show up in a filthy garb. It likely also caused you to feel shame. Jesus has removed this stain from our conscience so that our conscience no longer condemns us. We know we are right in ourselves by the blood of Jesus, and we know we are not disappointing to God but well-pleasing to Him. David is a great example of one who knew the stain of sin and wanted it to be washed away from his heart and soul. Jesus' blood has made this cleansing possible in ways the blood of an animal could never accomplish. That is because His blood is presented in the true Temple, it is the blood of a spotless life and of an eternal spirit. His blood is applied before the judge to remove guilt, but it must be applied to our own soul or heart to remove the stain upon our conscience. If we still feel the pain of guilt and self-condemnation, it is a sign that we have not applied the blood to our own hearts. We must 1) understand the problem and Jesus' remedy, 2) desire a clean heart, 3) acknowledge the voice of conscience and confess our sin, 4) trust in the effectiveness of Jesus' blood, 4) separate ourselves from sin. The result will be a life of joy, knowing that we are good and our life is well-pleasing to God through Christ. We then know we have full access to the very presence of God without shame or disgrace! Big Idea - Often in Scripture, the idea of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin are put together. At first glance, it may seem that it is just two ways of talking about the same thing. In fact, most commentators make very little distinction between them. But, they do, in fact, describe two very different aspects of what the blood of Jesus has accomplished for us. Does it really matter? Isn't it enough to know that God has dealt with our sin and it's all good? The truth is, many Christians struggle with feelings of guilt and have a hard time grasping ad believing that they are really forgiven and that God has indeed dealt fully and completely with all our sins. I think one cause of this is that we do not fully understand all that Jesus has done in dealing with sin, and therefore we are not applying the full blessing of His grace to our lives. We battle with feelings of guilt and shame over our failures and mistakes because we do not understand what Jesus has done cast these away and set us free from self-condemnation and feelings of guilt. So, what is the difference between forgiveness and cleansing? How does Jesus' blood make us clean, and what does that mean for us in everyday life? The main difference between forgiveness and cleansing is that forgiveness deals with our guilt before God, that is how our sin has affected God and His relationship with us. Cleansing, on the other hand, has to do with the effects sin has had on us and the stain it has left on us, body and soul. Being guilty and being dirty are very different things. The remedy for guilt is forgiveness, the remedy for dirt is a bath! It is also important to understand that there is a difference between guilt and feeling guilty. Because we think these are the same thing, we misunderstand the important work of being washed in the blood. Guilt is a legal term that describes our position before God as lawbreakers deserving of punishment. Jesus' blood atones for sin, that is, it removes our guilt and puts us in right standing before God legally. But feeling guilty has nothing to do with our legal standing before God. It is how we think about ourselves. Our conscience is like a judge that tells us how we are doing. But not in a legal sense as much as in our relationships. Conscience has to do with how we feel we are doing in relation to ourselves - are we measuring up to our own expectations, and in relation to others - are we pleasing to them or disappointing to them? Jesus has dealt with our actual guilt, but we can still feel disappointed with ourselves and feel even worse that we have disappointed God and those we love. Hebrews 9:14 tells us that the blood of Jesus has purified or washed our conscience from dead works. Our conscience is the place where sin has left a deep and ugly stain. The Bible uses an image of a wedding robe that needs to be washed and bleached white. If you were invited to the wedding of a king or a prince, it would be insulting to the king to show up in a filthy garb. It likely also caused you to feel shame. Jesus has removed this stain from our conscience so that our conscience no longer condemns us. We know we are right in ourselves by the blood of Jesus, and we know we are not disappointing to God but well-pleasing to Him. David is a great example of one who knew the stain of sin and wanted it to be washed away from his heart and soul. Jesus' blood has made this cleansing possible in ways the blood of an animal could never accomplish. That is because His blood is presented in the true Temple, it is the blood of a spotless life and of an eternal spirit. His blood is applied before the judge to remove guilt, but it must be applied to our own soul or heart to remove the stain upon our conscience. If we still feel the pain of guilt and self-condemnation, it is a sign that we have not applied the blood to our own hearts. We must 1) understand the problem and Jesus' remedy, 2) desire a clean heart, 3) acknowledge the voice of conscience and confess our sin, 4) trust in the effectiveness of Jesus' blood, 4) separate ourselves from sin. The result will be a life of joy, knowing that we are good and our life is well-pleasing to God through Christ. We then know we have full access to the very presence of God without shame or disgrace! Big Idea - Often in Scripture, the idea of forgiveness of sins and cleansing from sin are put together. At first glance, it may seem that it is just two ways of talking about the same thing. In fact, most commentators make very little distinction betwe… Tim Dunham 2679 https://ccf.sermon.net/22100879/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_washedbytheblood/id/3936935.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22100879 Series: Easter Part#4 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:02:00 +0000 Andrew Carter (1) Condemned by a Holy God (2) The law matters but it cannot save (3) Righteousness apart from the law (4) A penalty paid by blood (5) Righteousness: gift to receive (1) Condemned by a Holy God (2) The law matters but it cannot save (3) Righteousness apart from the law (4) A penalty paid by blood (5) Righteousness: gift to receive (1) Condemned by a Holy God (2) The law matters but it cannot save (3) Righteousness apart from the law (4) A penalty paid by blood (5) Righteousness: gift to receive… Andrew Carter 2829 https://ccf.sermon.net/22099054/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_reconciledbytheblood/id/3935148.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22099054 Series: Easter Part#2 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 09:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea What did Jesus mean when He said that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? Certainly, this is one of the hardest sayings of Jesus. But, He made it clear that eternal life depends on it, for if we do not eat and drink His flesh and blood, we have no life in us. So, what did He mean, and how are we to do this? Jesus' teaching here is hard because the image is so contrary to our sense of right and wrong. The image of cannibalism is hard to overcome. While Jesus no doubt intended the image to be shocking, He did not intend the image to be taken that way. In the bigger context, Jesus declared that He is the bread of life. That is the image we must begin with. But He does add that His flesh and blood are the bread. This connection is unavoidable because it was only by His death on the cross and the shedding of His blood that His life can sustain us as spiritual food. While the image is harsh, Jesus' explanation is clear. What Jesus meant by eating His flesh and drinking His blood is that 1) He is the only food that can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst, 2) We eat and drink by believing in Him and in His sacrifice for us, and 3) this kind of belief is the result of a deep understanding of all that Jesus is for us and to us. Big Idea What did Jesus mean when He said that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? Certainly, this is one of the hardest sayings of Jesus. But, He made it clear that eternal life depends on it, for if we do not eat and drink His flesh and blood, we have no life in us. So, what did He mean, and how are we to do this? Jesus' teaching here is hard because the image is so contrary to our sense of right and wrong. The image of cannibalism is hard to overcome. While Jesus no doubt intended the image to be shocking, He did not intend the image to be taken that way. In the bigger context, Jesus declared that He is the bread of life. That is the image we must begin with. But He does add that His flesh and blood are the bread. This connection is unavoidable because it was only by His death on the cross and the shedding of His blood that His life can sustain us as spiritual food. While the image is harsh, Jesus' explanation is clear. What Jesus meant by eating His flesh and drinking His blood is that 1) He is the only food that can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst, 2) We eat and drink by believing in Him and in His sacrifice for us, and 3) this kind of belief is the result of a deep understanding of all that Jesus is for us and to us. Big Idea What did Jesus mean when He said that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? Certainly, this is one of the hardest sayings of Jesus. But, He made it clear that eternal life depends on it, for if we do not eat and drink His flesh and blood,… Tim Dunham 3048 https://ccf.sermon.net/22099044/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourdailybread/id/3935138.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22099044 Series: Easter Part#1 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 07:18:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Big Idea: (1) Tychicus, the bondslave of Jesus (2) The new convert, Onesimus (3) Three Jews and three Gentiles (i) Aristarchus, Paul’s fellow-prisoner (ii) John Mark, serving again (iii) Jesus called Justus (iv) Epaphras, man of prayer (v) Luke, the careful historian (vi) Demas, a warning to us all Big Idea: (1) Tychicus, the bondslave of Jesus (2) The new convert, Onesimus (3) Three Jews and three Gentiles (i) Aristarchus, Paul’s fellow-prisoner (ii) John Mark, serving again (iii) Jesus called Justus (iv) Epaphras, man of prayer (v) Luke, the careful historian (vi) Demas, a warning to us all Big Idea: (1) Tychicus, the bondslave of Jesus (2) The new convert, Onesimus (3) Three Jews and three Gentiles (i) Aristarchus, Paul’s fellow-prisoner (ii) John Mark, serving again (iii) Jesus called Justus (iv) Epaphras, man of prayer (v) L… Andrew Carter 3181 https://ccf.sermon.net/22091725/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lessonsfrompaulwithhisfriends/id/3928003.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22091725 Series: Colossians Sun, 12 Feb 2023 05:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most of the focus of Paul's letter to the Colossians is focused on the body of Christ and how they are to be putting on the new life in Christ as they live together as a community of faith. But, Paul does not intend that the Church be a fortress where God's people live cut off and in seclusion from the "outside" world. Instead, we are to be a people who live before the "outsiders" to display the wonders and truth of the Gospel in a winning and compelling way. Paul echoes the teaching of Jesus that we are to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! How, then, are we to live before the outsiders? How do we put off the old self, which is so at home in the world and finds its greatest temptations in the lifestyle and practice of the outsiders, and at the same time engage with outsiders in a way that points them to Christ? How can we be "in the world, but not of the world?" Paul is not unaware of the dangers and risks of living too much in the world. He uses the word "outsiders" for a reason. So, Paul warns us that the first thing we must do to live effectively before outsiders is to pray. The kind of prayer Paul describes is persistent, unwavering, watchful, and full of thanksgiving. This kind of prayer is only possible when we realize how helpless we are to put off the old and put on the new. It is only when we understand we are in desperate need of God's help every moment of our lives that we will pray like this. Not only are we completely dependent on Him to live the new life in Christ, but we are also powerless to proclaim the message of salvation to those who so urgently need to hear. It is God who opens the door of opportunity to share the good news, and it is God alone who can open the door of people's hearts and minds to welcome the message and receive it. So, Paul asks for prayer that God would open a door for the Word, the Gospel. Prayer is the work we do before God, and that work is our first priority. But, we must also do the work of living rightly before the outsiders. This requires us to walk wise, that is, to do what is right and godly in every situation. It means that we turn away from the old life of sin, but we don't have the attitude that we are superior to those still lost in sin. Instead, we treat them with compassion, patience, and humility. We are to love and serve them, not judge them or put on them the yoke of the law. Secondly, we are to speak to them with grace. Our heart and true attitude are expressed in what we speak and how we say things. We need to engage people, speak kindly, and be able to give an answer to their questions when they ask why we live the way we do. Big Idea - Most of the focus of Paul's letter to the Colossians is focused on the body of Christ and how they are to be putting on the new life in Christ as they live together as a community of faith. But, Paul does not intend that the Church be a fortress where God's people live cut off and in seclusion from the "outside" world. Instead, we are to be a people who live before the "outsiders" to display the wonders and truth of the Gospel in a winning and compelling way. Paul echoes the teaching of Jesus that we are to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven! How, then, are we to live before the outsiders? How do we put off the old self, which is so at home in the world and finds its greatest temptations in the lifestyle and practice of the outsiders, and at the same time engage with outsiders in a way that points them to Christ? How can we be "in the world, but not of the world?" Paul is not unaware of the dangers and risks of living too much in the world. He uses the word "outsiders" for a reason. So, Paul warns us that the first thing we must do to live effectively before outsiders is to pray. The kind of prayer Paul describes is persistent, unwavering, watchful, and full of thanksgiving. This kind of prayer is only possible when we realize how helpless we are to put off the old and put on the new. It is only when we understand we are in desperate need of God's help every moment of our lives that we will pray like this. Not only are we completely dependent on Him to live the new life in Christ, but we are also powerless to proclaim the message of salvation to those who so urgently need to hear. It is God who opens the door of opportunity to share the good news, and it is God alone who can open the door of people's hearts and minds to welcome the message and receive it. So, Paul asks for prayer that God would open a door for the Word, the Gospel. Prayer is the work we do before God, and that work is our first priority. But, we must also do the work of living rightly before the outsiders. This requires us to walk wise, that is, to do what is right and godly in every situation. It means that we turn away from the old life of sin, but we don't have the attitude that we are superior to those still lost in sin. Instead, we treat them with compassion, patience, and humility. We are to love and serve them, not judge them or put on them the yoke of the law. Secondly, we are to speak to them with grace. Our heart and true attitude are expressed in what we speak and how we say things. We need to engage people, speak kindly, and be able to give an answer to their questions when they ask why we live the way we do. Big Idea - Most of the focus of Paul's letter to the Colossians is focused on the body of Christ and how they are to be putting on the new life in Christ as they live together as a community of faith. But, Paul does not intend that the Church be a fort… Tim Dunham 2852 https://ccf.sermon.net/22088785/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingwiththeoutsiders/id/3925125.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22088785 Series: Colossians Sun, 05 Feb 2023 07:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christian university and had been taught that these ideas were old, outdated, and no longer applicable to the world we live in. She was convinced that wives do not need to submit to their husbands, and in fact, it was unchristian for a wife to do so. They should live as equals in the home, and their leadership should be shared as co-leaders. The teachings of the Bible on this topic are difficult. We live in an age when the idea of submitting to the rule of another over our life seems extreme and even abusive. We read Paul's instructions to slaves, and we wonder how Paul could support a system that is morally wrong! Why doesn't he instruct slaves to rebel against an institution that is clearly wrong and violates human rights and dignity? At the very least, it seems this passage is out of touch with the modern world and has nothing to speak to us in our time. One commentator writes we can only preach these passages "critically in order to unmask them as texts promoting patriarchal, that is male, violence." We may not go that far, but perhaps we feel that we live in a different culture and time, and therefore the Bible, and passages like this, have no authority to speak into our time and a radically different culture. The Bible, after all, was written at a different time and in a different culture. How can Scripture speak with authority over our time and culture? Or do we need to adapt the teachings of the Bible so that it conforms to modern culture? How can we understand and apply teachings like this in our modern world? Truth is truth, and the truth of Scripture must stand above and over culture. We cannot simply push truth aside because it doesn't seem to fit into our modern thinking. But, it is also true that the Bible was written in a given context, culture, and setting. Times have changed, and culture has changed dramatically. Slavery is no longer legal or practiced as it was in ancient times. Families are different. But Paul was not simply talking about culture. The things he taught were quite radical in his time, even though it doesn't look radical to us. He was not conforming his teaching to fit the culture. He was, in fact, confronting culture. We need to see what Paul was teaching in the bigger context of Colossians chapter 3. He has been teaching about taking off the old life that was dominated by our sinful desires and our old sinful self and putting on the new life in Christ. A life that reflects the heart and nature of Jesus and of His Father in heaven. In this passage, he brings it home, so to speak. The new life is not something we put on only when we go to Church or out in public. In fact, the real test of the new life is at home. This is where the rubber meets the road, where we will really see if the transformation of the new life is genuine or if it is just a show we are putting on for others. We can pretend for a while in public, but at home, the real me is much more evident. Paul is pointing out critical ways that the new life of Christ will be evident at home and on the job. Living the new life in Christ transcends and goes far beyond culture and customs. These principles are to be lived out in our family and work relationships, at every age, and in every culture. Culture may change, but the new life in Christ is unchanging. These are unchanging principles we can apply to our relationships at home and at work that we observe in this passage. 1) the goal is not to overthrow our culture or conform to culture but to know how to live the new life in our sinful culture. 2) it starts with the Lordship of Christ. We are ultimately obeying and submitting to Him. 3) submission is entrusting yourself to someone's care and is voluntary, limited, and the practice of humility. 4) you can't dance unless one person leads and another follows. 5) leading is not about dominating but caring for others with compassion and meekness. 6) it takes a lot of forbearance and forgiveness on all sides. 7) we will all answer to God for how we conduct ourselves at home and work, and we will be rewarded accordingly. Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christian university and had been taught that these ideas were old, outdated, and no longer applicable to the world we live in. She was convinced that wives do not need to submit to their husbands, and in fact, it was unchristian for a wife to do so. They should live as equals in the home, and their leadership should be shared as co-leaders. The teachings of the Bible on this topic are difficult. We live in an age when the idea of submitting to the rule of another over our life seems extreme and even abusive. We read Paul's instructions to slaves, and we wonder how Paul could support a system that is morally wrong! Why doesn't he instruct slaves to rebel against an institution that is clearly wrong and violates human rights and dignity? At the very least, it seems this passage is out of touch with the modern world and has nothing to speak to us in our time. One commentator writes we can only preach these passages "critically in order to unmask them as texts promoting patriarchal, that is male, violence." We may not go that far, but perhaps we feel that we live in a different culture and time, and therefore the Bible, and passages like this, have no authority to speak into our time and a radically different culture. The Bible, after all, was written at a different time and in a different culture. How can Scripture speak with authority over our time and culture? Or do we need to adapt the teachings of the Bible so that it conforms to modern culture? How can we understand and apply teachings like this in our modern world? Truth is truth, and the truth of Scripture must stand above and over culture. We cannot simply push truth aside because it doesn't seem to fit into our modern thinking. But, it is also true that the Bible was written in a given context, culture, and setting. Times have changed, and culture has changed dramatically. Slavery is no longer legal or practiced as it was in ancient times. Families are different. But Paul was not simply talking about culture. The things he taught were quite radical in his time, even though it doesn't look radical to us. He was not conforming his teaching to fit the culture. He was, in fact, confronting culture. We need to see what Paul was teaching in the bigger context of Colossians chapter 3. He has been teaching about taking off the old life that was dominated by our sinful desires and our old sinful self and putting on the new life in Christ. A life that reflects the heart and nature of Jesus and of His Father in heaven. In this passage, he brings it home, so to speak. The new life is not something we put on only when we go to Church or out in public. In fact, the real test of the new life is at home. This is where the rubber meets the road, where we will really see if the transformation of the new life is genuine or if it is just a show we are putting on for others. We can pretend for a while in public, but at home, the real me is much more evident. Paul is pointing out critical ways that the new life of Christ will be evident at home and on the job. Living the new life in Christ transcends and goes far beyond culture and customs. These principles are to be lived out in our family and work relationships, at every age, and in every culture. Culture may change, but the new life in Christ is unchanging. These are unchanging principles we can apply to our relationships at home and at work that we observe in this passage. 1) the goal is not to overthrow our culture or conform to culture but to know how to live the new life in our sinful culture. 2) it starts with the Lordship of Christ. We are ultimately obeying and submitting to Him. 3) submission is entrusting yourself to someone's care and is voluntary, limited, and the practice of humility. 4) you can't dance unless one person leads and another follows. 5) leading is not about dominating but caring for others with compassion and meekness. 6) it takes a lot of forbearance and forgiveness on all sides. 7) we will all answer to God for how we conduct ourselves at home and work, and we will be rewarded accordingly. Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christi… Tim Dunham 3555 https://ccf.sermon.net/22085840/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bringingithome/id/3922254.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22085840 Scripture: Colossians 3:18-4:1, Series: Colossians Sun, 05 Feb 2023 07:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christian university and had been taught that these ideas were old, outdated, and no longer applicable to the world we live in. She was convinced that wives do not need to submit to their husbands, and in fact, it was unchristian for a wife to do so. They should live as equals in the home, and their leadership should be shared as co-leaders. The teachings of the Bible on this topic are difficult. We live in an age when the idea of submitting to the rule of another over our life seems extreme and even abusive. We read Paul's instructions to slaves, and we wonder how Paul could support a system that is morally wrong! Why doesn't he instruct slaves to rebel against an institution that is clearly wrong and violates human rights and dignity? At the very least, it seems this passage is out of touch with the modern world and has nothing to speak to us in our time. One commentator writes we can only preach these passages "critically in order to unmask them as texts promoting patriarchal, that is male, violence." We may not go that far, but perhaps we feel that we live in a different culture and time, and therefore the Bible, and passages like this, have no authority to speak into our time and a radically different culture. The Bible, after all, was written at a different time and in a different culture. How can Scripture speak with authority over our time and culture? Or do we need to adapt the teachings of the Bible so that it conforms to modern culture? How can we understand and apply teachings like this in our modern world? Truth is truth, and the truth of Scripture must stand above and over culture. We cannot simply push truth aside because it doesn't seem to fit into our modern thinking. But, it is also true that the Bible was written in a given context, culture, and setting. Times have changed, and culture has changed dramatically. Slavery is no longer legal or practiced as it was in ancient times. Families are different. But Paul was not simply talking about culture. The things he taught were quite radical in his time, even though it doesn't look radical to us. He was not conforming his teaching to fit the culture. He was, in fact, confronting culture. We need to see what Paul was teaching in the bigger context of Colossians chapter 3. He has been teaching about taking off the old life that was dominated by our sinful desires and our old sinful self and putting on the new life in Christ. A life that reflects the heart and nature of Jesus and of His Father in heaven. In this passage, he brings it home, so to speak. The new life is not something we put on only when we go to Church or out in public. In fact, the real test of the new life is at home. This is where the rubber meets the road, where we will really see if the transformation of the new life is genuine or if it is just a show we are putting on for others. We can pretend for a while in public, but at home, the real me is much more evident. Paul is pointing out critical ways that the new life of Christ will be evident at home and on the job. Living the new life in Christ transcends and goes far beyond culture and customs. These principles are to be lived out in our family and work relationships, at every age, and in every culture. Culture may change, but the new life in Christ is unchanging. These are unchanging principles we can apply to our relationships at home and at work that we observe in this passage. 1) the goal is not to overthrow our culture or conform to culture but to know how to live the new life in our sinful culture. 2) it starts with the Lordship of Christ. We are ultimately obeying and submitting to Him. 3) submission is entrusting yourself to someone's care and is voluntary, limited, and the practice of humility. 4) you can't dance unless one person leads and another follows. 5) leading is not about dominating but caring for others with compassion and meekness. 6) it takes a lot of forbearance and forgiveness on all sides. 7) we will all answer to God for how we conduct ourselves at home and work, and we will be rewarded accordingly. Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christian university and had been taught that these ideas were old, outdated, and no longer applicable to the world we live in. She was convinced that wives do not need to submit to their husbands, and in fact, it was unchristian for a wife to do so. They should live as equals in the home, and their leadership should be shared as co-leaders. The teachings of the Bible on this topic are difficult. We live in an age when the idea of submitting to the rule of another over our life seems extreme and even abusive. We read Paul's instructions to slaves, and we wonder how Paul could support a system that is morally wrong! Why doesn't he instruct slaves to rebel against an institution that is clearly wrong and violates human rights and dignity? At the very least, it seems this passage is out of touch with the modern world and has nothing to speak to us in our time. One commentator writes we can only preach these passages "critically in order to unmask them as texts promoting patriarchal, that is male, violence." We may not go that far, but perhaps we feel that we live in a different culture and time, and therefore the Bible, and passages like this, have no authority to speak into our time and a radically different culture. The Bible, after all, was written at a different time and in a different culture. How can Scripture speak with authority over our time and culture? Or do we need to adapt the teachings of the Bible so that it conforms to modern culture? How can we understand and apply teachings like this in our modern world? Truth is truth, and the truth of Scripture must stand above and over culture. We cannot simply push truth aside because it doesn't seem to fit into our modern thinking. But, it is also true that the Bible was written in a given context, culture, and setting. Times have changed, and culture has changed dramatically. Slavery is no longer legal or practiced as it was in ancient times. Families are different. But Paul was not simply talking about culture. The things he taught were quite radical in his time, even though it doesn't look radical to us. He was not conforming his teaching to fit the culture. He was, in fact, confronting culture. We need to see what Paul was teaching in the bigger context of Colossians chapter 3. He has been teaching about taking off the old life that was dominated by our sinful desires and our old sinful self and putting on the new life in Christ. A life that reflects the heart and nature of Jesus and of His Father in heaven. In this passage, he brings it home, so to speak. The new life is not something we put on only when we go to Church or out in public. In fact, the real test of the new life is at home. This is where the rubber meets the road, where we will really see if the transformation of the new life is genuine or if it is just a show we are putting on for others. We can pretend for a while in public, but at home, the real me is much more evident. Paul is pointing out critical ways that the new life of Christ will be evident at home and on the job. Living the new life in Christ transcends and goes far beyond culture and customs. These principles are to be lived out in our family and work relationships, at every age, and in every culture. Culture may change, but the new life in Christ is unchanging. These are unchanging principles we can apply to our relationships at home and at work that we observe in this passage. 1) the goal is not to overthrow our culture or conform to culture but to know how to live the new life in our sinful culture. 2) it starts with the Lordship of Christ. We are ultimately obeying and submitting to Him. 3) submission is entrusting yourself to someone's care and is voluntary, limited, and the practice of humility. 4) you can't dance unless one person leads and another follows. 5) leading is not about dominating but caring for others with compassion and meekness. 6) it takes a lot of forbearance and forgiveness on all sides. 7) we will all answer to God for how we conduct ourselves at home and work, and we will be rewarded accordingly. Big Idea - The last time I spoke on the topic of husbands and wives, specifically the submission of the wife to her husband, a lady came up after the service quite upset and angry that I would teach such a thing. She had attended a conservative Christi… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22085840/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_bringingithome/id/430756 https://ccf.sermon.net/22085840 Scripture: Colossians 3:18-4:1, Series: Colossians Sun, 08 Jan 2023 05:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may feel that we are not important, we are just a nobody, so instead of trying to get attention, we must just try to hide and be invisible so no one will see what a nothing we are. The people Paul was writing to at Colossae were being told by influential people around them that they were no good, that they did not measure up, that they were second class, and that their faith in God was fake. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and to give them assurance and confidence that their faith was real and that they had incredible value and significance. In this passage, Paul shows them that the issue is not that their lives do not have incredible significance but that they are not seeing their worth and significance because they are looking at their life from the wrong perspective. They needed to change their point of view and see their life in a different light. This same message is incredibly relevant to us today. How do we see our lives? Are we looking at life from the right perspective, or are we trying to find meaning and significance in the wrong place? Do we need to see our life in a different light? Paul's message to the Colossians is that they absolutely need to see their lives in a different light. First, they need to see their life in the light of the resurrection. Jesus died, but He also rose again to new life. BY faith in Him, our old life was put to death, and we are raised to a whole new life in Christ. We need to see our life not in light of who we were before but in light of the new person we now are in Christ. Second, we need to see our life from a new vantage point, a new perspective. We can view our life from ground level or from the vantage point of the throne where Jesus reigns on high. We must seek Jesus in His resurrected and exalted position, ruling at God's right hand in power. We also need to see our life from His perspective, that is, to see ourselves as He sees us. This will have a tremendous impact as we face the challenges, temptations, and problems of life when we look at things from heaven's vantage point rather than from ground level. Thirdly, Paul tells us that this new life is, for now, a hidden life. Other people do not see us as we really are. We don't even see ourselves in the light of the full wonder and glory of our new life in Christ. Our life may seem anything but spectacular or special. But it will not always be that way. One day Jesus will appear when He returns in the fullness of His splendor and resurrected glory. And when He appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. What we are will no longer be hidden, but the full glory and splendor of our life in Christ will be visible and plain for all to see! And we cannot imagine how spectacular and extraordinary that life is! But, by faith, we can live in the light of that day of revelation. Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may feel that we are not important, we are just a nobody, so instead of trying to get attention, we must just try to hide and be invisible so no one will see what a nothing we are. The people Paul was writing to at Colossae were being told by influential people around them that they were no good, that they did not measure up, that they were second class, and that their faith in God was fake. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and to give them assurance and confidence that their faith was real and that they had incredible value and significance. In this passage, Paul shows them that the issue is not that their lives do not have incredible significance but that they are not seeing their worth and significance because they are looking at their life from the wrong perspective. They needed to change their point of view and see their life in a different light. This same message is incredibly relevant to us today. How do we see our lives? Are we looking at life from the right perspective, or are we trying to find meaning and significance in the wrong place? Do we need to see our life in a different light? Paul's message to the Colossians is that they absolutely need to see their lives in a different light. First, they need to see their life in the light of the resurrection. Jesus died, but He also rose again to new life. BY faith in Him, our old life was put to death, and we are raised to a whole new life in Christ. We need to see our life not in light of who we were before but in light of the new person we now are in Christ. Second, we need to see our life from a new vantage point, a new perspective. We can view our life from ground level or from the vantage point of the throne where Jesus reigns on high. We must seek Jesus in His resurrected and exalted position, ruling at God's right hand in power. We also need to see our life from His perspective, that is, to see ourselves as He sees us. This will have a tremendous impact as we face the challenges, temptations, and problems of life when we look at things from heaven's vantage point rather than from ground level. Thirdly, Paul tells us that this new life is, for now, a hidden life. Other people do not see us as we really are. We don't even see ourselves in the light of the full wonder and glory of our new life in Christ. Our life may seem anything but spectacular or special. But it will not always be that way. One day Jesus will appear when He returns in the fullness of His splendor and resurrected glory. And when He appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. What we are will no longer be hidden, but the full glory and splendor of our life in Christ will be visible and plain for all to see! And we cannot imagine how spectacular and extraordinary that life is! But, by faith, we can live in the light of that day of revelation. Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may fee… Tim Dunham 2697 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_seeingyourselfinadifferentligh/id/3910889.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074132 Series: Colossians Sun, 08 Jan 2023 05:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may feel that we are not important, we are just a nobody, so instead of trying to get attention, we must just try to hide and be invisible so no one will see what a nothing we are. The people Paul was writing to at Colossae were being told by influential people around them that they were no good, that they did not measure up, that they were second class, and that their faith in God was fake. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and to give them assurance and confidence that their faith was real and that they had incredible value and significance. In this passage, Paul shows them that the issue is not that their lives do not have incredible significance but that they are not seeing their worth and significance because they are looking at their life from the wrong perspective. They needed to change their point of view and see their life in a different light. This same message is incredibly relevant to us today. How do we see our lives? Are we looking at life from the right perspective, or are we trying to find meaning and significance in the wrong place? Do we need to see our life in a different light? Paul's message to the Colossians is that they absolutely need to see their lives in a different light. First, they need to see their life in the light of the resurrection. Jesus died, but He also rose again to new life. BY faith in Him, our old life was put to death, and we are raised to a whole new life in Christ. We need to see our life not in light of who we were before but in light of the new person we now are in Christ. Second, we need to see our life from a new vantage point, a new perspective. We can view our life from ground level or from the vantage point of the throne where Jesus reigns on high. We must seek Jesus in His resurrected and exalted position, ruling at God's right hand in power. We also need to see our life from His perspective, that is, to see ourselves as He sees us. This will have a tremendous impact as we face the challenges, temptations, and problems of life when we look at things from heaven's vantage point rather than from ground level. Thirdly, Paul tells us that this new life is, for now, a hidden life. Other people do not see us as we really are. We don't even see ourselves in the light of the full wonder and glory of our new life in Christ. Our life may seem anything but spectacular or special. But it will not always be that way. One day Jesus will appear when He returns in the fullness of His splendor and resurrected glory. And when He appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. What we are will no longer be hidden, but the full glory and splendor of our life in Christ will be visible and plain for all to see! And we cannot imagine how spectacular and extraordinary that life is! But, by faith, we can live in the light of that day of revelation. Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may feel that we are not important, we are just a nobody, so instead of trying to get attention, we must just try to hide and be invisible so no one will see what a nothing we are. The people Paul was writing to at Colossae were being told by influential people around them that they were no good, that they did not measure up, that they were second class, and that their faith in God was fake. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and to give them assurance and confidence that their faith was real and that they had incredible value and significance. In this passage, Paul shows them that the issue is not that their lives do not have incredible significance but that they are not seeing their worth and significance because they are looking at their life from the wrong perspective. They needed to change their point of view and see their life in a different light. This same message is incredibly relevant to us today. How do we see our lives? Are we looking at life from the right perspective, or are we trying to find meaning and significance in the wrong place? Do we need to see our life in a different light? Paul's message to the Colossians is that they absolutely need to see their lives in a different light. First, they need to see their life in the light of the resurrection. Jesus died, but He also rose again to new life. BY faith in Him, our old life was put to death, and we are raised to a whole new life in Christ. We need to see our life not in light of who we were before but in light of the new person we now are in Christ. Second, we need to see our life from a new vantage point, a new perspective. We can view our life from ground level or from the vantage point of the throne where Jesus reigns on high. We must seek Jesus in His resurrected and exalted position, ruling at God's right hand in power. We also need to see our life from His perspective, that is, to see ourselves as He sees us. This will have a tremendous impact as we face the challenges, temptations, and problems of life when we look at things from heaven's vantage point rather than from ground level. Thirdly, Paul tells us that this new life is, for now, a hidden life. Other people do not see us as we really are. We don't even see ourselves in the light of the full wonder and glory of our new life in Christ. Our life may seem anything but spectacular or special. But it will not always be that way. One day Jesus will appear when He returns in the fullness of His splendor and resurrected glory. And when He appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. What we are will no longer be hidden, but the full glory and splendor of our life in Christ will be visible and plain for all to see! And we cannot imagine how spectacular and extraordinary that life is! But, by faith, we can live in the light of that day of revelation. Big Idea - We all feel the pressure to prove that we are somebody, that we are important, and that our life has worth to others. So, we may do things to get attention or to prove to people that they should respect us or praise us. Sometimes, we may fee… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22074132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_seeingyourselfinadifferentligh/id/429908 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074132 Series: Colossians Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself last year? Did you achieve the goals you set? Maybe we have given up on making resolutions because nothing ever comes of them. There are many goals we can make that will help us have a better life, but the most important goals that will impact our lives are our goals for spiritual growth. What is your plan to grow spiritually in the next year? And how can we make sure we are successful in reaching these goals so that we really do grow? Paul warns the saints in Colossae not to let others, those who think they are super spiritual, derail their spiritual growth with a plan that is not from God but is rooted in worldly thinking and the weakness of the flesh. The danger of this "philosophy" for spiritual growth was that it had the opposite effect - by making them more a slave of the flesh rather than setting them free from the desires and cravings of the flesh. Our flesh, sinful nature and desires keep us from reaching our goals for growth and spiritual maturity, so any plan that depends on the flesh is doomed to fail! There were two main problems with their plan. First, they were pursuing the wrong things. They were setting goals about things that were, at best, only a shadow and, at worst, were human teachings that were the very opposite to the truth of God. They appeared to be very good, but they were of no help in overcoming the sinful desires of the flesh. The second problem was that they had the wrong idea about how to be successful. They thought it was a matter of their own determination and effort. They thought the way to reach your goal and grow spiritually is to just try harder, and you can do it! But you cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh by the weakness of the flesh! Paul has a better growth plan. One that is guaranteed to work. First, we need to pursue the right things. Not meaningless rules made by the world, but the goal of holding fast to Christ, who is the head. We cannot grow ourselves. True growth results from God's hand at work in our lives! This growth comes about as we draw near to Jesus and get connected with His body, the Church. Secondly, our growth plan is not a matter of our own effort or determination to overcome the desires of the flesh. Instead, we trust in the work of Christ on the cross in which we participate when Jesus put the flesh to death. When something has died, it is no longer responsive to the things in this life. We don't overcome the flesh through rigid discipline but by trusting in the power of the cross to kill those desires. Those desires are tempting only because we decide we want to desire the desire. But, if we draw near to Christ and seek His holiness, we will find that those temptations no longer have the power they once had. Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself last year? Did you achieve the goals you set? Maybe we have given up on making resolutions because nothing ever comes of them. There are many goals we can make that will help us have a better life, but the most important goals that will impact our lives are our goals for spiritual growth. What is your plan to grow spiritually in the next year? And how can we make sure we are successful in reaching these goals so that we really do grow? Paul warns the saints in Colossae not to let others, those who think they are super spiritual, derail their spiritual growth with a plan that is not from God but is rooted in worldly thinking and the weakness of the flesh. The danger of this "philosophy" for spiritual growth was that it had the opposite effect - by making them more a slave of the flesh rather than setting them free from the desires and cravings of the flesh. Our flesh, sinful nature and desires keep us from reaching our goals for growth and spiritual maturity, so any plan that depends on the flesh is doomed to fail! There were two main problems with their plan. First, they were pursuing the wrong things. They were setting goals about things that were, at best, only a shadow and, at worst, were human teachings that were the very opposite to the truth of God. They appeared to be very good, but they were of no help in overcoming the sinful desires of the flesh. The second problem was that they had the wrong idea about how to be successful. They thought it was a matter of their own determination and effort. They thought the way to reach your goal and grow spiritually is to just try harder, and you can do it! But you cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh by the weakness of the flesh! Paul has a better growth plan. One that is guaranteed to work. First, we need to pursue the right things. Not meaningless rules made by the world, but the goal of holding fast to Christ, who is the head. We cannot grow ourselves. True growth results from God's hand at work in our lives! This growth comes about as we draw near to Jesus and get connected with His body, the Church. Secondly, our growth plan is not a matter of our own effort or determination to overcome the desires of the flesh. Instead, we trust in the work of Christ on the cross in which we participate when Jesus put the flesh to death. When something has died, it is no longer responsive to the things in this life. We don't overcome the flesh through rigid discipline but by trusting in the power of the cross to kill those desires. Those desires are tempting only because we decide we want to desire the desire. But, if we draw near to Christ and seek His holiness, we will find that those temptations no longer have the power they once had. Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself … Tim Dunham 3364 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074130/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_goalsforspiritualgrowth/id/3910887.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074130 Series: Colossians Sun, 01 Jan 2023 05:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself last year? Did you achieve the goals you set? Maybe we have given up on making resolutions because nothing ever comes of them. There are many goals we can make that will help us have a better life, but the most important goals that will impact our lives are our goals for spiritual growth. What is your plan to grow spiritually in the next year? And how can we make sure we are successful in reaching these goals so that we really do grow? Paul warns the saints in Colossae not to let others, those who think they are super spiritual, derail their spiritual growth with a plan that is not from God but is rooted in worldly thinking and the weakness of the flesh. The danger of this "philosophy" for spiritual growth was that it had the opposite effect - by making them more a slave of the flesh rather than setting them free from the desires and cravings of the flesh. Our flesh, sinful nature and desires keep us from reaching our goals for growth and spiritual maturity, so any plan that depends on the flesh is doomed to fail! There were two main problems with their plan. First, they were pursuing the wrong things. They were setting goals about things that were, at best, only a shadow and, at worst, were human teachings that were the very opposite to the truth of God. They appeared to be very good, but they were of no help in overcoming the sinful desires of the flesh. The second problem was that they had the wrong idea about how to be successful. They thought it was a matter of their own determination and effort. They thought the way to reach your goal and grow spiritually is to just try harder, and you can do it! But you cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh by the weakness of the flesh! Paul has a better growth plan. One that is guaranteed to work. First, we need to pursue the right things. Not meaningless rules made by the world, but the goal of holding fast to Christ, who is the head. We cannot grow ourselves. True growth results from God's hand at work in our lives! This growth comes about as we draw near to Jesus and get connected with His body, the Church. Secondly, our growth plan is not a matter of our own effort or determination to overcome the desires of the flesh. Instead, we trust in the work of Christ on the cross in which we participate when Jesus put the flesh to death. When something has died, it is no longer responsive to the things in this life. We don't overcome the flesh through rigid discipline but by trusting in the power of the cross to kill those desires. Those desires are tempting only because we decide we want to desire the desire. But, if we draw near to Christ and seek His holiness, we will find that those temptations no longer have the power they once had. Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself last year? Did you achieve the goals you set? Maybe we have given up on making resolutions because nothing ever comes of them. There are many goals we can make that will help us have a better life, but the most important goals that will impact our lives are our goals for spiritual growth. What is your plan to grow spiritually in the next year? And how can we make sure we are successful in reaching these goals so that we really do grow? Paul warns the saints in Colossae not to let others, those who think they are super spiritual, derail their spiritual growth with a plan that is not from God but is rooted in worldly thinking and the weakness of the flesh. The danger of this "philosophy" for spiritual growth was that it had the opposite effect - by making them more a slave of the flesh rather than setting them free from the desires and cravings of the flesh. Our flesh, sinful nature and desires keep us from reaching our goals for growth and spiritual maturity, so any plan that depends on the flesh is doomed to fail! There were two main problems with their plan. First, they were pursuing the wrong things. They were setting goals about things that were, at best, only a shadow and, at worst, were human teachings that were the very opposite to the truth of God. They appeared to be very good, but they were of no help in overcoming the sinful desires of the flesh. The second problem was that they had the wrong idea about how to be successful. They thought it was a matter of their own determination and effort. They thought the way to reach your goal and grow spiritually is to just try harder, and you can do it! But you cannot overcome the weakness of the flesh by the weakness of the flesh! Paul has a better growth plan. One that is guaranteed to work. First, we need to pursue the right things. Not meaningless rules made by the world, but the goal of holding fast to Christ, who is the head. We cannot grow ourselves. True growth results from God's hand at work in our lives! This growth comes about as we draw near to Jesus and get connected with His body, the Church. Secondly, our growth plan is not a matter of our own effort or determination to overcome the desires of the flesh. Instead, we trust in the work of Christ on the cross in which we participate when Jesus put the flesh to death. When something has died, it is no longer responsive to the things in this life. We don't overcome the flesh through rigid discipline but by trusting in the power of the cross to kill those desires. Those desires are tempting only because we decide we want to desire the desire. But, if we draw near to Christ and seek His holiness, we will find that those temptations no longer have the power they once had. Big Idea - Do you make New Year's resolutions? The New Year is a time of starting over, a fresh beginning. We should always seek to make the coming year better than the last! But what will make it better? Did you keep the promises you made to yourself … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22074130/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_goalsforspiritualgrowth/id/429907 https://ccf.sermon.net/22074130 Series: Colossians Sun, 18 Dec 2022 09:18:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Ross Pospisil 2047 https://ccf.sermon.net/22066405/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tousachildisborn/id/3903368.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22066405 To Us a Child is Born Sun, 11 Dec 2022 09:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The deceptive teaching was centered on the fact that they were all Gentiles, and what was missing was a Jewish identity. But Paul warns them that this teaching is a lie, an empty deception that will lead them away as captives in chains if they follow. While the same deception would not tempt us, we are surrounded by other messages trying to convince us that we are not enough, that something is missing, and that we cannot, therefore, be truly happy or have worth or significance. It is a message that we may believe all too easily because we are painfully reminded of our shortcomings, our failures, and our weaknesses. It is not hard to convince us that something is missing because we feel inadequate. So, when someone comes along promising that they can give us what we are missing, we may be tempted to follow them. But, like the Colossians, it is an empty promise, and the result is that we fall under their power as prisoners. Actually, we are really "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 2:2 For the Colossians, the problem was deeply rooted in their sense of identity - who they were and what gave them worth and value as a person. It is the same with us. When we feel something is wrong with us, that something is lacking or missing, and we will never really be "somebody" until we find that missing "something." So, what is missing? How do we shape a sense of our identity that has true worth and value but is not based on the empty lies and deception of Satan? Paul is very clear in warning us not to be taken in by the empty deceptions that are all around us. They might be empty, but they are extremely dangerous because they make us prisoners. They capture us and control us when we buy into their lies. When we follow the thinking of the evil one and of the world, they both become our masters, own us, and their goal is to drag us away from Christ and our faith. The key to resisting their lies is understanding that we have been filled in Christ, in whom God's very character and nature live fully. We may feel inadequate and incomplete, but that is only because we fail to see what we are now in Christ. A lot is missing when we see our life as it was apart from Christ and without Him! But, in Christ, we are filled - nothing is lacking or missing! We are 100% complete in Him! So, how do we form this sense of ourselves as full and complete, as a whole person in whom nothing is wrong, lacking, or deficient, when we may feel inadequate and when the world is quick to point out our weaknesses? The key is to grasp and experience all that Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. We need to so closely identify with Jesus' work on the cross as our own experience that it shapes our very sense of who we are. First, we have superior proof of our identity. Second, we have a superior initiation into our new identity. Third, we have a superior means of forgiveness. And finally, we have a complete victory over every evil power. Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The deceptive teaching was centered on the fact that they were all Gentiles, and what was missing was a Jewish identity. But Paul warns them that this teaching is a lie, an empty deception that will lead them away as captives in chains if they follow. While the same deception would not tempt us, we are surrounded by other messages trying to convince us that we are not enough, that something is missing, and that we cannot, therefore, be truly happy or have worth or significance. It is a message that we may believe all too easily because we are painfully reminded of our shortcomings, our failures, and our weaknesses. It is not hard to convince us that something is missing because we feel inadequate. So, when someone comes along promising that they can give us what we are missing, we may be tempted to follow them. But, like the Colossians, it is an empty promise, and the result is that we fall under their power as prisoners. Actually, we are really "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 2:2 For the Colossians, the problem was deeply rooted in their sense of identity - who they were and what gave them worth and value as a person. It is the same with us. When we feel something is wrong with us, that something is lacking or missing, and we will never really be "somebody" until we find that missing "something." So, what is missing? How do we shape a sense of our identity that has true worth and value but is not based on the empty lies and deception of Satan? Paul is very clear in warning us not to be taken in by the empty deceptions that are all around us. They might be empty, but they are extremely dangerous because they make us prisoners. They capture us and control us when we buy into their lies. When we follow the thinking of the evil one and of the world, they both become our masters, own us, and their goal is to drag us away from Christ and our faith. The key to resisting their lies is understanding that we have been filled in Christ, in whom God's very character and nature live fully. We may feel inadequate and incomplete, but that is only because we fail to see what we are now in Christ. A lot is missing when we see our life as it was apart from Christ and without Him! But, in Christ, we are filled - nothing is lacking or missing! We are 100% complete in Him! So, how do we form this sense of ourselves as full and complete, as a whole person in whom nothing is wrong, lacking, or deficient, when we may feel inadequate and when the world is quick to point out our weaknesses? The key is to grasp and experience all that Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. We need to so closely identify with Jesus' work on the cross as our own experience that it shapes our very sense of who we are. First, we have superior proof of our identity. Second, we have a superior initiation into our new identity. Third, we have a superior means of forgiveness. And finally, we have a complete victory over every evil power. Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The decep… Tim Dunham 3486 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063598/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_creatinganewidentity/id/3900614.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063598 Series: Colossians Part#8 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 09:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The deceptive teaching was centered on the fact that they were all Gentiles, and what was missing was a Jewish identity. But Paul warns them that this teaching is a lie, an empty deception that will lead them away as captives in chains if they follow. While the same deception would not tempt us, we are surrounded by other messages trying to convince us that we are not enough, that something is missing, and that we cannot, therefore, be truly happy or have worth or significance. It is a message that we may believe all too easily because we are painfully reminded of our shortcomings, our failures, and our weaknesses. It is not hard to convince us that something is missing because we feel inadequate. So, when someone comes along promising that they can give us what we are missing, we may be tempted to follow them. But, like the Colossians, it is an empty promise, and the result is that we fall under their power as prisoners. Actually, we are really "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 2:2 For the Colossians, the problem was deeply rooted in their sense of identity - who they were and what gave them worth and value as a person. It is the same with us. When we feel something is wrong with us, that something is lacking or missing, and we will never really be "somebody" until we find that missing "something." So, what is missing? How do we shape a sense of our identity that has true worth and value but is not based on the empty lies and deception of Satan? Paul is very clear in warning us not to be taken in by the empty deceptions that are all around us. They might be empty, but they are extremely dangerous because they make us prisoners. They capture us and control us when we buy into their lies. When we follow the thinking of the evil one and of the world, they both become our masters, own us, and their goal is to drag us away from Christ and our faith. The key to resisting their lies is understanding that we have been filled in Christ, in whom God's very character and nature live fully. We may feel inadequate and incomplete, but that is only because we fail to see what we are now in Christ. A lot is missing when we see our life as it was apart from Christ and without Him! But, in Christ, we are filled - nothing is lacking or missing! We are 100% complete in Him! So, how do we form this sense of ourselves as full and complete, as a whole person in whom nothing is wrong, lacking, or deficient, when we may feel inadequate and when the world is quick to point out our weaknesses? The key is to grasp and experience all that Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. We need to so closely identify with Jesus' work on the cross as our own experience that it shapes our very sense of who we are. First, we have superior proof of our identity. Second, we have a superior initiation into our new identity. Third, we have a superior means of forgiveness. And finally, we have a complete victory over every evil power. Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The deceptive teaching was centered on the fact that they were all Gentiles, and what was missing was a Jewish identity. But Paul warns them that this teaching is a lie, an empty deception that will lead them away as captives in chains if they follow. While the same deception would not tempt us, we are surrounded by other messages trying to convince us that we are not enough, that something is missing, and that we cannot, therefore, be truly happy or have worth or significance. It is a message that we may believe all too easily because we are painfully reminded of our shortcomings, our failures, and our weaknesses. It is not hard to convince us that something is missing because we feel inadequate. So, when someone comes along promising that they can give us what we are missing, we may be tempted to follow them. But, like the Colossians, it is an empty promise, and the result is that we fall under their power as prisoners. Actually, we are really "following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." Ephesians 2:2 For the Colossians, the problem was deeply rooted in their sense of identity - who they were and what gave them worth and value as a person. It is the same with us. When we feel something is wrong with us, that something is lacking or missing, and we will never really be "somebody" until we find that missing "something." So, what is missing? How do we shape a sense of our identity that has true worth and value but is not based on the empty lies and deception of Satan? Paul is very clear in warning us not to be taken in by the empty deceptions that are all around us. They might be empty, but they are extremely dangerous because they make us prisoners. They capture us and control us when we buy into their lies. When we follow the thinking of the evil one and of the world, they both become our masters, own us, and their goal is to drag us away from Christ and our faith. The key to resisting their lies is understanding that we have been filled in Christ, in whom God's very character and nature live fully. We may feel inadequate and incomplete, but that is only because we fail to see what we are now in Christ. A lot is missing when we see our life as it was apart from Christ and without Him! But, in Christ, we are filled - nothing is lacking or missing! We are 100% complete in Him! So, how do we form this sense of ourselves as full and complete, as a whole person in whom nothing is wrong, lacking, or deficient, when we may feel inadequate and when the world is quick to point out our weaknesses? The key is to grasp and experience all that Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. We need to so closely identify with Jesus' work on the cross as our own experience that it shapes our very sense of who we are. First, we have superior proof of our identity. Second, we have a superior initiation into our new identity. Third, we have a superior means of forgiveness. And finally, we have a complete victory over every evil power. Big Idea - The believers at Colossae were at risk of being convinced that something was missing in their lives. Due to this lack, they did not measure up, and without a major upgrade, they could not be truly spiritual or maybe not even saved. The decep… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22063598/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_creatinganewidentity/id/429242 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063598 Series: Colossians Part#8 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day. Recent youth surveys tell us that only one in four High School graduates will hold on to their faith when they get to college. This is all a very bleak picture, but it is not new. The same enemies were at work in the time of Paul, seeking to pull people away from Christ and the truth. But, Paul is confident that the Colossians can have an unshakeable and immovable faith. This kind of faith, however, is not automatic or guaranteed. It must be nurtured and worked on. It needs to be built up. So what can we do to build up our faith so that it is unmoved by the many attacks against us? First, Paul tells us that we continue (walk) in Christ, that is, in the Christian faith, the same way we began the journey with Him. How did we get started on this path? Simply by receiving the teaching and instruction that was proclaimed to us. The content of this instruction is not a set of rules or religious practices but is Jesus Himself. This teaching is summed up in the Gospel - that Jesus is both rescuer and Lord. Second, Paul commands us to be rooted, built up, and established in our faith. He knows the dangers of being taken captive by wrong teaching and false beliefs. So, how do we develop stronger roots and a more solid foundation for life? It is a command, but not a command to do something, but to have something done to us. It begins by understanding that we cannot do it. Getting stronger is not like going to the gym, where it depends on how much work we put into it. Instead, it happens to us when we submit ourselves to a process that we do not control and is not in our power to accomplish. And what is this process? It is simply that of being taught of learning from the correct teaching. The instruction that establishes us in the faith is 1) Biblical, 2) Gospel-centered, 3) by the Holy Spirit, and 4) through human teachers. Our part is to put ourselves under this kind of teaching and to submit to its truth even when it rubs us the wrong way. Not because we trust in the human messenger but because we accept the Word of God as absolute truth. The proof that we are growing stronger is a life overflowing with thanksgiving. Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day. Recent youth surveys tell us that only one in four High School graduates will hold on to their faith when they get to college. This is all a very bleak picture, but it is not new. The same enemies were at work in the time of Paul, seeking to pull people away from Christ and the truth. But, Paul is confident that the Colossians can have an unshakeable and immovable faith. This kind of faith, however, is not automatic or guaranteed. It must be nurtured and worked on. It needs to be built up. So what can we do to build up our faith so that it is unmoved by the many attacks against us? First, Paul tells us that we continue (walk) in Christ, that is, in the Christian faith, the same way we began the journey with Him. How did we get started on this path? Simply by receiving the teaching and instruction that was proclaimed to us. The content of this instruction is not a set of rules or religious practices but is Jesus Himself. This teaching is summed up in the Gospel - that Jesus is both rescuer and Lord. Second, Paul commands us to be rooted, built up, and established in our faith. He knows the dangers of being taken captive by wrong teaching and false beliefs. So, how do we develop stronger roots and a more solid foundation for life? It is a command, but not a command to do something, but to have something done to us. It begins by understanding that we cannot do it. Getting stronger is not like going to the gym, where it depends on how much work we put into it. Instead, it happens to us when we submit ourselves to a process that we do not control and is not in our power to accomplish. And what is this process? It is simply that of being taught of learning from the correct teaching. The instruction that establishes us in the faith is 1) Biblical, 2) Gospel-centered, 3) by the Holy Spirit, and 4) through human teachers. Our part is to put ourselves under this kind of teaching and to submit to its truth even when it rubs us the wrong way. Not because we trust in the human messenger but because we accept the Word of God as absolute truth. The proof that we are growing stronger is a life overflowing with thanksgiving. Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day.… Tim Dunham 2993 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rooted/id/3900613.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063597 Series: Colossians Part#7 Sun, 04 Dec 2022 08:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day. Recent youth surveys tell us that only one in four High School graduates will hold on to their faith when they get to college. This is all a very bleak picture, but it is not new. The same enemies were at work in the time of Paul, seeking to pull people away from Christ and the truth. But, Paul is confident that the Colossians can have an unshakeable and immovable faith. This kind of faith, however, is not automatic or guaranteed. It must be nurtured and worked on. It needs to be built up. So what can we do to build up our faith so that it is unmoved by the many attacks against us? First, Paul tells us that we continue (walk) in Christ, that is, in the Christian faith, the same way we began the journey with Him. How did we get started on this path? Simply by receiving the teaching and instruction that was proclaimed to us. The content of this instruction is not a set of rules or religious practices but is Jesus Himself. This teaching is summed up in the Gospel - that Jesus is both rescuer and Lord. Second, Paul commands us to be rooted, built up, and established in our faith. He knows the dangers of being taken captive by wrong teaching and false beliefs. So, how do we develop stronger roots and a more solid foundation for life? It is a command, but not a command to do something, but to have something done to us. It begins by understanding that we cannot do it. Getting stronger is not like going to the gym, where it depends on how much work we put into it. Instead, it happens to us when we submit ourselves to a process that we do not control and is not in our power to accomplish. And what is this process? It is simply that of being taught of learning from the correct teaching. The instruction that establishes us in the faith is 1) Biblical, 2) Gospel-centered, 3) by the Holy Spirit, and 4) through human teachers. Our part is to put ourselves under this kind of teaching and to submit to its truth even when it rubs us the wrong way. Not because we trust in the human messenger but because we accept the Word of God as absolute truth. The proof that we are growing stronger is a life overflowing with thanksgiving. Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day. Recent youth surveys tell us that only one in four High School graduates will hold on to their faith when they get to college. This is all a very bleak picture, but it is not new. The same enemies were at work in the time of Paul, seeking to pull people away from Christ and the truth. But, Paul is confident that the Colossians can have an unshakeable and immovable faith. This kind of faith, however, is not automatic or guaranteed. It must be nurtured and worked on. It needs to be built up. So what can we do to build up our faith so that it is unmoved by the many attacks against us? First, Paul tells us that we continue (walk) in Christ, that is, in the Christian faith, the same way we began the journey with Him. How did we get started on this path? Simply by receiving the teaching and instruction that was proclaimed to us. The content of this instruction is not a set of rules or religious practices but is Jesus Himself. This teaching is summed up in the Gospel - that Jesus is both rescuer and Lord. Second, Paul commands us to be rooted, built up, and established in our faith. He knows the dangers of being taken captive by wrong teaching and false beliefs. So, how do we develop stronger roots and a more solid foundation for life? It is a command, but not a command to do something, but to have something done to us. It begins by understanding that we cannot do it. Getting stronger is not like going to the gym, where it depends on how much work we put into it. Instead, it happens to us when we submit ourselves to a process that we do not control and is not in our power to accomplish. And what is this process? It is simply that of being taught of learning from the correct teaching. The instruction that establishes us in the faith is 1) Biblical, 2) Gospel-centered, 3) by the Holy Spirit, and 4) through human teachers. Our part is to put ourselves under this kind of teaching and to submit to its truth even when it rubs us the wrong way. Not because we trust in the human messenger but because we accept the Word of God as absolute truth. The proof that we are growing stronger is a life overflowing with thanksgiving. Big Idea - Scripture is full of many warnings that we must persevere in the faith because there is a real possibility that we could fall. That is that our faith could fail. We see the Church and Christianity coming under attack more and more every day.… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22063597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_rooted/id/429241 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063597 Series: Colossians Part#7 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 08:40:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2657 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063596/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatpaulreallywantsforthechurc/id/3900612.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22063596 Series: Colossians Part#6 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. Most of us arrange our lives to avoid suffering at all costs. How can Paul rejoice in suffering? While it is true that we tend to avoid suffering most of the time, we will suffer and sacrifice if it is for the right cause. People suffer through all kinds of diets to lose weight. Athletes make great sacrifices training, and even suffering pain and agony in order to win. A parent will make great sacrifices for their child, because of their love. So, it is not that we always avoid suffering, rather, that we don't want to suffer for something that is not worth it. Paul could rejoice in suffering because he was suffering for a cause that was worth it. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.” What we should be asking ourselves, is not, how we can live the most safe and comfortable life! Rather, we should be asking, is there any cause, any purpose, anything out there that is so great, so important, and so life changing that it is worth sacrificing anything and everything for? Paul says, yes, absolutely. In short, it is the life-saving, life-transforming Gospel of Christ. Therefore, Paul can rejoice in his suffering because 1) it is for Christ, 2) it is for His body 3) it is the price of making Christ known, 4) of the incredible outcome or result, 5) it is the most important thing we could possibly invest our life in, 6) we have an incomparable power to accomplish the task. Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. Most of us arrange our lives to avoid suffering at all costs. How can Paul rejoice in suffering? While it is true that we tend to avoid suffering most of the time, we will suffer and sacrifice if it is for the right cause. People suffer through all kinds of diets to lose weight. Athletes make great sacrifices training, and even suffering pain and agony in order to win. A parent will make great sacrifices for their child, because of their love. So, it is not that we always avoid suffering, rather, that we don't want to suffer for something that is not worth it. Paul could rejoice in suffering because he was suffering for a cause that was worth it. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.” What we should be asking ourselves, is not, how we can live the most safe and comfortable life! Rather, we should be asking, is there any cause, any purpose, anything out there that is so great, so important, and so life changing that it is worth sacrificing anything and everything for? Paul says, yes, absolutely. In short, it is the life-saving, life-transforming Gospel of Christ. Therefore, Paul can rejoice in his suffering because 1) it is for Christ, 2) it is for His body 3) it is the price of making Christ known, 4) of the incredible outcome or result, 5) it is the most important thing we could possibly invest our life in, 6) we have an incomparable power to accomplish the task. Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. … Tim Dunham 2845 https://ccf.sermon.net/22055348/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifethatisworthit/id/3892521.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22055348 Series: Colossians Part#5 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 05:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. Most of us arrange our lives to avoid suffering at all costs. How can Paul rejoice in suffering? While it is true that we tend to avoid suffering most of the time, we will suffer and sacrifice if it is for the right cause. People suffer through all kinds of diets to lose weight. Athletes make great sacrifices training, and even suffering pain and agony in order to win. A parent will make great sacrifices for their child, because of their love. So, it is not that we always avoid suffering, rather, that we don't want to suffer for something that is not worth it. Paul could rejoice in suffering because he was suffering for a cause that was worth it. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.” What we should be asking ourselves, is not, how we can live the most safe and comfortable life! Rather, we should be asking, is there any cause, any purpose, anything out there that is so great, so important, and so life changing that it is worth sacrificing anything and everything for? Paul says, yes, absolutely. In short, it is the life-saving, life-transforming Gospel of Christ. Therefore, Paul can rejoice in his suffering because 1) it is for Christ, 2) it is for His body 3) it is the price of making Christ known, 4) of the incredible outcome or result, 5) it is the most important thing we could possibly invest our life in, 6) we have an incomparable power to accomplish the task. Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. Most of us arrange our lives to avoid suffering at all costs. How can Paul rejoice in suffering? While it is true that we tend to avoid suffering most of the time, we will suffer and sacrifice if it is for the right cause. People suffer through all kinds of diets to lose weight. Athletes make great sacrifices training, and even suffering pain and agony in order to win. A parent will make great sacrifices for their child, because of their love. So, it is not that we always avoid suffering, rather, that we don't want to suffer for something that is not worth it. Paul could rejoice in suffering because he was suffering for a cause that was worth it. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.” What we should be asking ourselves, is not, how we can live the most safe and comfortable life! Rather, we should be asking, is there any cause, any purpose, anything out there that is so great, so important, and so life changing that it is worth sacrificing anything and everything for? Paul says, yes, absolutely. In short, it is the life-saving, life-transforming Gospel of Christ. Therefore, Paul can rejoice in his suffering because 1) it is for Christ, 2) it is for His body 3) it is the price of making Christ known, 4) of the incredible outcome or result, 5) it is the most important thing we could possibly invest our life in, 6) we have an incomparable power to accomplish the task. Big Idea - S - Paul writes that he rejoices in suffering. He was writing to the Colossians from prison, so it was not idle words, or fluff. We do not like to suffer. The modern world has gone to great lengths to move as far from suffering as possible. … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22055348/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_alifethatisworthit/id/428707 https://ccf.sermon.net/22055348 Series: Colossians Part#5 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 07:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our very salvation in Christ. But isn't our salvation guaranteed? Doesn't the Bible teach that if we cannot lose our salvation - if God has saved us, then nothing can separate us from His love? What, then, could possibly be a real threat? The Bible contains many assurances that we cannot lose our salvation. But, it is also full of as many warnings that we do not assume we are saved! On the one hand, salvation is guaranteed and cannot fail because it is not a work we do but one that Jesus has accomplished for us. What Jesus has done on the cross is unfailing because of who He is and because of the effectiveness of His sacrifice for us. It cannot fail because all rests on Him. At the same time, we have a part, and it is in this part that we must be concerned. We must have faith in Jesus and what He has done. Our very salvation is at stake if we do not continue in faith. The problem is not that the salvation provided in Christ can ever fail but that our faith can fail. This doesn't mean those who are truly saved can lose their salvation. Rather, it means that not all faith is true faith. Genuine and saving faith is a faith that remains steadfast and unmoved. A faith that believes in Christ for a moment but then shifts to other saviors is not genuine, saving faith. But don't we all have doubts at times? Who can claim never to question their faith? Questioning the Bible and having doubts is undoubtedly something we all encounter. The issue is not if we have doubts but what we do with them. Do we let the doubts lead us to other saviors, or do we turn to the message that has been proclaimed in all creation, the Gospel, and press into it until our doubts are removed? This is the only way to overcome doubt and is the sure mark and sign that we have reconciled to God. Faith is holding on to the hope of the Gospel and not wavering. Any faith that wavers, not only in moments of doubt but by failing to trust in Jesus alone as the way of salvation, is not saving faith. Therefore, we must be vigilant to establish our faith, that is to set it firmly on the solid foundation of the Gospel and anchor our constant hope on what Jesus has accomplished for us by His death. Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our very salvation in Christ. But isn't our salvation guaranteed? Doesn't the Bible teach that if we cannot lose our salvation - if God has saved us, then nothing can separate us from His love? What, then, could possibly be a real threat? The Bible contains many assurances that we cannot lose our salvation. But, it is also full of as many warnings that we do not assume we are saved! On the one hand, salvation is guaranteed and cannot fail because it is not a work we do but one that Jesus has accomplished for us. What Jesus has done on the cross is unfailing because of who He is and because of the effectiveness of His sacrifice for us. It cannot fail because all rests on Him. At the same time, we have a part, and it is in this part that we must be concerned. We must have faith in Jesus and what He has done. Our very salvation is at stake if we do not continue in faith. The problem is not that the salvation provided in Christ can ever fail but that our faith can fail. This doesn't mean those who are truly saved can lose their salvation. Rather, it means that not all faith is true faith. Genuine and saving faith is a faith that remains steadfast and unmoved. A faith that believes in Christ for a moment but then shifts to other saviors is not genuine, saving faith. But don't we all have doubts at times? Who can claim never to question their faith? Questioning the Bible and having doubts is undoubtedly something we all encounter. The issue is not if we have doubts but what we do with them. Do we let the doubts lead us to other saviors, or do we turn to the message that has been proclaimed in all creation, the Gospel, and press into it until our doubts are removed? This is the only way to overcome doubt and is the sure mark and sign that we have reconciled to God. Faith is holding on to the hope of the Gospel and not wavering. Any faith that wavers, not only in moments of doubt but by failing to trust in Jesus alone as the way of salvation, is not saving faith. Therefore, we must be vigilant to establish our faith, that is to set it firmly on the solid foundation of the Gospel and anchor our constant hope on what Jesus has accomplished for us by His death. Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our ver… Tim Dunham 3232 https://ccf.sermon.net/22052409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unshakablefaith/id/3889655.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22052409 Series: Colossians Part#4 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 07:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our very salvation in Christ. But isn't our salvation guaranteed? Doesn't the Bible teach that if we cannot lose our salvation - if God has saved us, then nothing can separate us from His love? What, then, could possibly be a real threat? The Bible contains many assurances that we cannot lose our salvation. But, it is also full of as many warnings that we do not assume we are saved! On the one hand, salvation is guaranteed and cannot fail because it is not a work we do but one that Jesus has accomplished for us. What Jesus has done on the cross is unfailing because of who He is and because of the effectiveness of His sacrifice for us. It cannot fail because all rests on Him. At the same time, we have a part, and it is in this part that we must be concerned. We must have faith in Jesus and what He has done. Our very salvation is at stake if we do not continue in faith. The problem is not that the salvation provided in Christ can ever fail but that our faith can fail. This doesn't mean those who are truly saved can lose their salvation. Rather, it means that not all faith is true faith. Genuine and saving faith is a faith that remains steadfast and unmoved. A faith that believes in Christ for a moment but then shifts to other saviors is not genuine, saving faith. But don't we all have doubts at times? Who can claim never to question their faith? Questioning the Bible and having doubts is undoubtedly something we all encounter. The issue is not if we have doubts but what we do with them. Do we let the doubts lead us to other saviors, or do we turn to the message that has been proclaimed in all creation, the Gospel, and press into it until our doubts are removed? This is the only way to overcome doubt and is the sure mark and sign that we have reconciled to God. Faith is holding on to the hope of the Gospel and not wavering. Any faith that wavers, not only in moments of doubt but by failing to trust in Jesus alone as the way of salvation, is not saving faith. Therefore, we must be vigilant to establish our faith, that is to set it firmly on the solid foundation of the Gospel and anchor our constant hope on what Jesus has accomplished for us by His death. Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our very salvation in Christ. But isn't our salvation guaranteed? Doesn't the Bible teach that if we cannot lose our salvation - if God has saved us, then nothing can separate us from His love? What, then, could possibly be a real threat? The Bible contains many assurances that we cannot lose our salvation. But, it is also full of as many warnings that we do not assume we are saved! On the one hand, salvation is guaranteed and cannot fail because it is not a work we do but one that Jesus has accomplished for us. What Jesus has done on the cross is unfailing because of who He is and because of the effectiveness of His sacrifice for us. It cannot fail because all rests on Him. At the same time, we have a part, and it is in this part that we must be concerned. We must have faith in Jesus and what He has done. Our very salvation is at stake if we do not continue in faith. The problem is not that the salvation provided in Christ can ever fail but that our faith can fail. This doesn't mean those who are truly saved can lose their salvation. Rather, it means that not all faith is true faith. Genuine and saving faith is a faith that remains steadfast and unmoved. A faith that believes in Christ for a moment but then shifts to other saviors is not genuine, saving faith. But don't we all have doubts at times? Who can claim never to question their faith? Questioning the Bible and having doubts is undoubtedly something we all encounter. The issue is not if we have doubts but what we do with them. Do we let the doubts lead us to other saviors, or do we turn to the message that has been proclaimed in all creation, the Gospel, and press into it until our doubts are removed? This is the only way to overcome doubt and is the sure mark and sign that we have reconciled to God. Faith is holding on to the hope of the Gospel and not wavering. Any faith that wavers, not only in moments of doubt but by failing to trust in Jesus alone as the way of salvation, is not saving faith. Therefore, we must be vigilant to establish our faith, that is to set it firmly on the solid foundation of the Gospel and anchor our constant hope on what Jesus has accomplished for us by His death. Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our ver… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22052409/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_unshakablefaith/id/428523 https://ccf.sermon.net/22052409 Series: Colossians Part#4 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:32:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to fail to grasp that He is God. This is to see Him only as a human. The second is to fail to grasp that was, in fact, human and not just God. The third error is to see Jesus as the God-man but to fail to grasp that He is One God but that the Son is not the Father. When we read the accounts of Jesus' life in the Gospels, it is hard not to imagine His humanity. Indeed, it is His very humanity that we can most easily and readily relate to. So, for most of us, the temptation is to make Jesus so human that we fail to grasp the full extent in which He is also God. Likewise, because He was a real person, it is easier for us to wrap our minds around the distinct personhood of the Son but struggle to grasp what it means for Jesus to be the One true God. An even greater temptation is to think these are just problems theologians and philosophers wrestle with, and it's not really important. It hurts our brain to try to comprehend such deep and mysterious things, so we just try not to think about it! But, if it is true that who Jesus is, and how we think about Him are the most important truths and the very core of the Christian faith, then we need to think about these things, and we must understand them correctly if not completely! So, how are we to think about Jesus Christ? Paul begins by thinking about Jesus, not in terms of His life on earth and as the founder of our faith, but by thinking about who Jesus is in relation to God. He is the visible image of the invisible God and all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Him. The second thing Paul considers is who Jesus is in relation to all of creation. He is the firstborn of all creation, a term that indicates His highest position over everything that is made, but also His subservient position to the Father. He is the One God, but He is not the Father. It does not mean He was created, but He did become the God-man when He came to this earth and was born a virgin. As firstborn, he is the agent of creation. Everything was made in Him, through Him, and for Him. God's purpose in Christ is not only concerned about religious matters. The entire universe and all that was made in the heavenly realms were made by and for Christ. They exist according to His purpose and plan, and ultimately for His pleasure. Jesus is God over all creation as its creator and sustainer. Finally, Paul considers who Jesus is in relation the Church, the people who are part of His kingdom of light. He is the head of the body, the Church. Head indicates His rule and place of supreme honor, but also an intimate connection with the body. He is one with the body as the head, not detached from it. He is also the firstborn from the dead. In this case, the idea of firstborn is one who has already experienced what those following will one day experience - namely, the resurrection. This eternal life is already ours but also waits for the final bodily resurrection. It is through Jesus and the blood of His cross that God is reconciling everything to Himself, that is making peace, not only with the redeemed but with all of creation. The work of the cross and the truth of the resurrection make Jesus preeminent, supreme, and most high and exalted, first in every conceivable way. Thus, Jesus is not only concerned with the Church, but His concern is with the entire purpose of creation, to see all that He has made restored to peace with God according to the original purpose and design of creation. Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to fail to grasp that He is God. This is to see Him only as a human. The second is to fail to grasp that was, in fact, human and not just God. The third error is to see Jesus as the God-man but to fail to grasp that He is One God but that the Son is not the Father. When we read the accounts of Jesus' life in the Gospels, it is hard not to imagine His humanity. Indeed, it is His very humanity that we can most easily and readily relate to. So, for most of us, the temptation is to make Jesus so human that we fail to grasp the full extent in which He is also God. Likewise, because He was a real person, it is easier for us to wrap our minds around the distinct personhood of the Son but struggle to grasp what it means for Jesus to be the One true God. An even greater temptation is to think these are just problems theologians and philosophers wrestle with, and it's not really important. It hurts our brain to try to comprehend such deep and mysterious things, so we just try not to think about it! But, if it is true that who Jesus is, and how we think about Him are the most important truths and the very core of the Christian faith, then we need to think about these things, and we must understand them correctly if not completely! So, how are we to think about Jesus Christ? Paul begins by thinking about Jesus, not in terms of His life on earth and as the founder of our faith, but by thinking about who Jesus is in relation to God. He is the visible image of the invisible God and all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Him. The second thing Paul considers is who Jesus is in relation to all of creation. He is the firstborn of all creation, a term that indicates His highest position over everything that is made, but also His subservient position to the Father. He is the One God, but He is not the Father. It does not mean He was created, but He did become the God-man when He came to this earth and was born a virgin. As firstborn, he is the agent of creation. Everything was made in Him, through Him, and for Him. God's purpose in Christ is not only concerned about religious matters. The entire universe and all that was made in the heavenly realms were made by and for Christ. They exist according to His purpose and plan, and ultimately for His pleasure. Jesus is God over all creation as its creator and sustainer. Finally, Paul considers who Jesus is in relation the Church, the people who are part of His kingdom of light. He is the head of the body, the Church. Head indicates His rule and place of supreme honor, but also an intimate connection with the body. He is one with the body as the head, not detached from it. He is also the firstborn from the dead. In this case, the idea of firstborn is one who has already experienced what those following will one day experience - namely, the resurrection. This eternal life is already ours but also waits for the final bodily resurrection. It is through Jesus and the blood of His cross that God is reconciling everything to Himself, that is making peace, not only with the redeemed but with all of creation. The work of the cross and the truth of the resurrection make Jesus preeminent, supreme, and most high and exalted, first in every conceivable way. Thus, Jesus is not only concerned with the Church, but His concern is with the entire purpose of creation, to see all that He has made restored to peace with God according to the original purpose and design of creation. Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to … Tim Dunham 3076 https://ccf.sermon.net/22049341/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesurpassinggreatnessofesus/id/3886671.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22049341 Scripture: Colossians 1:13-1:20, Series: Colossians Part#3 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:32:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to fail to grasp that He is God. This is to see Him only as a human. The second is to fail to grasp that was, in fact, human and not just God. The third error is to see Jesus as the God-man but to fail to grasp that He is One God but that the Son is not the Father. When we read the accounts of Jesus' life in the Gospels, it is hard not to imagine His humanity. Indeed, it is His very humanity that we can most easily and readily relate to. So, for most of us, the temptation is to make Jesus so human that we fail to grasp the full extent in which He is also God. Likewise, because He was a real person, it is easier for us to wrap our minds around the distinct personhood of the Son but struggle to grasp what it means for Jesus to be the One true God. An even greater temptation is to think these are just problems theologians and philosophers wrestle with, and it's not really important. It hurts our brain to try to comprehend such deep and mysterious things, so we just try not to think about it! But, if it is true that who Jesus is, and how we think about Him are the most important truths and the very core of the Christian faith, then we need to think about these things, and we must understand them correctly if not completely! So, how are we to think about Jesus Christ? Paul begins by thinking about Jesus, not in terms of His life on earth and as the founder of our faith, but by thinking about who Jesus is in relation to God. He is the visible image of the invisible God and all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Him. The second thing Paul considers is who Jesus is in relation to all of creation. He is the firstborn of all creation, a term that indicates His highest position over everything that is made, but also His subservient position to the Father. He is the One God, but He is not the Father. It does not mean He was created, but He did become the God-man when He came to this earth and was born a virgin. As firstborn, he is the agent of creation. Everything was made in Him, through Him, and for Him. God's purpose in Christ is not only concerned about religious matters. The entire universe and all that was made in the heavenly realms were made by and for Christ. They exist according to His purpose and plan, and ultimately for His pleasure. Jesus is God over all creation as its creator and sustainer. Finally, Paul considers who Jesus is in relation the Church, the people who are part of His kingdom of light. He is the head of the body, the Church. Head indicates His rule and place of supreme honor, but also an intimate connection with the body. He is one with the body as the head, not detached from it. He is also the firstborn from the dead. In this case, the idea of firstborn is one who has already experienced what those following will one day experience - namely, the resurrection. This eternal life is already ours but also waits for the final bodily resurrection. It is through Jesus and the blood of His cross that God is reconciling everything to Himself, that is making peace, not only with the redeemed but with all of creation. The work of the cross and the truth of the resurrection make Jesus preeminent, supreme, and most high and exalted, first in every conceivable way. Thus, Jesus is not only concerned with the Church, but His concern is with the entire purpose of creation, to see all that He has made restored to peace with God according to the original purpose and design of creation. Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to fail to grasp that He is God. This is to see Him only as a human. The second is to fail to grasp that was, in fact, human and not just God. The third error is to see Jesus as the God-man but to fail to grasp that He is One God but that the Son is not the Father. When we read the accounts of Jesus' life in the Gospels, it is hard not to imagine His humanity. Indeed, it is His very humanity that we can most easily and readily relate to. So, for most of us, the temptation is to make Jesus so human that we fail to grasp the full extent in which He is also God. Likewise, because He was a real person, it is easier for us to wrap our minds around the distinct personhood of the Son but struggle to grasp what it means for Jesus to be the One true God. An even greater temptation is to think these are just problems theologians and philosophers wrestle with, and it's not really important. It hurts our brain to try to comprehend such deep and mysterious things, so we just try not to think about it! But, if it is true that who Jesus is, and how we think about Him are the most important truths and the very core of the Christian faith, then we need to think about these things, and we must understand them correctly if not completely! So, how are we to think about Jesus Christ? Paul begins by thinking about Jesus, not in terms of His life on earth and as the founder of our faith, but by thinking about who Jesus is in relation to God. He is the visible image of the invisible God and all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Him. The second thing Paul considers is who Jesus is in relation to all of creation. He is the firstborn of all creation, a term that indicates His highest position over everything that is made, but also His subservient position to the Father. He is the One God, but He is not the Father. It does not mean He was created, but He did become the God-man when He came to this earth and was born a virgin. As firstborn, he is the agent of creation. Everything was made in Him, through Him, and for Him. God's purpose in Christ is not only concerned about religious matters. The entire universe and all that was made in the heavenly realms were made by and for Christ. They exist according to His purpose and plan, and ultimately for His pleasure. Jesus is God over all creation as its creator and sustainer. Finally, Paul considers who Jesus is in relation the Church, the people who are part of His kingdom of light. He is the head of the body, the Church. Head indicates His rule and place of supreme honor, but also an intimate connection with the body. He is one with the body as the head, not detached from it. He is also the firstborn from the dead. In this case, the idea of firstborn is one who has already experienced what those following will one day experience - namely, the resurrection. This eternal life is already ours but also waits for the final bodily resurrection. It is through Jesus and the blood of His cross that God is reconciling everything to Himself, that is making peace, not only with the redeemed but with all of creation. The work of the cross and the truth of the resurrection make Jesus preeminent, supreme, and most high and exalted, first in every conceivable way. Thus, Jesus is not only concerned with the Church, but His concern is with the entire purpose of creation, to see all that He has made restored to peace with God according to the original purpose and design of creation. Big Idea - Jesus is everything in the Christian faith - who He is, and how we think about Him. From the very beginning, the Church and those who call themselves Christians have faced three possible errors in how they think about Jesus. The first is to … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22049341/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thesurpassinggreatnessofesus/id/428222 https://ccf.sermon.net/22049341 Scripture: Colossians 1:13-1:20, Series: Colossians Part#3 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 07:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But what can we pray for? What should we be praying for? James tells us in James 4:3 that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." Are we asking and not receiving? Is it because we are asking for the wrong things? What do we ask God for? Often, our prayers are for God to change our outward circumstances when we are in difficult or painful circumstances. We pray for God to heal us when we are sick, to provide for us when we are in need, to solve relationship problems, or to fix some other problem we are facing. These are real needs, and we are to pray for these things. But are these our only needs? Are these our most important needs? Or should we be praying along a different line? We pray for ourselves, and we are to pray for one another. But what if our circumstances in life are good? Do we then run out of things to pray for? The things we pray for become a kind of mirror that reveals to us the things we are most concerned about. Are we most concerned about the right things? If we evaluate our prayer life against that of the saints in Scripture, how do the things we are concerned about measure up against what they are most concerned about? In the many payers of Paul recorded in the Bible, we see what he is most concerned about. Whereas I am often focused on praying for God to change my circumstances, Paul is focused on praying for God to change us in the midst of our circumstances. His concern is not so much for how we are doing but who we are becoming and how we live, regardless of the outward challenges or difficulties. In his prayer in Colossians 1, Paul prays for three things. First, he prays that they would have the right knowledge, namely, knowing what to do and how to live. Secondly, he prays or them to be strengthened with the right power so they can do the right thing. Third, he prays for them to have the right attitude so that their right living will not be a matter of legalism or empty moralism but one of worship and response to the goodness of God in their life. Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But what can we pray for? What should we be praying for? James tells us in James 4:3 that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." Are we asking and not receiving? Is it because we are asking for the wrong things? What do we ask God for? Often, our prayers are for God to change our outward circumstances when we are in difficult or painful circumstances. We pray for God to heal us when we are sick, to provide for us when we are in need, to solve relationship problems, or to fix some other problem we are facing. These are real needs, and we are to pray for these things. But are these our only needs? Are these our most important needs? Or should we be praying along a different line? We pray for ourselves, and we are to pray for one another. But what if our circumstances in life are good? Do we then run out of things to pray for? The things we pray for become a kind of mirror that reveals to us the things we are most concerned about. Are we most concerned about the right things? If we evaluate our prayer life against that of the saints in Scripture, how do the things we are concerned about measure up against what they are most concerned about? In the many payers of Paul recorded in the Bible, we see what he is most concerned about. Whereas I am often focused on praying for God to change my circumstances, Paul is focused on praying for God to change us in the midst of our circumstances. His concern is not so much for how we are doing but who we are becoming and how we live, regardless of the outward challenges or difficulties. In his prayer in Colossians 1, Paul prays for three things. First, he prays that they would have the right knowledge, namely, knowing what to do and how to live. Secondly, he prays or them to be strengthened with the right power so they can do the right thing. Third, he prays for them to have the right attitude so that their right living will not be a matter of legalism or empty moralism but one of worship and response to the goodness of God in their life. Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But… Tim Dunham 905 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howtopray/id/3883748.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046354 Scripture: Colossians 1:9-1:14, Series: Colossians Part#2 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 07:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But what can we pray for? What should we be praying for? James tells us in James 4:3 that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." Are we asking and not receiving? Is it because we are asking for the wrong things? What do we ask God for? Often, our prayers are for God to change our outward circumstances when we are in difficult or painful circumstances. We pray for God to heal us when we are sick, to provide for us when we are in need, to solve relationship problems, or to fix some other problem we are facing. These are real needs, and we are to pray for these things. But are these our only needs? Are these our most important needs? Or should we be praying along a different line? We pray for ourselves, and we are to pray for one another. But what if our circumstances in life are good? Do we then run out of things to pray for? The things we pray for become a kind of mirror that reveals to us the things we are most concerned about. Are we most concerned about the right things? If we evaluate our prayer life against that of the saints in Scripture, how do the things we are concerned about measure up against what they are most concerned about? In the many payers of Paul recorded in the Bible, we see what he is most concerned about. Whereas I am often focused on praying for God to change my circumstances, Paul is focused on praying for God to change us in the midst of our circumstances. His concern is not so much for how we are doing but who we are becoming and how we live, regardless of the outward challenges or difficulties. In his prayer in Colossians 1, Paul prays for three things. First, he prays that they would have the right knowledge, namely, knowing what to do and how to live. Secondly, he prays or them to be strengthened with the right power so they can do the right thing. Third, he prays for them to have the right attitude so that their right living will not be a matter of legalism or empty moralism but one of worship and response to the goodness of God in their life. Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But what can we pray for? What should we be praying for? James tells us in James 4:3 that "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." Are we asking and not receiving? Is it because we are asking for the wrong things? What do we ask God for? Often, our prayers are for God to change our outward circumstances when we are in difficult or painful circumstances. We pray for God to heal us when we are sick, to provide for us when we are in need, to solve relationship problems, or to fix some other problem we are facing. These are real needs, and we are to pray for these things. But are these our only needs? Are these our most important needs? Or should we be praying along a different line? We pray for ourselves, and we are to pray for one another. But what if our circumstances in life are good? Do we then run out of things to pray for? The things we pray for become a kind of mirror that reveals to us the things we are most concerned about. Are we most concerned about the right things? If we evaluate our prayer life against that of the saints in Scripture, how do the things we are concerned about measure up against what they are most concerned about? In the many payers of Paul recorded in the Bible, we see what he is most concerned about. Whereas I am often focused on praying for God to change my circumstances, Paul is focused on praying for God to change us in the midst of our circumstances. His concern is not so much for how we are doing but who we are becoming and how we live, regardless of the outward challenges or difficulties. In his prayer in Colossians 1, Paul prays for three things. First, he prays that they would have the right knowledge, namely, knowing what to do and how to live. Secondly, he prays or them to be strengthened with the right power so they can do the right thing. Third, he prays for them to have the right attitude so that their right living will not be a matter of legalism or empty moralism but one of worship and response to the goodness of God in their life. Big Idea - God invites us and even commands us to pray. We have amazing access to God and an invitation to ask for His help in our time of need. There is power in prayer to move the hand of God to act and move on our behalf and on behalf of others. But… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22046354/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_howtopray/id/428019 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046354 Scripture: Colossians 1:9-1:14, Series: Colossians Part#2 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 07:58:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depression and the damaging effects of trauma and stress. Those who practice this habit are measurably happier, kinder, more helpful, and more generous than those who do not. This in turn, results in stronger and healthier relationships with others. So, what magic habit is such a powerful life changer? It is the habit of giving thanks. Gratitude, as it turns out, is like a magic pill that has proven benefits in every area of life. But what exactly is gratitude, and how can we develop this habit? As it turns out, it is not something you can fake. To receive all the benefits, our gratitude must be genuine and authentic. So, how can we develop the genuine habit of gratitude as a daily experience and practice? According to Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, Gratitude is essentially defined as a two-step process: 1) “recognizing that one has obtained a positive outcome” and 2) “recognizing that there is an external source for this positive outcome.” That is, something good has happened to me, and the cause of this good thing has come from outside of myself, I did not make it happen on my own. That doesn't sound too hard. All we need to be grateful is to have something good happen in our lives and recognize that we weren't the ones responsible for it. But this immediately poses two obstacles to gratitude. The first is that gratitude will be impossible without experiencing good things. Many people live in very difficult circumstances where life is hard, and they experience real suffering - poverty, health problems, crisis and trauma, abusive relationships, etc. How can a person be grateful if there is no good coming to them? Have you ever had a day where everything went wrong? Gratitude cannot be faked, so we can't pretend to be thankful when we feel like only bad things have happened to us! The second problem is that we need to believe that the good we have experienced comes from outside of us. This is also a problem because most people in affluent countries are convinced that all the good things that happen to them result from their own effort, not a gift from beyond themselves. In the west, the dominant worldview is built on secular humanism, which holds that man is the solution to all his problems. It makes us extremely independent and convinced that anything good is the result of our own effort, not a blessing from outside of myself. Even in the East, where good luck and merit contribute to success, many people work very hard to be successful and accumulate wealth - good things they gain through their own effort. So, how can we cultivate gratitude when life does not always give us good things, and when it does, we think it results from our effort and hard work? Paul knew the secret. He was always thankful, but his gratitude was rooted in the Gospel. The way to develop a daily habit of thankfulness is to practice Gospel gratitude. How does Gospel gratitude work? First, it recognizes that the fruit, or result of the Gospel, produces three things in us that are of immeasurable goodness and benefit, that is, 1) saving faith in Christ, 2) love for each other, and 3) a confident hope in our eternal future. Once we rightly understand the blessings of these three gifts that result from the Gospel, we will experience the goodness of these blessings regardless of the external circumstances of daily life. That is, we will see goodness in our lives every day, even when it is a bad day! But, just as important, the very nature of the Gospel is that none of its blessings are our own doing. At the core of the Gospel is the understanding that we do not deserve it, and we did not discover it or come to understand it was due to our own effort or brilliance. We are sinners under the curse of sin and the wrath of God. But because of His great love, He showed us great kindness in sending His Son to suffer the punishment and wrath we deserved as a substitute in our place. Not only that, but by His kindness, He raised up and sent messengers to proclaim this good news to us. Then He moved in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand and receive the message! In other words, the benefits and goodness of the Gospel came to us completely from the outside - from God and not by our own doing! The right understanding of the Gospel is the foundation of gratitude that should flow out of our lives daily. But, it is possible to miss gratitude if we take it for granted or fail to reflect on it. Paul does not make this mistake but ponders the miracle of the Gospel and its impact every time he prays. He does this by giving thanks for the working of the Gospel in the lives of the Colossians and in fact, in all the Churches and disciples that were the fruit of his ministry. Second, he is thankful for the impact of the Gospel worldwide, even outside his own ministry and work. Thirdly, he gives thanks for those who are proclaiming the message, those God has raised up and are faithfully preaching Christ! Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depression and the damaging effects of trauma and stress. Those who practice this habit are measurably happier, kinder, more helpful, and more generous than those who do not. This in turn, results in stronger and healthier relationships with others. So, what magic habit is such a powerful life changer? It is the habit of giving thanks. Gratitude, as it turns out, is like a magic pill that has proven benefits in every area of life. But what exactly is gratitude, and how can we develop this habit? As it turns out, it is not something you can fake. To receive all the benefits, our gratitude must be genuine and authentic. So, how can we develop the genuine habit of gratitude as a daily experience and practice? According to Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, Gratitude is essentially defined as a two-step process: 1) “recognizing that one has obtained a positive outcome” and 2) “recognizing that there is an external source for this positive outcome.” That is, something good has happened to me, and the cause of this good thing has come from outside of myself, I did not make it happen on my own. That doesn't sound too hard. All we need to be grateful is to have something good happen in our lives and recognize that we weren't the ones responsible for it. But this immediately poses two obstacles to gratitude. The first is that gratitude will be impossible without experiencing good things. Many people live in very difficult circumstances where life is hard, and they experience real suffering - poverty, health problems, crisis and trauma, abusive relationships, etc. How can a person be grateful if there is no good coming to them? Have you ever had a day where everything went wrong? Gratitude cannot be faked, so we can't pretend to be thankful when we feel like only bad things have happened to us! The second problem is that we need to believe that the good we have experienced comes from outside of us. This is also a problem because most people in affluent countries are convinced that all the good things that happen to them result from their own effort, not a gift from beyond themselves. In the west, the dominant worldview is built on secular humanism, which holds that man is the solution to all his problems. It makes us extremely independent and convinced that anything good is the result of our own effort, not a blessing from outside of myself. Even in the East, where good luck and merit contribute to success, many people work very hard to be successful and accumulate wealth - good things they gain through their own effort. So, how can we cultivate gratitude when life does not always give us good things, and when it does, we think it results from our effort and hard work? Paul knew the secret. He was always thankful, but his gratitude was rooted in the Gospel. The way to develop a daily habit of thankfulness is to practice Gospel gratitude. How does Gospel gratitude work? First, it recognizes that the fruit, or result of the Gospel, produces three things in us that are of immeasurable goodness and benefit, that is, 1) saving faith in Christ, 2) love for each other, and 3) a confident hope in our eternal future. Once we rightly understand the blessings of these three gifts that result from the Gospel, we will experience the goodness of these blessings regardless of the external circumstances of daily life. That is, we will see goodness in our lives every day, even when it is a bad day! But, just as important, the very nature of the Gospel is that none of its blessings are our own doing. At the core of the Gospel is the understanding that we do not deserve it, and we did not discover it or come to understand it was due to our own effort or brilliance. We are sinners under the curse of sin and the wrath of God. But because of His great love, He showed us great kindness in sending His Son to suffer the punishment and wrath we deserved as a substitute in our place. Not only that, but by His kindness, He raised up and sent messengers to proclaim this good news to us. Then He moved in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand and receive the message! In other words, the benefits and goodness of the Gospel came to us completely from the outside - from God and not by our own doing! The right understanding of the Gospel is the foundation of gratitude that should flow out of our lives daily. But, it is possible to miss gratitude if we take it for granted or fail to reflect on it. Paul does not make this mistake but ponders the miracle of the Gospel and its impact every time he prays. He does this by giving thanks for the working of the Gospel in the lives of the Colossians and in fact, in all the Churches and disciples that were the fruit of his ministry. Second, he is thankful for the impact of the Gospel worldwide, even outside his own ministry and work. Thirdly, he gives thanks for those who are proclaiming the message, those God has raised up and are faithfully preaching Christ! Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depressi… Tim Dunham 3330 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046355/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gospelgratitude/id/3883749.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046355 Scripture: Colossians 1:1-1:8, Series: Colossians Part#1 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 07:58:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depression and the damaging effects of trauma and stress. Those who practice this habit are measurably happier, kinder, more helpful, and more generous than those who do not. This in turn, results in stronger and healthier relationships with others. So, what magic habit is such a powerful life changer? It is the habit of giving thanks. Gratitude, as it turns out, is like a magic pill that has proven benefits in every area of life. But what exactly is gratitude, and how can we develop this habit? As it turns out, it is not something you can fake. To receive all the benefits, our gratitude must be genuine and authentic. So, how can we develop the genuine habit of gratitude as a daily experience and practice? According to Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, Gratitude is essentially defined as a two-step process: 1) “recognizing that one has obtained a positive outcome” and 2) “recognizing that there is an external source for this positive outcome.” That is, something good has happened to me, and the cause of this good thing has come from outside of myself, I did not make it happen on my own. That doesn't sound too hard. All we need to be grateful is to have something good happen in our lives and recognize that we weren't the ones responsible for it. But this immediately poses two obstacles to gratitude. The first is that gratitude will be impossible without experiencing good things. Many people live in very difficult circumstances where life is hard, and they experience real suffering - poverty, health problems, crisis and trauma, abusive relationships, etc. How can a person be grateful if there is no good coming to them? Have you ever had a day where everything went wrong? Gratitude cannot be faked, so we can't pretend to be thankful when we feel like only bad things have happened to us! The second problem is that we need to believe that the good we have experienced comes from outside of us. This is also a problem because most people in affluent countries are convinced that all the good things that happen to them result from their own effort, not a gift from beyond themselves. In the west, the dominant worldview is built on secular humanism, which holds that man is the solution to all his problems. It makes us extremely independent and convinced that anything good is the result of our own effort, not a blessing from outside of myself. Even in the East, where good luck and merit contribute to success, many people work very hard to be successful and accumulate wealth - good things they gain through their own effort. So, how can we cultivate gratitude when life does not always give us good things, and when it does, we think it results from our effort and hard work? Paul knew the secret. He was always thankful, but his gratitude was rooted in the Gospel. The way to develop a daily habit of thankfulness is to practice Gospel gratitude. How does Gospel gratitude work? First, it recognizes that the fruit, or result of the Gospel, produces three things in us that are of immeasurable goodness and benefit, that is, 1) saving faith in Christ, 2) love for each other, and 3) a confident hope in our eternal future. Once we rightly understand the blessings of these three gifts that result from the Gospel, we will experience the goodness of these blessings regardless of the external circumstances of daily life. That is, we will see goodness in our lives every day, even when it is a bad day! But, just as important, the very nature of the Gospel is that none of its blessings are our own doing. At the core of the Gospel is the understanding that we do not deserve it, and we did not discover it or come to understand it was due to our own effort or brilliance. We are sinners under the curse of sin and the wrath of God. But because of His great love, He showed us great kindness in sending His Son to suffer the punishment and wrath we deserved as a substitute in our place. Not only that, but by His kindness, He raised up and sent messengers to proclaim this good news to us. Then He moved in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand and receive the message! In other words, the benefits and goodness of the Gospel came to us completely from the outside - from God and not by our own doing! The right understanding of the Gospel is the foundation of gratitude that should flow out of our lives daily. But, it is possible to miss gratitude if we take it for granted or fail to reflect on it. Paul does not make this mistake but ponders the miracle of the Gospel and its impact every time he prays. He does this by giving thanks for the working of the Gospel in the lives of the Colossians and in fact, in all the Churches and disciples that were the fruit of his ministry. Second, he is thankful for the impact of the Gospel worldwide, even outside his own ministry and work. Thirdly, he gives thanks for those who are proclaiming the message, those God has raised up and are faithfully preaching Christ! Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depression and the damaging effects of trauma and stress. Those who practice this habit are measurably happier, kinder, more helpful, and more generous than those who do not. This in turn, results in stronger and healthier relationships with others. So, what magic habit is such a powerful life changer? It is the habit of giving thanks. Gratitude, as it turns out, is like a magic pill that has proven benefits in every area of life. But what exactly is gratitude, and how can we develop this habit? As it turns out, it is not something you can fake. To receive all the benefits, our gratitude must be genuine and authentic. So, how can we develop the genuine habit of gratitude as a daily experience and practice? According to Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, Gratitude is essentially defined as a two-step process: 1) “recognizing that one has obtained a positive outcome” and 2) “recognizing that there is an external source for this positive outcome.” That is, something good has happened to me, and the cause of this good thing has come from outside of myself, I did not make it happen on my own. That doesn't sound too hard. All we need to be grateful is to have something good happen in our lives and recognize that we weren't the ones responsible for it. But this immediately poses two obstacles to gratitude. The first is that gratitude will be impossible without experiencing good things. Many people live in very difficult circumstances where life is hard, and they experience real suffering - poverty, health problems, crisis and trauma, abusive relationships, etc. How can a person be grateful if there is no good coming to them? Have you ever had a day where everything went wrong? Gratitude cannot be faked, so we can't pretend to be thankful when we feel like only bad things have happened to us! The second problem is that we need to believe that the good we have experienced comes from outside of us. This is also a problem because most people in affluent countries are convinced that all the good things that happen to them result from their own effort, not a gift from beyond themselves. In the west, the dominant worldview is built on secular humanism, which holds that man is the solution to all his problems. It makes us extremely independent and convinced that anything good is the result of our own effort, not a blessing from outside of myself. Even in the East, where good luck and merit contribute to success, many people work very hard to be successful and accumulate wealth - good things they gain through their own effort. So, how can we cultivate gratitude when life does not always give us good things, and when it does, we think it results from our effort and hard work? Paul knew the secret. He was always thankful, but his gratitude was rooted in the Gospel. The way to develop a daily habit of thankfulness is to practice Gospel gratitude. How does Gospel gratitude work? First, it recognizes that the fruit, or result of the Gospel, produces three things in us that are of immeasurable goodness and benefit, that is, 1) saving faith in Christ, 2) love for each other, and 3) a confident hope in our eternal future. Once we rightly understand the blessings of these three gifts that result from the Gospel, we will experience the goodness of these blessings regardless of the external circumstances of daily life. That is, we will see goodness in our lives every day, even when it is a bad day! But, just as important, the very nature of the Gospel is that none of its blessings are our own doing. At the core of the Gospel is the understanding that we do not deserve it, and we did not discover it or come to understand it was due to our own effort or brilliance. We are sinners under the curse of sin and the wrath of God. But because of His great love, He showed us great kindness in sending His Son to suffer the punishment and wrath we deserved as a substitute in our place. Not only that, but by His kindness, He raised up and sent messengers to proclaim this good news to us. Then He moved in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand and receive the message! In other words, the benefits and goodness of the Gospel came to us completely from the outside - from God and not by our own doing! The right understanding of the Gospel is the foundation of gratitude that should flow out of our lives daily. But, it is possible to miss gratitude if we take it for granted or fail to reflect on it. Paul does not make this mistake but ponders the miracle of the Gospel and its impact every time he prays. He does this by giving thanks for the working of the Gospel in the lives of the Colossians and in fact, in all the Churches and disciples that were the fruit of his ministry. Second, he is thankful for the impact of the Gospel worldwide, even outside his own ministry and work. Thirdly, he gives thanks for those who are proclaiming the message, those God has raised up and are faithfully preaching Christ! Big Idea - A growing body of research has shown that there is a simple habit we can practice that can have tremendous benefits to our health and emotional state and improve our relationships with others. This practice can even help us overcome depressi… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22046355/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_gospelgratitude/id/428020 https://ccf.sermon.net/22046355 Scripture: Colossians 1:1-1:8, Series: Colossians Part#1 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 07:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we will all be caught in the crossfire? Even in small and insignificant countries like Myanmar, we see oppressive leaders holding power, and it seems no one can stop them. How will it all end? Who can put a stop to the dominion of such power-hungry rulers? The book of Haggai is mostly about rebuilding the temple as the place where God's presence would dwell among them and where they could worship Him. Israel had been a great nation, not a superpower, but at times a well-established Kingdom that could hold its own in the world of nations. But, the people turned away from God, who was their shield and protection, and, as God promised, He handed them over to their enemies who destroyed Jerusalem, the Temple, and took the people as captives in exile to Babylon. But God was not finished with them. He was faithful to His promise, and after almost 70 years, he brought back a remnant to rebuild the temple and the city. Finally, after many years of delay and missed starts, the temple was being rebuilt, but would Israel ever be what it was? The temple represented God's presence in their midst, but the nation represented God's rule, His kingdom on earth. Would the rule of God ever again be felt on the face of the earth as Kingdom rule, a government holding dominion over the nation? Is the rule and reign of God the only hope to bring true peace to the world? At the end of Haggai, we get a glimpse of the end of the story, like jumping to the last page of a novel to see how it ends. The short answer is that God will one day have dominion over the nations, but His dominion will not be limited to only the nation of Israel. He will overthrow every kingdom and nation and reign and rule over all the nations of the earth! What's more, Zerubbabel and his descendant are at the center of what is to come. God is not finished with Israel or with the line of David, the great King of Israel. God had promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne and rule forever. God has not forgotten that promise. The throne of David ended with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the last king, Jehoiakim, when his son and heir to the throne, Jeconiah, was sent into exile. His son, and the next in line for the throne, Shealtiel, died in exile, without a child, without an heir. But, God's word and promise to Zerubbabel is that the line of David will be passed on through him as the one who was next in line for the throne. Not only that, but God will one day shake the nations and bring every human ruler, power, and all their armies to an end. On that day, Zerubbabel would be a signet ring of God the great king through one of his descendants. That is, he would rule as God's great representative over all the earth. And that is how the story ends. God wins, the nations are defeated, and His rule will be established over the earth forever! The big question, then, is not how it ends but when? The answer comes in two parts. First, the end has already begun God has already. The great king, the descendant of Zerubbabel, has already arrived, and He has ushered in the first phase of His kingdom rule. Jesus was the Messiah, the promised "anointed ruler" and descendant of David and Zerubbabel. He came proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, which is the good news of His reign and rule over the earth! He came to break the power of and dominion of kingdoms and nations, but not in the way anyone expected. He triumphed over every power and authority, not by the sword but by the cross. Power and dominion are a problem when they are exercised apart from God and in defiance of Him. The nations are against Him because of sin and our rebellious hearts. But God broke the power of sin by sending His son to die on the cross, forgive sin, and break its power over us. In a very real sense, the kingdom rule of God has come and is having a great effect on the world as people put their faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, we accept Him as king and submit to His reign and rule over our lives! We pray that His kingdom will come, and when we live according to His rule and law, His kingdom is coming and is present on the earth. All authority has been given to Jesus. He is the signet ring, and He sends us out with power and authority to bring His kingdom rule to the hearts and lives of all those who become His disciples! But this is all just the beginning, the warm-up. There will be an end to the story. The Bible is clear that one day Jesus will come again, and on that day, the prophecy to Zerubabbel will be fulfilled. The rule and dominion of the world powers will come to an end as He destroys them! The reign and rule of God will be absolute over all the earth, and only those who love Him and submit to Him will survive that day! Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we will all be caught in the crossfire? Even in small and insignificant countries like Myanmar, we see oppressive leaders holding power, and it seems no one can stop them. How will it all end? Who can put a stop to the dominion of such power-hungry rulers? The book of Haggai is mostly about rebuilding the temple as the place where God's presence would dwell among them and where they could worship Him. Israel had been a great nation, not a superpower, but at times a well-established Kingdom that could hold its own in the world of nations. But, the people turned away from God, who was their shield and protection, and, as God promised, He handed them over to their enemies who destroyed Jerusalem, the Temple, and took the people as captives in exile to Babylon. But God was not finished with them. He was faithful to His promise, and after almost 70 years, he brought back a remnant to rebuild the temple and the city. Finally, after many years of delay and missed starts, the temple was being rebuilt, but would Israel ever be what it was? The temple represented God's presence in their midst, but the nation represented God's rule, His kingdom on earth. Would the rule of God ever again be felt on the face of the earth as Kingdom rule, a government holding dominion over the nation? Is the rule and reign of God the only hope to bring true peace to the world? At the end of Haggai, we get a glimpse of the end of the story, like jumping to the last page of a novel to see how it ends. The short answer is that God will one day have dominion over the nations, but His dominion will not be limited to only the nation of Israel. He will overthrow every kingdom and nation and reign and rule over all the nations of the earth! What's more, Zerubbabel and his descendant are at the center of what is to come. God is not finished with Israel or with the line of David, the great King of Israel. God had promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne and rule forever. God has not forgotten that promise. The throne of David ended with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the last king, Jehoiakim, when his son and heir to the throne, Jeconiah, was sent into exile. His son, and the next in line for the throne, Shealtiel, died in exile, without a child, without an heir. But, God's word and promise to Zerubbabel is that the line of David will be passed on through him as the one who was next in line for the throne. Not only that, but God will one day shake the nations and bring every human ruler, power, and all their armies to an end. On that day, Zerubbabel would be a signet ring of God the great king through one of his descendants. That is, he would rule as God's great representative over all the earth. And that is how the story ends. God wins, the nations are defeated, and His rule will be established over the earth forever! The big question, then, is not how it ends but when? The answer comes in two parts. First, the end has already begun God has already. The great king, the descendant of Zerubbabel, has already arrived, and He has ushered in the first phase of His kingdom rule. Jesus was the Messiah, the promised "anointed ruler" and descendant of David and Zerubbabel. He came proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, which is the good news of His reign and rule over the earth! He came to break the power of and dominion of kingdoms and nations, but not in the way anyone expected. He triumphed over every power and authority, not by the sword but by the cross. Power and dominion are a problem when they are exercised apart from God and in defiance of Him. The nations are against Him because of sin and our rebellious hearts. But God broke the power of sin by sending His son to die on the cross, forgive sin, and break its power over us. In a very real sense, the kingdom rule of God has come and is having a great effect on the world as people put their faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, we accept Him as king and submit to His reign and rule over our lives! We pray that His kingdom will come, and when we live according to His rule and law, His kingdom is coming and is present on the earth. All authority has been given to Jesus. He is the signet ring, and He sends us out with power and authority to bring His kingdom rule to the hearts and lives of all those who become His disciples! But this is all just the beginning, the warm-up. There will be an end to the story. The Bible is clear that one day Jesus will come again, and on that day, the prophecy to Zerubabbel will be fulfilled. The rule and dominion of the world powers will come to an end as He destroys them! The reign and rule of God will be absolute over all the earth, and only those who love Him and submit to Him will survive that day! Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we wi… Tim Dunham 2944 https://ccf.sermon.net/22040024/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theend/id/3877606.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22040024 Scripture: Haggai 2:20-2:23, Series: Haggai Sun, 16 Oct 2022 07:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we will all be caught in the crossfire? Even in small and insignificant countries like Myanmar, we see oppressive leaders holding power, and it seems no one can stop them. How will it all end? Who can put a stop to the dominion of such power-hungry rulers? The book of Haggai is mostly about rebuilding the temple as the place where God's presence would dwell among them and where they could worship Him. Israel had been a great nation, not a superpower, but at times a well-established Kingdom that could hold its own in the world of nations. But, the people turned away from God, who was their shield and protection, and, as God promised, He handed them over to their enemies who destroyed Jerusalem, the Temple, and took the people as captives in exile to Babylon. But God was not finished with them. He was faithful to His promise, and after almost 70 years, he brought back a remnant to rebuild the temple and the city. Finally, after many years of delay and missed starts, the temple was being rebuilt, but would Israel ever be what it was? The temple represented God's presence in their midst, but the nation represented God's rule, His kingdom on earth. Would the rule of God ever again be felt on the face of the earth as Kingdom rule, a government holding dominion over the nation? Is the rule and reign of God the only hope to bring true peace to the world? At the end of Haggai, we get a glimpse of the end of the story, like jumping to the last page of a novel to see how it ends. The short answer is that God will one day have dominion over the nations, but His dominion will not be limited to only the nation of Israel. He will overthrow every kingdom and nation and reign and rule over all the nations of the earth! What's more, Zerubbabel and his descendant are at the center of what is to come. God is not finished with Israel or with the line of David, the great King of Israel. God had promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne and rule forever. God has not forgotten that promise. The throne of David ended with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the last king, Jehoiakim, when his son and heir to the throne, Jeconiah, was sent into exile. His son, and the next in line for the throne, Shealtiel, died in exile, without a child, without an heir. But, God's word and promise to Zerubbabel is that the line of David will be passed on through him as the one who was next in line for the throne. Not only that, but God will one day shake the nations and bring every human ruler, power, and all their armies to an end. On that day, Zerubbabel would be a signet ring of God the great king through one of his descendants. That is, he would rule as God's great representative over all the earth. And that is how the story ends. God wins, the nations are defeated, and His rule will be established over the earth forever! The big question, then, is not how it ends but when? The answer comes in two parts. First, the end has already begun God has already. The great king, the descendant of Zerubbabel, has already arrived, and He has ushered in the first phase of His kingdom rule. Jesus was the Messiah, the promised "anointed ruler" and descendant of David and Zerubbabel. He came proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, which is the good news of His reign and rule over the earth! He came to break the power of and dominion of kingdoms and nations, but not in the way anyone expected. He triumphed over every power and authority, not by the sword but by the cross. Power and dominion are a problem when they are exercised apart from God and in defiance of Him. The nations are against Him because of sin and our rebellious hearts. But God broke the power of sin by sending His son to die on the cross, forgive sin, and break its power over us. In a very real sense, the kingdom rule of God has come and is having a great effect on the world as people put their faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, we accept Him as king and submit to His reign and rule over our lives! We pray that His kingdom will come, and when we live according to His rule and law, His kingdom is coming and is present on the earth. All authority has been given to Jesus. He is the signet ring, and He sends us out with power and authority to bring His kingdom rule to the hearts and lives of all those who become His disciples! But this is all just the beginning, the warm-up. There will be an end to the story. The Bible is clear that one day Jesus will come again, and on that day, the prophecy to Zerubabbel will be fulfilled. The rule and dominion of the world powers will come to an end as He destroys them! The reign and rule of God will be absolute over all the earth, and only those who love Him and submit to Him will survive that day! Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we will all be caught in the crossfire? Even in small and insignificant countries like Myanmar, we see oppressive leaders holding power, and it seems no one can stop them. How will it all end? Who can put a stop to the dominion of such power-hungry rulers? The book of Haggai is mostly about rebuilding the temple as the place where God's presence would dwell among them and where they could worship Him. Israel had been a great nation, not a superpower, but at times a well-established Kingdom that could hold its own in the world of nations. But, the people turned away from God, who was their shield and protection, and, as God promised, He handed them over to their enemies who destroyed Jerusalem, the Temple, and took the people as captives in exile to Babylon. But God was not finished with them. He was faithful to His promise, and after almost 70 years, he brought back a remnant to rebuild the temple and the city. Finally, after many years of delay and missed starts, the temple was being rebuilt, but would Israel ever be what it was? The temple represented God's presence in their midst, but the nation represented God's rule, His kingdom on earth. Would the rule of God ever again be felt on the face of the earth as Kingdom rule, a government holding dominion over the nation? Is the rule and reign of God the only hope to bring true peace to the world? At the end of Haggai, we get a glimpse of the end of the story, like jumping to the last page of a novel to see how it ends. The short answer is that God will one day have dominion over the nations, but His dominion will not be limited to only the nation of Israel. He will overthrow every kingdom and nation and reign and rule over all the nations of the earth! What's more, Zerubbabel and his descendant are at the center of what is to come. God is not finished with Israel or with the line of David, the great King of Israel. God had promised that a descendant of David would sit on the throne and rule forever. God has not forgotten that promise. The throne of David ended with the destruction of Jerusalem, and the last king, Jehoiakim, when his son and heir to the throne, Jeconiah, was sent into exile. His son, and the next in line for the throne, Shealtiel, died in exile, without a child, without an heir. But, God's word and promise to Zerubbabel is that the line of David will be passed on through him as the one who was next in line for the throne. Not only that, but God will one day shake the nations and bring every human ruler, power, and all their armies to an end. On that day, Zerubbabel would be a signet ring of God the great king through one of his descendants. That is, he would rule as God's great representative over all the earth. And that is how the story ends. God wins, the nations are defeated, and His rule will be established over the earth forever! The big question, then, is not how it ends but when? The answer comes in two parts. First, the end has already begun God has already. The great king, the descendant of Zerubbabel, has already arrived, and He has ushered in the first phase of His kingdom rule. Jesus was the Messiah, the promised "anointed ruler" and descendant of David and Zerubbabel. He came proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, which is the good news of His reign and rule over the earth! He came to break the power of and dominion of kingdoms and nations, but not in the way anyone expected. He triumphed over every power and authority, not by the sword but by the cross. Power and dominion are a problem when they are exercised apart from God and in defiance of Him. The nations are against Him because of sin and our rebellious hearts. But God broke the power of sin by sending His son to die on the cross, forgive sin, and break its power over us. In a very real sense, the kingdom rule of God has come and is having a great effect on the world as people put their faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, we accept Him as king and submit to His reign and rule over our lives! We pray that His kingdom will come, and when we live according to His rule and law, His kingdom is coming and is present on the earth. All authority has been given to Jesus. He is the signet ring, and He sends us out with power and authority to bring His kingdom rule to the hearts and lives of all those who become His disciples! But this is all just the beginning, the warm-up. There will be an end to the story. The Bible is clear that one day Jesus will come again, and on that day, the prophecy to Zerubabbel will be fulfilled. The rule and dominion of the world powers will come to an end as He destroys them! The reign and rule of God will be absolute over all the earth, and only those who love Him and submit to Him will survive that day! Big Idea - We live in a time when it seems the nations are out of control. The world's great nations are amassing more and more power, more and more weapons, and moving toward a great standoff. Who will win? How will it end? What are we to do, as we wi… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22040024/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theend/id/427608 https://ccf.sermon.net/22040024 Scripture: Haggai 2:20-2:23, Series: Haggai Sun, 09 Oct 2022 08:19:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2306 https://ccf.sermon.net/22037099/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_consecratedforapurpose/id/3874751.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22037099 Scripture: Haggai 2:10-2:19, Series: Haggai Sun, 02 Oct 2022 09:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have the resources, mountains of gold and silver to adorn the temple to its former glory. It was discouraging, and it is hard to stay motivated and keep at the task when you feel like you can't succeed. There was a real danger that the work would once again grind to a halt. Like Israel, we have a mission from God to work. To build His house and labor for His kingdom. And like Israel, the work is hard. At times progress is painfully slow, and we almost always feel we do not have the resources we need to finish the work. How did Haggai encourage the people to not quit, to persevere, and keep at the task? Haggai challenged the people to get their priorities in order - put God first, not yourselves. Then he reminded them of their need to keep things in balance - a balance of fellowship with God, living together in a real community, and also so the work. Now, what they need is perseverance in the work. He commands them to "work," that is, to keep at the task and not give up! He encourages them to persevere 1) by being strong in the power of God, 2) by not worrying about what they lack, for God will provide everything they need, 3) by remembering that it is God's mission, not theirs, and 4) the work will result in a life of shalom, the peace and abundance of God. Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have the resources, mountains of gold and silver to adorn the temple to its former glory. It was discouraging, and it is hard to stay motivated and keep at the task when you feel like you can't succeed. There was a real danger that the work would once again grind to a halt. Like Israel, we have a mission from God to work. To build His house and labor for His kingdom. And like Israel, the work is hard. At times progress is painfully slow, and we almost always feel we do not have the resources we need to finish the work. How did Haggai encourage the people to not quit, to persevere, and keep at the task? Haggai challenged the people to get their priorities in order - put God first, not yourselves. Then he reminded them of their need to keep things in balance - a balance of fellowship with God, living together in a real community, and also so the work. Now, what they need is perseverance in the work. He commands them to "work," that is, to keep at the task and not give up! He encourages them to persevere 1) by being strong in the power of God, 2) by not worrying about what they lack, for God will provide everything they need, 3) by remembering that it is God's mission, not theirs, and 4) the work will result in a life of shalom, the peace and abundance of God. Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have t… Tim Dunham 3138 https://ccf.sermon.net/22037103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themissionofgod/id/3874753.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22037103 Scripture: Haggai 2:1-2:9, Series: Haggai Sun, 02 Oct 2022 09:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have the resources, mountains of gold and silver to adorn the temple to its former glory. It was discouraging, and it is hard to stay motivated and keep at the task when you feel like you can't succeed. There was a real danger that the work would once again grind to a halt. Like Israel, we have a mission from God to work. To build His house and labor for His kingdom. And like Israel, the work is hard. At times progress is painfully slow, and we almost always feel we do not have the resources we need to finish the work. How did Haggai encourage the people to not quit, to persevere, and keep at the task? Haggai challenged the people to get their priorities in order - put God first, not yourselves. Then he reminded them of their need to keep things in balance - a balance of fellowship with God, living together in a real community, and also so the work. Now, what they need is perseverance in the work. He commands them to "work," that is, to keep at the task and not give up! He encourages them to persevere 1) by being strong in the power of God, 2) by not worrying about what they lack, for God will provide everything they need, 3) by remembering that it is God's mission, not theirs, and 4) the work will result in a life of shalom, the peace and abundance of God. Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have the resources, mountains of gold and silver to adorn the temple to its former glory. It was discouraging, and it is hard to stay motivated and keep at the task when you feel like you can't succeed. There was a real danger that the work would once again grind to a halt. Like Israel, we have a mission from God to work. To build His house and labor for His kingdom. And like Israel, the work is hard. At times progress is painfully slow, and we almost always feel we do not have the resources we need to finish the work. How did Haggai encourage the people to not quit, to persevere, and keep at the task? Haggai challenged the people to get their priorities in order - put God first, not yourselves. Then he reminded them of their need to keep things in balance - a balance of fellowship with God, living together in a real community, and also so the work. Now, what they need is perseverance in the work. He commands them to "work," that is, to keep at the task and not give up! He encourages them to persevere 1) by being strong in the power of God, 2) by not worrying about what they lack, for God will provide everything they need, 3) by remembering that it is God's mission, not theirs, and 4) the work will result in a life of shalom, the peace and abundance of God. Big Idea - The people were getting discouraged after only a couple of months, as the progress was slow, and it seemed that the Temple they were building could never compare with the Temple of Solomon. The work was hard and slow, and they did not have t… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22037103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_themissionofgod/id/427395 https://ccf.sermon.net/22037103 Scripture: Haggai 2:1-2:9, Series: Haggai Sun, 11 Sep 2022 04:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are these church leaders even true Christians? It is very possible that they are not, for in Christianity, what you believe is everything! It is all about having the right understanding of who we are, how we got here, what is wrong with the world, and what can be done about it (world view). If those pastors are not answering those questions from the teachings of Scripture, then they are not really Christians at all. They are deceived. They think they are Christians. They think they are following the truth. But they are not. They have been fooled into believing and following something very different. This should be very unsettling for all of us and should force us to ask the question, "how do I know that what I believe and the 'truth' that I am following is really true?" Others might be thinking, "does it really matter? As long as I am trying to find God, what difference does it make?" John would say, both that it matters very much what your belief system is, and he even gives us a way to put our worldview to the test to determine if it is really true or not. What we believe does matter for two very good reasons. The first is that what we believe determines and shapes how we live. Every worldview answers the question, “what is wrong with the world, and how can it be fixed?” Many of us stand absolutely perplexed at how things are unfolding in the world today. But, we wouldn't be surprised if we had a better understanding of the worldview that is being held by a post-modern society. What we believe directly shapes how we live. But secondly, it matters because the Bible says that there is only one true way to know God, and if you are not following that truth, then you are in the grip of the evil one and doomed for eternal judgment. Therefore, it is vital that we test our belief system and make sure we are following the truth and not a lie because we can so easily be deceived! How then can we test our worldview to see if it lines up with the bible? John gives us three tests to check our worldview: 1) the sin test, 2) the culture test, 3) the revelation test, 4) the who is Jesus test, and 5) the idol test. Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are these church leaders even true Christians? It is very possible that they are not, for in Christianity, what you believe is everything! It is all about having the right understanding of who we are, how we got here, what is wrong with the world, and what can be done about it (world view). If those pastors are not answering those questions from the teachings of Scripture, then they are not really Christians at all. They are deceived. They think they are Christians. They think they are following the truth. But they are not. They have been fooled into believing and following something very different. This should be very unsettling for all of us and should force us to ask the question, "how do I know that what I believe and the 'truth' that I am following is really true?" Others might be thinking, "does it really matter? As long as I am trying to find God, what difference does it make?" John would say, both that it matters very much what your belief system is, and he even gives us a way to put our worldview to the test to determine if it is really true or not. What we believe does matter for two very good reasons. The first is that what we believe determines and shapes how we live. Every worldview answers the question, “what is wrong with the world, and how can it be fixed?” Many of us stand absolutely perplexed at how things are unfolding in the world today. But, we wouldn't be surprised if we had a better understanding of the worldview that is being held by a post-modern society. What we believe directly shapes how we live. But secondly, it matters because the Bible says that there is only one true way to know God, and if you are not following that truth, then you are in the grip of the evil one and doomed for eternal judgment. Therefore, it is vital that we test our belief system and make sure we are following the truth and not a lie because we can so easily be deceived! How then can we test our worldview to see if it lines up with the bible? John gives us three tests to check our worldview: 1) the sin test, 2) the culture test, 3) the revelation test, 4) the who is Jesus test, and 5) the idol test. Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are … Tim Dunham 2985 https://ccf.sermon.net/22024644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_know/id/3862673.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22024644 Scripture: 1 John 5:18-5:21, Series: 1 John Sun, 11 Sep 2022 04:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are these church leaders even true Christians? It is very possible that they are not, for in Christianity, what you believe is everything! It is all about having the right understanding of who we are, how we got here, what is wrong with the world, and what can be done about it (world view). If those pastors are not answering those questions from the teachings of Scripture, then they are not really Christians at all. They are deceived. They think they are Christians. They think they are following the truth. But they are not. They have been fooled into believing and following something very different. This should be very unsettling for all of us and should force us to ask the question, "how do I know that what I believe and the 'truth' that I am following is really true?" Others might be thinking, "does it really matter? As long as I am trying to find God, what difference does it make?" John would say, both that it matters very much what your belief system is, and he even gives us a way to put our worldview to the test to determine if it is really true or not. What we believe does matter for two very good reasons. The first is that what we believe determines and shapes how we live. Every worldview answers the question, “what is wrong with the world, and how can it be fixed?” Many of us stand absolutely perplexed at how things are unfolding in the world today. But, we wouldn't be surprised if we had a better understanding of the worldview that is being held by a post-modern society. What we believe directly shapes how we live. But secondly, it matters because the Bible says that there is only one true way to know God, and if you are not following that truth, then you are in the grip of the evil one and doomed for eternal judgment. Therefore, it is vital that we test our belief system and make sure we are following the truth and not a lie because we can so easily be deceived! How then can we test our worldview to see if it lines up with the bible? John gives us three tests to check our worldview: 1) the sin test, 2) the culture test, 3) the revelation test, 4) the who is Jesus test, and 5) the idol test. Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are these church leaders even true Christians? It is very possible that they are not, for in Christianity, what you believe is everything! It is all about having the right understanding of who we are, how we got here, what is wrong with the world, and what can be done about it (world view). If those pastors are not answering those questions from the teachings of Scripture, then they are not really Christians at all. They are deceived. They think they are Christians. They think they are following the truth. But they are not. They have been fooled into believing and following something very different. This should be very unsettling for all of us and should force us to ask the question, "how do I know that what I believe and the 'truth' that I am following is really true?" Others might be thinking, "does it really matter? As long as I am trying to find God, what difference does it make?" John would say, both that it matters very much what your belief system is, and he even gives us a way to put our worldview to the test to determine if it is really true or not. What we believe does matter for two very good reasons. The first is that what we believe determines and shapes how we live. Every worldview answers the question, “what is wrong with the world, and how can it be fixed?” Many of us stand absolutely perplexed at how things are unfolding in the world today. But, we wouldn't be surprised if we had a better understanding of the worldview that is being held by a post-modern society. What we believe directly shapes how we live. But secondly, it matters because the Bible says that there is only one true way to know God, and if you are not following that truth, then you are in the grip of the evil one and doomed for eternal judgment. Therefore, it is vital that we test our belief system and make sure we are following the truth and not a lie because we can so easily be deceived! How then can we test our worldview to see if it lines up with the bible? John gives us three tests to check our worldview: 1) the sin test, 2) the culture test, 3) the revelation test, 4) the who is Jesus test, and 5) the idol test. Big Idea - According to a recent survey of pastors, only 37% were found to have a biblical worldview as defined by those doing the research. If they do not hold a biblical worldview, then what worldview are they believing in? And more importantly, are … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22024644/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_know/id/426540 https://ccf.sermon.net/22024644 Scripture: 1 John 5:18-5:21, Series: 1 John Sun, 04 Sep 2022 06:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, there is grace and forgiveness in Christ if we confess our sins. There is tension between two wrong ideas and, like walking a tightrope, it is pretty easy to slip off one side or the other! On the one hand, we could convince ourselves that we have grown and matured so much sin really isn't a problem for us. This is the person who overlooks the "log" in their own eyes while seeing the spec in everyone else. We all have our blind spots, but the blind spots are much bigger for the person who is not being honest with themself. On the other hand, we could be quite aware of our sin and the daily failures to walk in holiness but say to ourselves, “well, I am just a sinner saved by grace.” This person accepts that sin is just a normal part of the Christian life, and they will never change, but that’s ok because God promises always to forgive sin. But, John urges us to resist both of these errors. Instead, we are to be brutally honest about our sins and, at the same time, strive to conquer sin and its power over our lives. So, how do we be honest about sin and at the same time pursue and experience real victory over sinful habits and temptations? And not only in our own lives, but how can we help others who are struggling with sin? What is the strategy to help them walk in true holiness? In this passage, John tells us that as a result of our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we can know with confidence three things that are so profound that they are life-changing. That is, when we know and practice these three things, it will give us success in overcoming sin. The three things we can know are: 1) that we have enteral life; 2) that God hears us when we pray; 3) and, that God will deliver those trapped in the bondage of sin when we pray for them. Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, there is grace and forgiveness in Christ if we confess our sins. There is tension between two wrong ideas and, like walking a tightrope, it is pretty easy to slip off one side or the other! On the one hand, we could convince ourselves that we have grown and matured so much sin really isn't a problem for us. This is the person who overlooks the "log" in their own eyes while seeing the spec in everyone else. We all have our blind spots, but the blind spots are much bigger for the person who is not being honest with themself. On the other hand, we could be quite aware of our sin and the daily failures to walk in holiness but say to ourselves, “well, I am just a sinner saved by grace.” This person accepts that sin is just a normal part of the Christian life, and they will never change, but that’s ok because God promises always to forgive sin. But, John urges us to resist both of these errors. Instead, we are to be brutally honest about our sins and, at the same time, strive to conquer sin and its power over our lives. So, how do we be honest about sin and at the same time pursue and experience real victory over sinful habits and temptations? And not only in our own lives, but how can we help others who are struggling with sin? What is the strategy to help them walk in true holiness? In this passage, John tells us that as a result of our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we can know with confidence three things that are so profound that they are life-changing. That is, when we know and practice these three things, it will give us success in overcoming sin. The three things we can know are: 1) that we have enteral life; 2) that God hears us when we pray; 3) and, that God will deliver those trapped in the bondage of sin when we pray for them. Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, the… Tim Dunham 2955 https://ccf.sermon.net/22021754/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatyoucanknowforsure/id/3859866.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22021754 Scripture: 1 John 5:13-5:17, Series: 1 John Sun, 04 Sep 2022 06:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, there is grace and forgiveness in Christ if we confess our sins. There is tension between two wrong ideas and, like walking a tightrope, it is pretty easy to slip off one side or the other! On the one hand, we could convince ourselves that we have grown and matured so much sin really isn't a problem for us. This is the person who overlooks the "log" in their own eyes while seeing the spec in everyone else. We all have our blind spots, but the blind spots are much bigger for the person who is not being honest with themself. On the other hand, we could be quite aware of our sin and the daily failures to walk in holiness but say to ourselves, “well, I am just a sinner saved by grace.” This person accepts that sin is just a normal part of the Christian life, and they will never change, but that’s ok because God promises always to forgive sin. But, John urges us to resist both of these errors. Instead, we are to be brutally honest about our sins and, at the same time, strive to conquer sin and its power over our lives. So, how do we be honest about sin and at the same time pursue and experience real victory over sinful habits and temptations? And not only in our own lives, but how can we help others who are struggling with sin? What is the strategy to help them walk in true holiness? In this passage, John tells us that as a result of our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we can know with confidence three things that are so profound that they are life-changing. That is, when we know and practice these three things, it will give us success in overcoming sin. The three things we can know are: 1) that we have enteral life; 2) that God hears us when we pray; 3) and, that God will deliver those trapped in the bondage of sin when we pray for them. Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, there is grace and forgiveness in Christ if we confess our sins. There is tension between two wrong ideas and, like walking a tightrope, it is pretty easy to slip off one side or the other! On the one hand, we could convince ourselves that we have grown and matured so much sin really isn't a problem for us. This is the person who overlooks the "log" in their own eyes while seeing the spec in everyone else. We all have our blind spots, but the blind spots are much bigger for the person who is not being honest with themself. On the other hand, we could be quite aware of our sin and the daily failures to walk in holiness but say to ourselves, “well, I am just a sinner saved by grace.” This person accepts that sin is just a normal part of the Christian life, and they will never change, but that’s ok because God promises always to forgive sin. But, John urges us to resist both of these errors. Instead, we are to be brutally honest about our sins and, at the same time, strive to conquer sin and its power over our lives. So, how do we be honest about sin and at the same time pursue and experience real victory over sinful habits and temptations? And not only in our own lives, but how can we help others who are struggling with sin? What is the strategy to help them walk in true holiness? In this passage, John tells us that as a result of our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we can know with confidence three things that are so profound that they are life-changing. That is, when we know and practice these three things, it will give us success in overcoming sin. The three things we can know are: 1) that we have enteral life; 2) that God hears us when we pray; 3) and, that God will deliver those trapped in the bondage of sin when we pray for them. Big Idea - John begins this letter (1 John 1:8–2:1) with what seems a bit contradictory. First, he urges us to live a life free from sin. At the same time, he tells us that we will sin, and we call God a liar if we say we don’t sin, and thankfully, the… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22021754/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whatyoucanknowforsure/id/426320 https://ccf.sermon.net/22021754 Scripture: 1 John 5:13-5:17, Series: 1 John Sun, 28 Aug 2022 06:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are struggling to believe, is there anything that can be done? Often, faith is described as a blind leap into the darkness. That is, you just have to believe, but there can be no basis or reason for our belief. Is that true? That is not John's view of faith. There is a basis for our faith. It is rooted and grounded in truth that can be known and verified. It is this conviction that something is true that nurtures and develops faith. The real question, then, is how can we know that Jesus is for real and that He is who He claimed to be? John says we can know who Jesus is with great confidence on the basis of the witnesses who testify about Him. Philosophers tell us there are four primary ways to know something: by empirical evidence, by the voice of authority, by rationalism, and by intuition. John shows us that there is evidence for the truth of the Gospel in each of these realms, but the one that is most convincing and reliable is the witness of the Holy Spirit, which we experience intuitively. That is how we believe - through the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. What we must believe is that Jesus is the Son of God who was sent by the Father as the propitiation for our sins. The result of our belief is that we possess eternal life, which is a life right with God, out from under the curse of death and condemnation. The practical application of this truth is that the way we build our faith is by believing the message and turning inward to hear the confirming voice of the Spirit, validating it as true. It also means we do not need to convince people of the Gospel message. We are called to be witnesses by faithfully proclaiming the message, but it is the Spirit who must validate the truthfulness of it in a person's heart. Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are struggling to believe, is there anything that can be done? Often, faith is described as a blind leap into the darkness. That is, you just have to believe, but there can be no basis or reason for our belief. Is that true? That is not John's view of faith. There is a basis for our faith. It is rooted and grounded in truth that can be known and verified. It is this conviction that something is true that nurtures and develops faith. The real question, then, is how can we know that Jesus is for real and that He is who He claimed to be? John says we can know who Jesus is with great confidence on the basis of the witnesses who testify about Him. Philosophers tell us there are four primary ways to know something: by empirical evidence, by the voice of authority, by rationalism, and by intuition. John shows us that there is evidence for the truth of the Gospel in each of these realms, but the one that is most convincing and reliable is the witness of the Holy Spirit, which we experience intuitively. That is how we believe - through the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. What we must believe is that Jesus is the Son of God who was sent by the Father as the propitiation for our sins. The result of our belief is that we possess eternal life, which is a life right with God, out from under the curse of death and condemnation. The practical application of this truth is that the way we build our faith is by believing the message and turning inward to hear the confirming voice of the Spirit, validating it as true. It also means we do not need to convince people of the Gospel message. We are called to be witnesses by faithfully proclaiming the message, but it is the Spirit who must validate the truthfulness of it in a person's heart. Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are strug… Tim Dunham 3021 https://ccf.sermon.net/22018954/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howdoyouknow/id/3857165.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22018954 Scripture: 1 John 5:6-5:12, Series: 1 John Sun, 28 Aug 2022 06:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are struggling to believe, is there anything that can be done? Often, faith is described as a blind leap into the darkness. That is, you just have to believe, but there can be no basis or reason for our belief. Is that true? That is not John's view of faith. There is a basis for our faith. It is rooted and grounded in truth that can be known and verified. It is this conviction that something is true that nurtures and develops faith. The real question, then, is how can we know that Jesus is for real and that He is who He claimed to be? John says we can know who Jesus is with great confidence on the basis of the witnesses who testify about Him. Philosophers tell us there are four primary ways to know something: by empirical evidence, by the voice of authority, by rationalism, and by intuition. John shows us that there is evidence for the truth of the Gospel in each of these realms, but the one that is most convincing and reliable is the witness of the Holy Spirit, which we experience intuitively. That is how we believe - through the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. What we must believe is that Jesus is the Son of God who was sent by the Father as the propitiation for our sins. The result of our belief is that we possess eternal life, which is a life right with God, out from under the curse of death and condemnation. The practical application of this truth is that the way we build our faith is by believing the message and turning inward to hear the confirming voice of the Spirit, validating it as true. It also means we do not need to convince people of the Gospel message. We are called to be witnesses by faithfully proclaiming the message, but it is the Spirit who must validate the truthfulness of it in a person's heart. Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are struggling to believe, is there anything that can be done? Often, faith is described as a blind leap into the darkness. That is, you just have to believe, but there can be no basis or reason for our belief. Is that true? That is not John's view of faith. There is a basis for our faith. It is rooted and grounded in truth that can be known and verified. It is this conviction that something is true that nurtures and develops faith. The real question, then, is how can we know that Jesus is for real and that He is who He claimed to be? John says we can know who Jesus is with great confidence on the basis of the witnesses who testify about Him. Philosophers tell us there are four primary ways to know something: by empirical evidence, by the voice of authority, by rationalism, and by intuition. John shows us that there is evidence for the truth of the Gospel in each of these realms, but the one that is most convincing and reliable is the witness of the Holy Spirit, which we experience intuitively. That is how we believe - through the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. What we must believe is that Jesus is the Son of God who was sent by the Father as the propitiation for our sins. The result of our belief is that we possess eternal life, which is a life right with God, out from under the curse of death and condemnation. The practical application of this truth is that the way we build our faith is by believing the message and turning inward to hear the confirming voice of the Spirit, validating it as true. It also means we do not need to convince people of the Gospel message. We are called to be witnesses by faithfully proclaiming the message, but it is the Spirit who must validate the truthfulness of it in a person's heart. Big Idea - In the previous passage, John tells us, "Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Also, our faith is the victory! But where does this faith come from? If our faith is weak or we are strug… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22018954/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_howdoyouknow/id/426093 https://ccf.sermon.net/22018954 Scripture: 1 John 5:6-5:12, Series: 1 John Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one more truth becomes increasingly certain, and that is that anyone who is an authentic Christian will be living a life that is very different from the way the world lives. In fact, John says this is how we can know we have been saved by God. But when we look at the way many Christians live, and at the way Christian organizations function, and how things are in the Church, or we look even at our own lives, we often see much more of the world in these than of the new life of Christ! But, John says we have overcome the world! So, what does that mean? How are we overcoming the world, and what should our lives be like if we are indeed His children? First, John explains how the life of the believer is different, how we have been changed, and how our life and conduct are no longer like the world system. First, we have been born to a new father and are now part of a new family. So, there will be a growing love for His children. Second, we have an entirely new motivation for how we live. We want to do what is right, which may not be new, but now the reason we want to do the right thing is because of our great love for God who saved us. Third, we overcome the world, that is, we defeat its power over us that holds us captive to sin. We now have the ability not only to want to do what is right but actually to do it; the power not only to want to love people but to actually love them as God loves them! Those are the primary ways that we are changed, but how does this change come about? John says it is by means of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This faith is in Jesus, both who He is and what He has done. But how exactly does this faith change us? First, we are changed when we really come to understand and believe how much God loves us, which is abundantly evident through the gift of His Son. Second, we are changed when we understand and believe in the power that is ours through the victorious work of Christ. We exercise this faith in the spirit of dependence, humility, and surrender. Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one more truth becomes increasingly certain, and that is that anyone who is an authentic Christian will be living a life that is very different from the way the world lives. In fact, John says this is how we can know we have been saved by God. But when we look at the way many Christians live, and at the way Christian organizations function, and how things are in the Church, or we look even at our own lives, we often see much more of the world in these than of the new life of Christ! But, John says we have overcome the world! So, what does that mean? How are we overcoming the world, and what should our lives be like if we are indeed His children? First, John explains how the life of the believer is different, how we have been changed, and how our life and conduct are no longer like the world system. First, we have been born to a new father and are now part of a new family. So, there will be a growing love for His children. Second, we have an entirely new motivation for how we live. We want to do what is right, which may not be new, but now the reason we want to do the right thing is because of our great love for God who saved us. Third, we overcome the world, that is, we defeat its power over us that holds us captive to sin. We now have the ability not only to want to do what is right but actually to do it; the power not only to want to love people but to actually love them as God loves them! Those are the primary ways that we are changed, but how does this change come about? John says it is by means of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This faith is in Jesus, both who He is and what He has done. But how exactly does this faith change us? First, we are changed when we really come to understand and believe how much God loves us, which is abundantly evident through the gift of His Son. Second, we are changed when we understand and believe in the power that is ours through the victorious work of Christ. We exercise this faith in the spirit of dependence, humility, and surrender. Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one… Tim Dunham 3074 https://ccf.sermon.net/22016733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveoneanotherpart3/id/3855046.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22016733 Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5:5, Series: 1 John Sun, 21 Aug 2022 03:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one more truth becomes increasingly certain, and that is that anyone who is an authentic Christian will be living a life that is very different from the way the world lives. In fact, John says this is how we can know we have been saved by God. But when we look at the way many Christians live, and at the way Christian organizations function, and how things are in the Church, or we look even at our own lives, we often see much more of the world in these than of the new life of Christ! But, John says we have overcome the world! So, what does that mean? How are we overcoming the world, and what should our lives be like if we are indeed His children? First, John explains how the life of the believer is different, how we have been changed, and how our life and conduct are no longer like the world system. First, we have been born to a new father and are now part of a new family. So, there will be a growing love for His children. Second, we have an entirely new motivation for how we live. We want to do what is right, which may not be new, but now the reason we want to do the right thing is because of our great love for God who saved us. Third, we overcome the world, that is, we defeat its power over us that holds us captive to sin. We now have the ability not only to want to do what is right but actually to do it; the power not only to want to love people but to actually love them as God loves them! Those are the primary ways that we are changed, but how does this change come about? John says it is by means of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This faith is in Jesus, both who He is and what He has done. But how exactly does this faith change us? First, we are changed when we really come to understand and believe how much God loves us, which is abundantly evident through the gift of His Son. Second, we are changed when we understand and believe in the power that is ours through the victorious work of Christ. We exercise this faith in the spirit of dependence, humility, and surrender. Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one more truth becomes increasingly certain, and that is that anyone who is an authentic Christian will be living a life that is very different from the way the world lives. In fact, John says this is how we can know we have been saved by God. But when we look at the way many Christians live, and at the way Christian organizations function, and how things are in the Church, or we look even at our own lives, we often see much more of the world in these than of the new life of Christ! But, John says we have overcome the world! So, what does that mean? How are we overcoming the world, and what should our lives be like if we are indeed His children? First, John explains how the life of the believer is different, how we have been changed, and how our life and conduct are no longer like the world system. First, we have been born to a new father and are now part of a new family. So, there will be a growing love for His children. Second, we have an entirely new motivation for how we live. We want to do what is right, which may not be new, but now the reason we want to do the right thing is because of our great love for God who saved us. Third, we overcome the world, that is, we defeat its power over us that holds us captive to sin. We now have the ability not only to want to do what is right but actually to do it; the power not only to want to love people but to actually love them as God loves them! Those are the primary ways that we are changed, but how does this change come about? John says it is by means of our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. This faith is in Jesus, both who He is and what He has done. But how exactly does this faith change us? First, we are changed when we really come to understand and believe how much God loves us, which is abundantly evident through the gift of His Son. Second, we are changed when we understand and believe in the power that is ours through the victorious work of Christ. We exercise this faith in the spirit of dependence, humility, and surrender. Big Idea - We like in a world that seems to be slipping further and further into darkness. Maybe it has seemed that way in every generation, but one thing is certain - the ways of the world and the ways of God are very different! In John's letter, one… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22016733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_loveoneanotherpart3/id/425932 https://ccf.sermon.net/22016733 Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5:5, Series: 1 John Sun, 14 Aug 2022 08:46:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other that spills over into our love for the world. But, if we are honest, we must admit that we do not love others the way God loves us, and our life is far too often plagued with anxieties, if not all-out fear. How can we grow this love of God so that it is indeed the way we live in relationship within the body of Christ? Love is perfected in us, John says, as we abide in God and in His love. That love needs to be perfected in us reminds us that it doesn't happen all at once. It is a process that we must grow in. It is primarily a work of God who loved us first, but we do have our part in the process. It begins with the gift of the Spirit, who gives us the capacity to understand what God has done for us and gives us eyes to see. What we must see and understand is the vital apostolic witness concerning the person and work of Jesus, the Son of God. Our part is to confess that Jesus is who He claims to be through the witness of the apostles and with the illuminating help of the Spirit. The result is that we come to know and to believe the love that God has for us - knowledge and faith that makes an eternal impact in our life - it changes us! The more we grow in the knowledge of God's love and the more we are convinced it is true, the more His love is perfected in us, and the more we abide in God and in His love. The evidence or proof of His love being perfected in us is a life free from fear and filled with love for others. If we are plagued by fear, it is an indicator that we do not really know and believe in God's love to the fullest extent. We doubt and are unsure of His love and goodness toward us. Likewise, if we hate our brother, meaning we do not really love those in the body of Christ as God loves, this, too, is a sign that the love of God is not making the impact in us that it must make. Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other that spills over into our love for the world. But, if we are honest, we must admit that we do not love others the way God loves us, and our life is far too often plagued with anxieties, if not all-out fear. How can we grow this love of God so that it is indeed the way we live in relationship within the body of Christ? Love is perfected in us, John says, as we abide in God and in His love. That love needs to be perfected in us reminds us that it doesn't happen all at once. It is a process that we must grow in. It is primarily a work of God who loved us first, but we do have our part in the process. It begins with the gift of the Spirit, who gives us the capacity to understand what God has done for us and gives us eyes to see. What we must see and understand is the vital apostolic witness concerning the person and work of Jesus, the Son of God. Our part is to confess that Jesus is who He claims to be through the witness of the apostles and with the illuminating help of the Spirit. The result is that we come to know and to believe the love that God has for us - knowledge and faith that makes an eternal impact in our life - it changes us! The more we grow in the knowledge of God's love and the more we are convinced it is true, the more His love is perfected in us, and the more we abide in God and in His love. The evidence or proof of His love being perfected in us is a life free from fear and filled with love for others. If we are plagued by fear, it is an indicator that we do not really know and believe in God's love to the fullest extent. We doubt and are unsure of His love and goodness toward us. Likewise, if we hate our brother, meaning we do not really love those in the body of Christ as God loves, this, too, is a sign that the love of God is not making the impact in us that it must make. Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other … Tim Dunham 2911 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013241/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveoneanotherpart2/id/3851653.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013241 Scripture: 1 John 4:13-4:21, Series: 1 John Sun, 14 Aug 2022 08:46:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other that spills over into our love for the world. But, if we are honest, we must admit that we do not love others the way God loves us, and our life is far too often plagued with anxieties, if not all-out fear. How can we grow this love of God so that it is indeed the way we live in relationship within the body of Christ? Love is perfected in us, John says, as we abide in God and in His love. That love needs to be perfected in us reminds us that it doesn't happen all at once. It is a process that we must grow in. It is primarily a work of God who loved us first, but we do have our part in the process. It begins with the gift of the Spirit, who gives us the capacity to understand what God has done for us and gives us eyes to see. What we must see and understand is the vital apostolic witness concerning the person and work of Jesus, the Son of God. Our part is to confess that Jesus is who He claims to be through the witness of the apostles and with the illuminating help of the Spirit. The result is that we come to know and to believe the love that God has for us - knowledge and faith that makes an eternal impact in our life - it changes us! The more we grow in the knowledge of God's love and the more we are convinced it is true, the more His love is perfected in us, and the more we abide in God and in His love. The evidence or proof of His love being perfected in us is a life free from fear and filled with love for others. If we are plagued by fear, it is an indicator that we do not really know and believe in God's love to the fullest extent. We doubt and are unsure of His love and goodness toward us. Likewise, if we hate our brother, meaning we do not really love those in the body of Christ as God loves, this, too, is a sign that the love of God is not making the impact in us that it must make. Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other that spills over into our love for the world. But, if we are honest, we must admit that we do not love others the way God loves us, and our life is far too often plagued with anxieties, if not all-out fear. How can we grow this love of God so that it is indeed the way we live in relationship within the body of Christ? Love is perfected in us, John says, as we abide in God and in His love. That love needs to be perfected in us reminds us that it doesn't happen all at once. It is a process that we must grow in. It is primarily a work of God who loved us first, but we do have our part in the process. It begins with the gift of the Spirit, who gives us the capacity to understand what God has done for us and gives us eyes to see. What we must see and understand is the vital apostolic witness concerning the person and work of Jesus, the Son of God. Our part is to confess that Jesus is who He claims to be through the witness of the apostles and with the illuminating help of the Spirit. The result is that we come to know and to believe the love that God has for us - knowledge and faith that makes an eternal impact in our life - it changes us! The more we grow in the knowledge of God's love and the more we are convinced it is true, the more His love is perfected in us, and the more we abide in God and in His love. The evidence or proof of His love being perfected in us is a life free from fear and filled with love for others. If we are plagued by fear, it is an indicator that we do not really know and believe in God's love to the fullest extent. We doubt and are unsure of His love and goodness toward us. Likewise, if we hate our brother, meaning we do not really love those in the body of Christ as God loves, this, too, is a sign that the love of God is not making the impact in us that it must make. Big Idea - The world is increasingly being driven by fear and hate, but we are to be characterized by a life free from fear, a life of boldness and courage, and a life of extraordinary love for each other. A life filled with God’s love for each other … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22013241/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_loveoneanotherpart2/id/425645 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013241 Scripture: 1 John 4:13-4:21, Series: 1 John Sun, 07 Aug 2022 08:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt caused by teammates or their sending organization, and Christian marriages shattered by resentment and deeply fractured relationships. Love is certainly not easy or automatic. Yet, John holds up this expectation and high calling for every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why do we have such a hard time loving each other, and what can we do to fulfill this most basic and vital call of the Christian life? First, John reminds us that God Himself is the only source and supply of love. Love begins with God because God is love - it is not just something He does but who He is in His very being. If we are to learn how to love well, then we must understand the heart of God. We use love quite broadly, but love, as it is displayed in the character and activity of God, is a relationship where one seeks the best and ultimate good of the other person, even if it means sacrifice, regardless of who the person is or what they have done to deserve such care and concern. This is seen supremely in God sending His only Son, the greatest possible sacrifice He could make, to restore His enemies to a right relationship with Himself. This is the most remarkable example and demonstration of love. This is what love is, and this is what we are called to do, first in our relationships with each other as the body of Christ and then towards the lost world. But, this cannot be accomplished by simply trying harder. It is not enough to set this standard of love as our goal and just do it. John also reminds us that this love is not something we do just because we want to.. Rather, it is the result of being loved by God. If we will love as God loves, we must first receive and know God and His great love for us. It is in the personal experience and encounter with God and His love that we are changed into the kind of people who then have the capacity to love others. So, the secret to loving does not begin with a determined effort on our part to treat people better but with a diligent effort to know God and encounter His love. To do this, we must ponder who God is and what He has done for us. It also means constantly reminding ourselves that God’s love is based on His character not our worth or merit. It means reflecting deeply on God's enormous sacrifice to save us. In short, understanding God's love means reflecting on the wonders of the Cross daily! Only through the personal knowledge and encounter of God’s love will we have the power and capacity to love others. Not only that, but it will change us to be the kind of people who are genuinely motivated to love as God loves! Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt caused by teammates or their sending organization, and Christian marriages shattered by resentment and deeply fractured relationships. Love is certainly not easy or automatic. Yet, John holds up this expectation and high calling for every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why do we have such a hard time loving each other, and what can we do to fulfill this most basic and vital call of the Christian life? First, John reminds us that God Himself is the only source and supply of love. Love begins with God because God is love - it is not just something He does but who He is in His very being. If we are to learn how to love well, then we must understand the heart of God. We use love quite broadly, but love, as it is displayed in the character and activity of God, is a relationship where one seeks the best and ultimate good of the other person, even if it means sacrifice, regardless of who the person is or what they have done to deserve such care and concern. This is seen supremely in God sending His only Son, the greatest possible sacrifice He could make, to restore His enemies to a right relationship with Himself. This is the most remarkable example and demonstration of love. This is what love is, and this is what we are called to do, first in our relationships with each other as the body of Christ and then towards the lost world. But, this cannot be accomplished by simply trying harder. It is not enough to set this standard of love as our goal and just do it. John also reminds us that this love is not something we do just because we want to.. Rather, it is the result of being loved by God. If we will love as God loves, we must first receive and know God and His great love for us. It is in the personal experience and encounter with God and His love that we are changed into the kind of people who then have the capacity to love others. So, the secret to loving does not begin with a determined effort on our part to treat people better but with a diligent effort to know God and encounter His love. To do this, we must ponder who God is and what He has done for us. It also means constantly reminding ourselves that God’s love is based on His character not our worth or merit. It means reflecting deeply on God's enormous sacrifice to save us. In short, understanding God's love means reflecting on the wonders of the Cross daily! Only through the personal knowledge and encounter of God’s love will we have the power and capacity to love others. Not only that, but it will change us to be the kind of people who are genuinely motivated to love as God loves! Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt… Tim Dunham 2912 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013244/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveoneanother/id/3851656.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013244 Scripture: 1 John 4:7-4:12, Series: 1 John Sun, 07 Aug 2022 08:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt caused by teammates or their sending organization, and Christian marriages shattered by resentment and deeply fractured relationships. Love is certainly not easy or automatic. Yet, John holds up this expectation and high calling for every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why do we have such a hard time loving each other, and what can we do to fulfill this most basic and vital call of the Christian life? First, John reminds us that God Himself is the only source and supply of love. Love begins with God because God is love - it is not just something He does but who He is in His very being. If we are to learn how to love well, then we must understand the heart of God. We use love quite broadly, but love, as it is displayed in the character and activity of God, is a relationship where one seeks the best and ultimate good of the other person, even if it means sacrifice, regardless of who the person is or what they have done to deserve such care and concern. This is seen supremely in God sending His only Son, the greatest possible sacrifice He could make, to restore His enemies to a right relationship with Himself. This is the most remarkable example and demonstration of love. This is what love is, and this is what we are called to do, first in our relationships with each other as the body of Christ and then towards the lost world. But, this cannot be accomplished by simply trying harder. It is not enough to set this standard of love as our goal and just do it. John also reminds us that this love is not something we do just because we want to.. Rather, it is the result of being loved by God. If we will love as God loves, we must first receive and know God and His great love for us. It is in the personal experience and encounter with God and His love that we are changed into the kind of people who then have the capacity to love others. So, the secret to loving does not begin with a determined effort on our part to treat people better but with a diligent effort to know God and encounter His love. To do this, we must ponder who God is and what He has done for us. It also means constantly reminding ourselves that God’s love is based on His character not our worth or merit. It means reflecting deeply on God's enormous sacrifice to save us. In short, understanding God's love means reflecting on the wonders of the Cross daily! Only through the personal knowledge and encounter of God’s love will we have the power and capacity to love others. Not only that, but it will change us to be the kind of people who are genuinely motivated to love as God loves! Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt caused by teammates or their sending organization, and Christian marriages shattered by resentment and deeply fractured relationships. Love is certainly not easy or automatic. Yet, John holds up this expectation and high calling for every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why do we have such a hard time loving each other, and what can we do to fulfill this most basic and vital call of the Christian life? First, John reminds us that God Himself is the only source and supply of love. Love begins with God because God is love - it is not just something He does but who He is in His very being. If we are to learn how to love well, then we must understand the heart of God. We use love quite broadly, but love, as it is displayed in the character and activity of God, is a relationship where one seeks the best and ultimate good of the other person, even if it means sacrifice, regardless of who the person is or what they have done to deserve such care and concern. This is seen supremely in God sending His only Son, the greatest possible sacrifice He could make, to restore His enemies to a right relationship with Himself. This is the most remarkable example and demonstration of love. This is what love is, and this is what we are called to do, first in our relationships with each other as the body of Christ and then towards the lost world. But, this cannot be accomplished by simply trying harder. It is not enough to set this standard of love as our goal and just do it. John also reminds us that this love is not something we do just because we want to.. Rather, it is the result of being loved by God. If we will love as God loves, we must first receive and know God and His great love for us. It is in the personal experience and encounter with God and His love that we are changed into the kind of people who then have the capacity to love others. So, the secret to loving does not begin with a determined effort on our part to treat people better but with a diligent effort to know God and encounter His love. To do this, we must ponder who God is and what He has done for us. It also means constantly reminding ourselves that God’s love is based on His character not our worth or merit. It means reflecting deeply on God's enormous sacrifice to save us. In short, understanding God's love means reflecting on the wonders of the Cross daily! Only through the personal knowledge and encounter of God’s love will we have the power and capacity to love others. Not only that, but it will change us to be the kind of people who are genuinely motivated to love as God loves! Big Idea - John instructs us here that those who know God should love each other because God is love. But we do not have to look very far to find churches torn apart by strife and conflict, missionaries who return home because of problems and deep hurt… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/22013244/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_loveoneanother/id/425646 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013244 Scripture: 1 John 4:7-4:12, Series: 1 John Sun, 31 Jul 2022 09:03:00 +0000 Andrew Carter Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Andrew Carter 2550 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013245/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esuschristhascomeintheflesh/id/3851657.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013245 Scripture: 1 John 4:1-4:6, Series: 1 John Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:13:00 +0000 Keith Welch We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows and quotes and memorizes to define what biblical love is. “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” It’s a great passage right at the heart of our Christian faith. The bible tells us that God is love, but it’s sometimes hard to define love, or act it act, and live in the fullness of love. Today we enter into another passage on Love within the scriptures that I think will go a long way at helping us grasp what it means to love. We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows and quotes and memorizes to define what biblical love is. “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” It’s a great passage right at the heart of our Christian faith. The bible tells us that God is love, but it’s sometimes hard to define love, or act it act, and live in the fullness of love. Today we enter into another passage on Love within the scriptures that I think will go a long way at helping us grasp what it means to love. We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows … Keith Welch 1918 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013246/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howdoweloveoneanother/id/3851659.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013246 Scripture: 1 John 3:11-3:24, Series: 1 John Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:13:00 +0000 Keith Welch We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows and quotes and memorizes to define what biblical love is. “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” It’s a great passage right at the heart of our Christian faith. The bible tells us that God is love, but it’s sometimes hard to define love, or act it act, and live in the fullness of love. Today we enter into another passage on Love within the scriptures that I think will go a long way at helping us grasp what it means to love. We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows and quotes and memorizes to define what biblical love is. “Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” It’s a great passage right at the heart of our Christian faith. The bible tells us that God is love, but it’s sometimes hard to define love, or act it act, and live in the fullness of love. Today we enter into another passage on Love within the scriptures that I think will go a long way at helping us grasp what it means to love. We make our way today into 1 John 3:11-24, a passage on love and our call to love. In all of scripture, if I asked you to tell me the passage we can best learn about love from, what would it be? 1 Corinthians 13, right? It’s the passage everyone knows … Keith Welch https://ccf.sermon.net/22013246/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_howdoweloveoneanother/id/425647 https://ccf.sermon.net/22013246 Scripture: 1 John 3:11-3:24, Series: 1 John Sun, 06 Feb 2022 09:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the book of Deuteronomy, we see three vital voices that were to have significant influence in guiding and shaping Israel as a nation - the prophet, priest, and king. What is the primary role of each, and why is it necessary to heave each of these voices speaking in our life? How do these different perspectives bring balance and spiritual health into the our family, Church, and ministry? Which one do we line up with according to our own personality and gifting, and how can we bring other voices to balance ourselves out? Finally, how is Jesus the perfect combination of all three? The prophet is the voice that anchors us firmly in the Word of God, proclaiming God's revealed will, and truth, and calls us to align our lives in obedience to this revelation. The priest is the voice of counsel and encouragement who calls us to greater faith, not in ourselves, but in the faithfulness and power of God. The king is the voice that inspires us to action to fulfill God's mission by rallying people together and leading them to success in fulfilling God's mission for us. These three voices, when spirit led, work in harmony to keep our life and ministry in balance. The prophet makes sure we are fighting the right battles and on the right mission. The king leads us forward in accomplishing the mission. The priest encourages us along the way to not be discouraged or lose faith. We need to see our own gift and understand our role, but also value the other voices and the great necessity of all three in order to be successful Too many Churches and ministries, are so heavily focused on one style of leading, that they become ineffective. We see the perfect balance and operation of all three in Jesus who is our ultimate prophet, priest, and King! Big Idea - In the book of Deuteronomy, we see three vital voices that were to have significant influence in guiding and shaping Israel as a nation - the prophet, priest, and king. What is the primary role of each, and why is it necessary to heave each of these voices speaking in our life? How do these different perspectives bring balance and spiritual health into the our family, Church, and ministry? Which one do we line up with according to our own personality and gifting, and how can we bring other voices to balance ourselves out? Finally, how is Jesus the perfect combination of all three? The prophet is the voice that anchors us firmly in the Word of God, proclaiming God's revealed will, and truth, and calls us to align our lives in obedience to this revelation. The priest is the voice of counsel and encouragement who calls us to greater faith, not in ourselves, but in the faithfulness and power of God. The king is the voice that inspires us to action to fulfill God's mission by rallying people together and leading them to success in fulfilling God's mission for us. These three voices, when spirit led, work in harmony to keep our life and ministry in balance. The prophet makes sure we are fighting the right battles and on the right mission. The king leads us forward in accomplishing the mission. The priest encourages us along the way to not be discouraged or lose faith. We need to see our own gift and understand our role, but also value the other voices and the great necessity of all three in order to be successful Too many Churches and ministries, are so heavily focused on one style of leading, that they become ineffective. We see the perfect balance and operation of all three in Jesus who is our ultimate prophet, priest, and King! Big Idea - In the book of Deuteronomy, we see three vital voices that were to have significant influence in guiding and shaping Israel as a nation - the prophet, priest, and king. What is the primary role of each, and why is it necessary to heave each … Tim Dunham 3557 https://ccf.sermon.net/21929024/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prophetpriestandking/id/3769929.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21929024 Scripture: Deuteronomy 17:14-17:20, Deuteronomy 18:15-18:19, Series: Deuteronomy Sat, 09 Oct 2021 10:32:37 +0000 Tim Dunham Deuteronomy 1:5-46 Deuteronomy 1:5-46 Deuteronomy 1:5-46… Tim Dunham 2803 https://ccf.sermon.net/21872694/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_promisesandproblems/id/3717167.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21872694 Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:5-1:46, Series: Deuteronomy Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pentateuch. Why does he feel the need to tell it and write it all over again? How does understanding the occasion, help explain the reason he "spoke" these words? More importantly, what does this have to do with us? It is all about laws and commands, sacrifices and practices that are so distant from our world and our practice of worship? What can it possibly teach us? Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pentateuch. Why does he feel the need to tell it and write it all over again? How does understanding the occasion, help explain the reason he "spoke" these words? More importantly, what does this have to do with us? It is all about laws and commands, sacrifices and practices that are so distant from our world and our practice of worship? What can it possibly teach us? Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pen… Tim Dunham 3054 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868121/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetimesarechanging/id/3712769.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868121 Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:1-1:5, Series: Deuteronomy Part#1 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pentateuch. Why does he feel the need to tell it and write it all over again? How does understanding the occasion, help explain the reason he "spoke" these words? More importantly, what does this have to do with us? It is all about laws and commands, sacrifices and practices that are so distant from our world and our practice of worship? What can it possibly teach us? Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pentateuch. Why does he feel the need to tell it and write it all over again? How does understanding the occasion, help explain the reason he "spoke" these words? More importantly, what does this have to do with us? It is all about laws and commands, sacrifices and practices that are so distant from our world and our practice of worship? What can it possibly teach us? Big Idea - What is the setting or occasion, the situation, that prompted the writing of this book? Deuteronomy does not give us much of anything new. It is mostly repeating and restating what Moses has already written in the first four books of the Pen… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21868121/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thetimesarechanging/id/415599 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868121 Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:1-1:5, Series: Deuteronomy Part#1 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 07:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we work together? Are there things that we can only accomplish when we work together? We are indeed called to serve God in specific ways that are unique to us. But, building the kingdom is a monumental task and one that in the end only God can do. But God does invite us to join Him in the work He is doing to build His glorious eternal kingdom. But there are several important ways that we can only accomplish this as we work together. It is easy to be so focused on our own ministry and work that we lose sight of how we are part of a bigger team with a bigger task. It is, therefore, important to understand what it means to work together for the sake of God's glory and His kingdom. We need to understand how the kingdom is built both individually and corporately. We also need to see that the work requires 1) the witness of oneness, 2) a collective effort, and 3) a well-coordinated effort. Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we work together? Are there things that we can only accomplish when we work together? We are indeed called to serve God in specific ways that are unique to us. But, building the kingdom is a monumental task and one that in the end only God can do. But God does invite us to join Him in the work He is doing to build His glorious eternal kingdom. But there are several important ways that we can only accomplish this as we work together. It is easy to be so focused on our own ministry and work that we lose sight of how we are part of a bigger team with a bigger task. It is, therefore, important to understand what it means to work together for the sake of God's glory and His kingdom. We need to understand how the kingdom is built both individually and corporately. We also need to see that the work requires 1) the witness of oneness, 2) a collective effort, and 3) a well-coordinated effort. Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we… Tim Dunham 3003 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868119/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comission/id/3712768.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868119 Scripture: Romans 15:17-15:33, Series: Why church? Part#3 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 07:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we work together? Are there things that we can only accomplish when we work together? We are indeed called to serve God in specific ways that are unique to us. But, building the kingdom is a monumental task and one that in the end only God can do. But God does invite us to join Him in the work He is doing to build His glorious eternal kingdom. But there are several important ways that we can only accomplish this as we work together. It is easy to be so focused on our own ministry and work that we lose sight of how we are part of a bigger team with a bigger task. It is, therefore, important to understand what it means to work together for the sake of God's glory and His kingdom. We need to understand how the kingdom is built both individually and corporately. We also need to see that the work requires 1) the witness of oneness, 2) a collective effort, and 3) a well-coordinated effort. Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we work together? Are there things that we can only accomplish when we work together? We are indeed called to serve God in specific ways that are unique to us. But, building the kingdom is a monumental task and one that in the end only God can do. But God does invite us to join Him in the work He is doing to build His glorious eternal kingdom. But there are several important ways that we can only accomplish this as we work together. It is easy to be so focused on our own ministry and work that we lose sight of how we are part of a bigger team with a bigger task. It is, therefore, important to understand what it means to work together for the sake of God's glory and His kingdom. We need to understand how the kingdom is built both individually and corporately. We also need to see that the work requires 1) the witness of oneness, 2) a collective effort, and 3) a well-coordinated effort. Big Idea - We are all called to serve God by using our own gifts, and following His specific call on our lives to serve Him, share Christ, and make disciples, but what does it mean to be doing that together as the Church? Is it really necessary that we… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21868119/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_comission/id/415598 https://ccf.sermon.net/21868119 Scripture: Romans 15:17-15:33, Series: Why church? Part#3 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church, it seems, is all about giving people what they want. And if people don't get what they are looking for at one Church, they will just move on to find it somewhere else. So, Churches are all about coffee bars, elaborate stages, professional and loud worship bands, and themed children's programs, all designed to give the consumer the experience they are looking for. Is this God's vision for the His Church? If not what is it supposed to be? Should Church be an experience? Is that why we go? If not, why do we go? What are we expecting? Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church, it seems, is all about giving people what they want. And if people don't get what they are looking for at one Church, they will just move on to find it somewhere else. So, Churches are all about coffee bars, elaborate stages, professional and loud worship bands, and themed children's programs, all designed to give the consumer the experience they are looking for. Is this God's vision for the His Church? If not what is it supposed to be? Should Church be an experience? Is that why we go? If not, why do we go? What are we expecting? Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church,… Tim Dunham 3393 https://ccf.sermon.net/21856148/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_communionwithgod/id/3703564.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21856148 Scripture: Romans 15:5-15:7, Hebrews 12:22-12:24, Hebrews 12:28-12:29, Series: Why church? Part#2 Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church, it seems, is all about giving people what they want. And if people don't get what they are looking for at one Church, they will just move on to find it somewhere else. So, Churches are all about coffee bars, elaborate stages, professional and loud worship bands, and themed children's programs, all designed to give the consumer the experience they are looking for. Is this God's vision for the His Church? If not what is it supposed to be? Should Church be an experience? Is that why we go? If not, why do we go? What are we expecting? Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church, it seems, is all about giving people what they want. And if people don't get what they are looking for at one Church, they will just move on to find it somewhere else. So, Churches are all about coffee bars, elaborate stages, professional and loud worship bands, and themed children's programs, all designed to give the consumer the experience they are looking for. Is this God's vision for the His Church? If not what is it supposed to be? Should Church be an experience? Is that why we go? If not, why do we go? What are we expecting? Big Idea - Why do we go to Church? Do we really understand the purpose of our gathering together and what is to be the point of it all? We live in a world that is so consumer driven that the Churches everywhere exist to satisfy their customers. Church,… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21856148/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_communionwithgod/id/414935 https://ccf.sermon.net/21856148 Scripture: Romans 15:5-15:7, Hebrews 12:22-12:24, Hebrews 12:28-12:29, Series: Why church? Part#2 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging… Ross Pospisil 2541 https://ccf.sermon.net/21852852/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christssacrificeourresponse/id/3700688.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21852852 Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-2:22, Series: Why church? Part#1 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0000 Ross Pospisil Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging Summary of Main Points Christ’s sacrifice compels us to engage in church We are compelled by His sacrifice for peace We are compelled by His sacrifice for unity We are compelled by His sacrifice for belonging… Ross Pospisil https://ccf.sermon.net/21852852/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_christssacrificeourresponse/id/414744 https://ccf.sermon.net/21852852 Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-2:22, Series: Why church? Part#1 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 09:29:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom. Do we simply live the good life? Or is there more? If Jesus has risen from the dead what are the implications for those who are His followers and even for those who are not? Those who were His followers, continue as His disciples, but now the extent of Jesus' Lordship becomes even more apparent! Jesus has risen from the dead and He has been given all authority - He is the Sovereign ruler over everything in heaven and on earth. He is King and His kingdom has come! Therefore, we are to worship Him as Lord and Sovereign King over all. He is worthy of such worship because He is God. But, if He is worthy of our highest worship and praise, then it is right that the world should also worship Him. So, He calls His followers to continue the Galilean mission - to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, inviting others to follow Him as Lord and master, and teaching them what it really means to follow Him according to how He commanded and instructed them to live. Finally, since He is the resurrected Lord He can promise His daily presence with us! We are never alone and He will give us all that we need to succeed in the mission He has set before us! Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom. Do we simply live the good life? Or is there more? If Jesus has risen from the dead what are the implications for those who are His followers and even for those who are not? Those who were His followers, continue as His disciples, but now the extent of Jesus' Lordship becomes even more apparent! Jesus has risen from the dead and He has been given all authority - He is the Sovereign ruler over everything in heaven and on earth. He is King and His kingdom has come! Therefore, we are to worship Him as Lord and Sovereign King over all. He is worthy of such worship because He is God. But, if He is worthy of our highest worship and praise, then it is right that the world should also worship Him. So, He calls His followers to continue the Galilean mission - to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, inviting others to follow Him as Lord and master, and teaching them what it really means to follow Him according to how He commanded and instructed them to live. Finally, since He is the resurrected Lord He can promise His daily presence with us! We are never alone and He will give us all that we need to succeed in the mission He has set before us! Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom… Tim Dunham 3615 https://ccf.sermon.net/21849783/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themission/id/3697700.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21849783 Scripture: Matthew 28:16-28:20, Series: Matthew Sun, 22 Aug 2021 09:29:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom. Do we simply live the good life? Or is there more? If Jesus has risen from the dead what are the implications for those who are His followers and even for those who are not? Those who were His followers, continue as His disciples, but now the extent of Jesus' Lordship becomes even more apparent! Jesus has risen from the dead and He has been given all authority - He is the Sovereign ruler over everything in heaven and on earth. He is King and His kingdom has come! Therefore, we are to worship Him as Lord and Sovereign King over all. He is worthy of such worship because He is God. But, if He is worthy of our highest worship and praise, then it is right that the world should also worship Him. So, He calls His followers to continue the Galilean mission - to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, inviting others to follow Him as Lord and master, and teaching them what it really means to follow Him according to how He commanded and instructed them to live. Finally, since He is the resurrected Lord He can promise His daily presence with us! We are never alone and He will give us all that we need to succeed in the mission He has set before us! Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom. Do we simply live the good life? Or is there more? If Jesus has risen from the dead what are the implications for those who are His followers and even for those who are not? Those who were His followers, continue as His disciples, but now the extent of Jesus' Lordship becomes even more apparent! Jesus has risen from the dead and He has been given all authority - He is the Sovereign ruler over everything in heaven and on earth. He is King and His kingdom has come! Therefore, we are to worship Him as Lord and Sovereign King over all. He is worthy of such worship because He is God. But, if He is worthy of our highest worship and praise, then it is right that the world should also worship Him. So, He calls His followers to continue the Galilean mission - to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, inviting others to follow Him as Lord and master, and teaching them what it really means to follow Him according to how He commanded and instructed them to live. Finally, since He is the resurrected Lord He can promise His daily presence with us! We are never alone and He will give us all that we need to succeed in the mission He has set before us! Big Idea - Jesus is risen from the dead and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him as Lord and savior! So what's next? What are the ultimate implications of the resurrection? His kingdom has come and those who are His followers enter into His Kingdom… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21849783/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_themission/id/414534 https://ccf.sermon.net/21849783 Scripture: Matthew 28:16-28:20, Series: Matthew Sun, 15 Aug 2021 06:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3296 https://ccf.sermon.net/21846619/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisrisen/id/3694605.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21846619 Scripture: Matthew 27:62-28:15, Series: Matthew Sun, 15 Aug 2021 06:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21846619/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_heisrisen/id/414322 https://ccf.sermon.net/21846619 Scripture: Matthew 27:62-28:15, Series: Matthew Sun, 08 Aug 2021 06:21:00 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2470 https://ccf.sermon.net/21830789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecrossparttwo/id/3691882.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21830789 Scripture: Matthew 27:45-27:61, Series: Matthew Sun, 01 Aug 2021 05:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing every consequence of sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of every sickness and physical suffering, so Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain and agony. But sin is also at the root of all shame and dishonor. Matthew focuses much more attention on this aspect of the cross than the physical suffering. What do the mocking cries tell us about Jesus and His great sacrifice on our behalf? Jesus absorbed the full guilt and shame of our sin upon the cross. The cross was designed to inflict maximum physical torment, but also the greatest possible shame and humiliation. But for Jesus, the shame did not stop with the method of execution. He became the object of the most heartless and ruthless mocking. But in each mocking voice there is great truth. They meant to shame and humiliate Him even further, but in fact they declare the glory of the cross in the following ways: 1) Jesus really is a king that everyone wishes for, 2) in dying Jesus does become to the new and better temple, 3) it was a much greater display of His power remain and suffer 4) He is worthy of our faith because of the cross, 5) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son - It was His love that held Him there Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing every consequence of sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of every sickness and physical suffering, so Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain and agony. But sin is also at the root of all shame and dishonor. Matthew focuses much more attention on this aspect of the cross than the physical suffering. What do the mocking cries tell us about Jesus and His great sacrifice on our behalf? Jesus absorbed the full guilt and shame of our sin upon the cross. The cross was designed to inflict maximum physical torment, but also the greatest possible shame and humiliation. But for Jesus, the shame did not stop with the method of execution. He became the object of the most heartless and ruthless mocking. But in each mocking voice there is great truth. They meant to shame and humiliate Him even further, but in fact they declare the glory of the cross in the following ways: 1) Jesus really is a king that everyone wishes for, 2) in dying Jesus does become to the new and better temple, 3) it was a much greater display of His power remain and suffer 4) He is worthy of our faith because of the cross, 5) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son - It was His love that held Him there Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing ever… Tim Dunham 2812 https://ccf.sermon.net/21830782/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecrosspartone/id/3691876.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21830782 Scripture: Matthew 27:27-27:44, Series: Matthew Sun, 01 Aug 2021 05:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing every consequence of sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of every sickness and physical suffering, so Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain and agony. But sin is also at the root of all shame and dishonor. Matthew focuses much more attention on this aspect of the cross than the physical suffering. What do the mocking cries tell us about Jesus and His great sacrifice on our behalf? Jesus absorbed the full guilt and shame of our sin upon the cross. The cross was designed to inflict maximum physical torment, but also the greatest possible shame and humiliation. But for Jesus, the shame did not stop with the method of execution. He became the object of the most heartless and ruthless mocking. But in each mocking voice there is great truth. They meant to shame and humiliate Him even further, but in fact they declare the glory of the cross in the following ways: 1) Jesus really is a king that everyone wishes for, 2) in dying Jesus does become to the new and better temple, 3) it was a much greater display of His power remain and suffer 4) He is worthy of our faith because of the cross, 5) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son - It was His love that held Him there Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing every consequence of sin. Sin is the ultimate cause of every sickness and physical suffering, so Jesus suffered tremendous physical pain and agony. But sin is also at the root of all shame and dishonor. Matthew focuses much more attention on this aspect of the cross than the physical suffering. What do the mocking cries tell us about Jesus and His great sacrifice on our behalf? Jesus absorbed the full guilt and shame of our sin upon the cross. The cross was designed to inflict maximum physical torment, but also the greatest possible shame and humiliation. But for Jesus, the shame did not stop with the method of execution. He became the object of the most heartless and ruthless mocking. But in each mocking voice there is great truth. They meant to shame and humiliate Him even further, but in fact they declare the glory of the cross in the following ways: 1) Jesus really is a king that everyone wishes for, 2) in dying Jesus does become to the new and better temple, 3) it was a much greater display of His power remain and suffer 4) He is worthy of our faith because of the cross, 5) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son - It was His love that held Him there Big Idea - Jesus died on the cross in order to pay in full the penalty of our sin and guilt. The wages of sin is death, so Jesus experienced the full agony of death. But, sin has other consequences and the cross involved suffering and experiencing ever… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21830782/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thecrosspartone/id/414109 https://ccf.sermon.net/21830782 Scripture: Matthew 27:27-27:44, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Jul 2021 08:45:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it cannot be changed or undone. There is no way to rewind and do it over. When we think of how things could be different if we had only made different choices, or done things differently in the past it can leave us feeling the pain of deep regret. What are we to do with these feelings. How do we cope with the reality that our life could be much different, things could be much better, if we had only been more careful, been smarter, made better choices? Is it possible to be delivered from a life of regret and the pain and sorrow that come with it? Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that there are two different kinds of regret or sorrow, godly sorrow, and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow is good and produces salvation. But, worldly sorrow ends in death. Peter and Judas are great pictures of each kind of sorrow at work and graphically portray the end of each. A sorrow that leads us to Christ is both saving and in the end, without regret! But, without Christ, it is a sorrow that only consumes our life and ends in misery and death. Praise God for the work of Christ who sets us free from sin and from the grief it causes in our life! Godly sorrow is without regrets because it causes us to see our need for Christ and to turn to Him in repentance. So, we can rejoice in it because it is a gift that brings us to Christ, it makes us humble enough to see our need for Him, and through His cross, every regret is redeemed and our life is restored according to God's good purpose. Worldly regret is too self-centered and too full of pride to have any saving value and it drives us only to despair. Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it cannot be changed or undone. There is no way to rewind and do it over. When we think of how things could be different if we had only made different choices, or done things differently in the past it can leave us feeling the pain of deep regret. What are we to do with these feelings. How do we cope with the reality that our life could be much different, things could be much better, if we had only been more careful, been smarter, made better choices? Is it possible to be delivered from a life of regret and the pain and sorrow that come with it? Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that there are two different kinds of regret or sorrow, godly sorrow, and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow is good and produces salvation. But, worldly sorrow ends in death. Peter and Judas are great pictures of each kind of sorrow at work and graphically portray the end of each. A sorrow that leads us to Christ is both saving and in the end, without regret! But, without Christ, it is a sorrow that only consumes our life and ends in misery and death. Praise God for the work of Christ who sets us free from sin and from the grief it causes in our life! Godly sorrow is without regrets because it causes us to see our need for Christ and to turn to Him in repentance. So, we can rejoice in it because it is a gift that brings us to Christ, it makes us humble enough to see our need for Him, and through His cross, every regret is redeemed and our life is restored according to God's good purpose. Worldly regret is too self-centered and too full of pride to have any saving value and it drives us only to despair. Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it c… Tim Dunham 3161 https://ccf.sermon.net/21821273/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theendofregret/id/3682950.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21821273 Scripture: Matthew 26:69-27:10, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Jul 2021 08:45:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it cannot be changed or undone. There is no way to rewind and do it over. When we think of how things could be different if we had only made different choices, or done things differently in the past it can leave us feeling the pain of deep regret. What are we to do with these feelings. How do we cope with the reality that our life could be much different, things could be much better, if we had only been more careful, been smarter, made better choices? Is it possible to be delivered from a life of regret and the pain and sorrow that come with it? Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that there are two different kinds of regret or sorrow, godly sorrow, and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow is good and produces salvation. But, worldly sorrow ends in death. Peter and Judas are great pictures of each kind of sorrow at work and graphically portray the end of each. A sorrow that leads us to Christ is both saving and in the end, without regret! But, without Christ, it is a sorrow that only consumes our life and ends in misery and death. Praise God for the work of Christ who sets us free from sin and from the grief it causes in our life! Godly sorrow is without regrets because it causes us to see our need for Christ and to turn to Him in repentance. So, we can rejoice in it because it is a gift that brings us to Christ, it makes us humble enough to see our need for Him, and through His cross, every regret is redeemed and our life is restored according to God's good purpose. Worldly regret is too self-centered and too full of pride to have any saving value and it drives us only to despair. Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it cannot be changed or undone. There is no way to rewind and do it over. When we think of how things could be different if we had only made different choices, or done things differently in the past it can leave us feeling the pain of deep regret. What are we to do with these feelings. How do we cope with the reality that our life could be much different, things could be much better, if we had only been more careful, been smarter, made better choices? Is it possible to be delivered from a life of regret and the pain and sorrow that come with it? Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that there are two different kinds of regret or sorrow, godly sorrow, and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow is good and produces salvation. But, worldly sorrow ends in death. Peter and Judas are great pictures of each kind of sorrow at work and graphically portray the end of each. A sorrow that leads us to Christ is both saving and in the end, without regret! But, without Christ, it is a sorrow that only consumes our life and ends in misery and death. Praise God for the work of Christ who sets us free from sin and from the grief it causes in our life! Godly sorrow is without regrets because it causes us to see our need for Christ and to turn to Him in repentance. So, we can rejoice in it because it is a gift that brings us to Christ, it makes us humble enough to see our need for Him, and through His cross, every regret is redeemed and our life is restored according to God's good purpose. Worldly regret is too self-centered and too full of pride to have any saving value and it drives us only to despair. Big Idea - As human beings, we have been given the capacity to contemplate how things could be different. It is a great gift when looking forward, but it is a curse when looking back. Our future can and is shaped by choices, but the past is fixed, it c… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21821273/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theendofregret/id/413473 https://ccf.sermon.net/21821273 Scripture: Matthew 26:69-27:10, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Jul 2021 06:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that they have already determined Jesus is guilty. Jesus’ trial before the Jews helps us examine our own method and motives as we consider who Jesus is. What must be the mindset of one who is examining and ultimately judging Jesus? What will keep us from coming to the right conclusion? Most importantly, what difference does it make? Is our conclusion about who Jesus is a mere bit of trivia that we hope we get right or are their serious implications related to the question - who is Jesus? Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that they have already determined Jesus is guilty. Jesus’ trial before the Jews helps us examine our own method and motives as we consider who Jesus is. What must be the mindset of one who is examining and ultimately judging Jesus? What will keep us from coming to the right conclusion? Most importantly, what difference does it make? Is our conclusion about who Jesus is a mere bit of trivia that we hope we get right or are their serious implications related to the question - who is Jesus? Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that th… Tim Dunham 2752 https://ccf.sermon.net/21818176/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusontrial/id/3679936.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21818176 Scripture: Matthew 26:57-26:68, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Jul 2021 06:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that they have already determined Jesus is guilty. Jesus’ trial before the Jews helps us examine our own method and motives as we consider who Jesus is. What must be the mindset of one who is examining and ultimately judging Jesus? What will keep us from coming to the right conclusion? Most importantly, what difference does it make? Is our conclusion about who Jesus is a mere bit of trivia that we hope we get right or are their serious implications related to the question - who is Jesus? Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that they have already determined Jesus is guilty. Jesus’ trial before the Jews helps us examine our own method and motives as we consider who Jesus is. What must be the mindset of one who is examining and ultimately judging Jesus? What will keep us from coming to the right conclusion? Most importantly, what difference does it make? Is our conclusion about who Jesus is a mere bit of trivia that we hope we get right or are their serious implications related to the question - who is Jesus? Big Idea - Jesus stands on trial first before the Jewish council who must come up with a valid reason to hand Him over to Pilate for execution. The purpose of a trial should be to determine guilt or innocence, but it is clear from the beginning that th… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21818176/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_esusontrial/id/413266 https://ccf.sermon.net/21818176 Scripture: Matthew 26:57-26:68, Series: Matthew Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fear? How does His example help us when we feel overwhelmed? Finally, what does this episode tell us about His sacrifice and the great cost of our salvation? Jesus understands our suffering, no matter how severe because His own suffering and death were extreme. In His humanity, Jesus was tempted to take a different path. Not only because of the tremendous physical suffering of the crucifixion but also because of the extreme emotional and spiritual suffering of the cross. Jesus experienced the full extent of death taking on Himself all of our guilt, and all the sorrow, grief, and brokenness of humanity. He bore the full punishment for every wrong. We really cannot fathom all that was involved nor how horrible such a death must have been. But, we get a glimpse of its horror in the face of Jesus as He sees what is coming. Jesus deals with this coming dread, not by denial, or by running away, or by finding a way to fight back - the ways we most often deal with our fears. Instead, He goes to His Father in prayer, and there He finds strength, resolve, and the peace to move forward with what He knows is the only way of salvation. The cost of our salvation is beyond what we can possibly imagine, but Jesus paid that price, even as all His friends abandon Him. Jesus shows us how to deal with our own sorrow and suffering by pressing into our Father in prayer, and there to trust in God’s goodness and commit to His plan with the assurance that it is the best. We can look back to Jesus and the cross, as an example, but even more, we should look in awe at what Jesus has done for us, He who loved us and gave Himself up for us. Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fear? How does His example help us when we feel overwhelmed? Finally, what does this episode tell us about His sacrifice and the great cost of our salvation? Jesus understands our suffering, no matter how severe because His own suffering and death were extreme. In His humanity, Jesus was tempted to take a different path. Not only because of the tremendous physical suffering of the crucifixion but also because of the extreme emotional and spiritual suffering of the cross. Jesus experienced the full extent of death taking on Himself all of our guilt, and all the sorrow, grief, and brokenness of humanity. He bore the full punishment for every wrong. We really cannot fathom all that was involved nor how horrible such a death must have been. But, we get a glimpse of its horror in the face of Jesus as He sees what is coming. Jesus deals with this coming dread, not by denial, or by running away, or by finding a way to fight back - the ways we most often deal with our fears. Instead, He goes to His Father in prayer, and there He finds strength, resolve, and the peace to move forward with what He knows is the only way of salvation. The cost of our salvation is beyond what we can possibly imagine, but Jesus paid that price, even as all His friends abandon Him. Jesus shows us how to deal with our own sorrow and suffering by pressing into our Father in prayer, and there to trust in God’s goodness and commit to His plan with the assurance that it is the best. We can look back to Jesus and the cross, as an example, but even more, we should look in awe at what Jesus has done for us, He who loved us and gave Himself up for us. Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fe… Tim Dunham 2856 https://ccf.sermon.net/21812199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gethsemanepart2/id/3674135.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21812199 Scripture: Matthew 26:36-26:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fear? How does His example help us when we feel overwhelmed? Finally, what does this episode tell us about His sacrifice and the great cost of our salvation? Jesus understands our suffering, no matter how severe because His own suffering and death were extreme. In His humanity, Jesus was tempted to take a different path. Not only because of the tremendous physical suffering of the crucifixion but also because of the extreme emotional and spiritual suffering of the cross. Jesus experienced the full extent of death taking on Himself all of our guilt, and all the sorrow, grief, and brokenness of humanity. He bore the full punishment for every wrong. We really cannot fathom all that was involved nor how horrible such a death must have been. But, we get a glimpse of its horror in the face of Jesus as He sees what is coming. Jesus deals with this coming dread, not by denial, or by running away, or by finding a way to fight back - the ways we most often deal with our fears. Instead, He goes to His Father in prayer, and there He finds strength, resolve, and the peace to move forward with what He knows is the only way of salvation. The cost of our salvation is beyond what we can possibly imagine, but Jesus paid that price, even as all His friends abandon Him. Jesus shows us how to deal with our own sorrow and suffering by pressing into our Father in prayer, and there to trust in God’s goodness and commit to His plan with the assurance that it is the best. We can look back to Jesus and the cross, as an example, but even more, we should look in awe at what Jesus has done for us, He who loved us and gave Himself up for us. Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fear? How does His example help us when we feel overwhelmed? Finally, what does this episode tell us about His sacrifice and the great cost of our salvation? Jesus understands our suffering, no matter how severe because His own suffering and death were extreme. In His humanity, Jesus was tempted to take a different path. Not only because of the tremendous physical suffering of the crucifixion but also because of the extreme emotional and spiritual suffering of the cross. Jesus experienced the full extent of death taking on Himself all of our guilt, and all the sorrow, grief, and brokenness of humanity. He bore the full punishment for every wrong. We really cannot fathom all that was involved nor how horrible such a death must have been. But, we get a glimpse of its horror in the face of Jesus as He sees what is coming. Jesus deals with this coming dread, not by denial, or by running away, or by finding a way to fight back - the ways we most often deal with our fears. Instead, He goes to His Father in prayer, and there He finds strength, resolve, and the peace to move forward with what He knows is the only way of salvation. The cost of our salvation is beyond what we can possibly imagine, but Jesus paid that price, even as all His friends abandon Him. Jesus shows us how to deal with our own sorrow and suffering by pressing into our Father in prayer, and there to trust in God’s goodness and commit to His plan with the assurance that it is the best. We can look back to Jesus and the cross, as an example, but even more, we should look in awe at what Jesus has done for us, He who loved us and gave Himself up for us. Big Idea - Why is Jesus so overwhelmed as the cross draws near? Is this just a normal fear of suffering and death - the cross was certainly a terrible way to die? Or was there more to it? And more importantly, how does Jesus deal with this grief and fe… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21812199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_gethsemanepart2/id/412807 https://ccf.sermon.net/21812199 Scripture: Matthew 26:36-26:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 20 Jun 2021 07:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus are so strong that nothing, not even death, could move them from their commitment to follow Him. We know that Jesus was right and they were wrong. Confidence and determination to follow Jesus and honor Him are not enough to prevent them from falling away. Are we all like the disciples, destined to failure? Is there nothing we can do about it? Is there nothing we can do to overcome the temptation to give up or to fall into sin? While Jesus is certain about their imminent failure, He gives encouragement on how it could have ended differently. We can overcome and what is more, we are expected, not to fail, but to live a holy and blameless life! We do this by first acknowledging that no matter how great our desire and commitment to do right, we are helpless in our own flesh to do it. Without Him, we will fail. Therefore, we need to draw close to the Shepherd who will lead us on the right path. Sometimes we will fail, but Jesus, the gracious Shepherd will not desert us. Instead, meets us on the other side of our failure to restore us to life with Him. Earnest and watchful prayer, is the means by which we keep close to Him and obtain the power to walk by His spirit and not in the weakness of the flesh. Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus are so strong that nothing, not even death, could move them from their commitment to follow Him. We know that Jesus was right and they were wrong. Confidence and determination to follow Jesus and honor Him are not enough to prevent them from falling away. Are we all like the disciples, destined to failure? Is there nothing we can do about it? Is there nothing we can do to overcome the temptation to give up or to fall into sin? While Jesus is certain about their imminent failure, He gives encouragement on how it could have ended differently. We can overcome and what is more, we are expected, not to fail, but to live a holy and blameless life! We do this by first acknowledging that no matter how great our desire and commitment to do right, we are helpless in our own flesh to do it. Without Him, we will fail. Therefore, we need to draw close to the Shepherd who will lead us on the right path. Sometimes we will fail, but Jesus, the gracious Shepherd will not desert us. Instead, meets us on the other side of our failure to restore us to life with Him. Earnest and watchful prayer, is the means by which we keep close to Him and obtain the power to walk by His spirit and not in the weakness of the flesh. Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus a… Tim Dunham 2379 https://ccf.sermon.net/21808172/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gethsemanepart1/id/3671079.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21808172 Scripture: Matthew 26:31-26:41, Series: Matthew Sun, 20 Jun 2021 07:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus are so strong that nothing, not even death, could move them from their commitment to follow Him. We know that Jesus was right and they were wrong. Confidence and determination to follow Jesus and honor Him are not enough to prevent them from falling away. Are we all like the disciples, destined to failure? Is there nothing we can do about it? Is there nothing we can do to overcome the temptation to give up or to fall into sin? While Jesus is certain about their imminent failure, He gives encouragement on how it could have ended differently. We can overcome and what is more, we are expected, not to fail, but to live a holy and blameless life! We do this by first acknowledging that no matter how great our desire and commitment to do right, we are helpless in our own flesh to do it. Without Him, we will fail. Therefore, we need to draw close to the Shepherd who will lead us on the right path. Sometimes we will fail, but Jesus, the gracious Shepherd will not desert us. Instead, meets us on the other side of our failure to restore us to life with Him. Earnest and watchful prayer, is the means by which we keep close to Him and obtain the power to walk by His spirit and not in the weakness of the flesh. Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus are so strong that nothing, not even death, could move them from their commitment to follow Him. We know that Jesus was right and they were wrong. Confidence and determination to follow Jesus and honor Him are not enough to prevent them from falling away. Are we all like the disciples, destined to failure? Is there nothing we can do about it? Is there nothing we can do to overcome the temptation to give up or to fall into sin? While Jesus is certain about their imminent failure, He gives encouragement on how it could have ended differently. We can overcome and what is more, we are expected, not to fail, but to live a holy and blameless life! We do this by first acknowledging that no matter how great our desire and commitment to do right, we are helpless in our own flesh to do it. Without Him, we will fail. Therefore, we need to draw close to the Shepherd who will lead us on the right path. Sometimes we will fail, but Jesus, the gracious Shepherd will not desert us. Instead, meets us on the other side of our failure to restore us to life with Him. Earnest and watchful prayer, is the means by which we keep close to Him and obtain the power to walk by His spirit and not in the weakness of the flesh. Big Idea - Jesus has just told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Now He tells them that they will all desert Him and the Peter will deny he even knows Him. But, Peter and the others are convinced that their devotion and loyalty to Jesus a… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21808172/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_gethsemanepart1/id/412605 https://ccf.sermon.net/21808172 Scripture: Matthew 26:31-26:41, Series: Matthew Sun, 06 Jun 2021 04:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jesus is and what they need to do with Him. Some get it very wrong, and in fact, only one gets it right. We would expect the disciples to be the ones who really understand who Jesus is and what is important, after all the time they have spent with Him. But they are not the ones who got it right. What were they still missing in their understanding? How did their failure to really grasp Jesus and His mission cause them to have the wrong understanding about what was most important? If they got it wrong, is it possible we are getting it wrong? Is it possible, we have the wrong priorities in life? That we are too focused on things that are not the most important and we are missing the things that are vitally important? How can we be certain we are like the woman who got it right and not the disciples who got it wrong? Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jesus is and what they need to do with Him. Some get it very wrong, and in fact, only one gets it right. We would expect the disciples to be the ones who really understand who Jesus is and what is important, after all the time they have spent with Him. But they are not the ones who got it right. What were they still missing in their understanding? How did their failure to really grasp Jesus and His mission cause them to have the wrong understanding about what was most important? If they got it wrong, is it possible we are getting it wrong? Is it possible, we have the wrong priorities in life? That we are too focused on things that are not the most important and we are missing the things that are vitally important? How can we be certain we are like the woman who got it right and not the disciples who got it wrong? Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jes… Tim Dunham 2919 https://ccf.sermon.net/21801945/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anointedforburial/id/3665039.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21801945 Scripture: Matthew 26:1-26:16, Series: Matthew Sun, 06 Jun 2021 04:43:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jesus is and what they need to do with Him. Some get it very wrong, and in fact, only one gets it right. We would expect the disciples to be the ones who really understand who Jesus is and what is important, after all the time they have spent with Him. But they are not the ones who got it right. What were they still missing in their understanding? How did their failure to really grasp Jesus and His mission cause them to have the wrong understanding about what was most important? If they got it wrong, is it possible we are getting it wrong? Is it possible, we have the wrong priorities in life? That we are too focused on things that are not the most important and we are missing the things that are vitally important? How can we be certain we are like the woman who got it right and not the disciples who got it wrong? Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jesus is and what they need to do with Him. Some get it very wrong, and in fact, only one gets it right. We would expect the disciples to be the ones who really understand who Jesus is and what is important, after all the time they have spent with Him. But they are not the ones who got it right. What were they still missing in their understanding? How did their failure to really grasp Jesus and His mission cause them to have the wrong understanding about what was most important? If they got it wrong, is it possible we are getting it wrong? Is it possible, we have the wrong priorities in life? That we are too focused on things that are not the most important and we are missing the things that are vitally important? How can we be certain we are like the woman who got it right and not the disciples who got it wrong? Big Idea - Jesus has been moving toward the cross from the time he left Galilee, but now the hour has come and things are rapidly being set in motion. In verses 1-13 we see four different people or groups who all have very different ideas about who Jes… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21801945/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_anointedforburial/id/412148 https://ccf.sermon.net/21801945 Scripture: Matthew 26:1-26:16, Series: Matthew Sun, 23 May 2021 08:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confidence of salvation, and go about our daily lives with the hope that Jesus is coming again and leave it at that? Or does Jesus expect us to be living our life for some greater purpose? This parable makes it clear that we cannot just go about our lives and do nothing of eternal value. Every true follower of Christ must live their life and steward all that God has put in our care, for the purpose of expanding His glory and increasing His Kingdom. To do nothing and make no eternal impact with our life is to prove we are not truly saved and d not really understand the character or the purpose of God. But, we who do know God and understand His purpose have the honor and responsibility to use all that He has entrusted to us to impact the world around us for His glory. We have the opportunity to leave an enteral impact in our own life, and the lives of those we know and have relationships with. Those who are diligent to use their life for Kingdom purposes will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns, and they will receive His affirmation, the privilege of ruling with Him and sharing together in the Father’s joy for all eternity. Those who live for the here and now, focused on the immediate rewards of this life will meet with God’s judgment. Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confidence of salvation, and go about our daily lives with the hope that Jesus is coming again and leave it at that? Or does Jesus expect us to be living our life for some greater purpose? This parable makes it clear that we cannot just go about our lives and do nothing of eternal value. Every true follower of Christ must live their life and steward all that God has put in our care, for the purpose of expanding His glory and increasing His Kingdom. To do nothing and make no eternal impact with our life is to prove we are not truly saved and d not really understand the character or the purpose of God. But, we who do know God and understand His purpose have the honor and responsibility to use all that He has entrusted to us to impact the world around us for His glory. We have the opportunity to leave an enteral impact in our own life, and the lives of those we know and have relationships with. Those who are diligent to use their life for Kingdom purposes will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns, and they will receive His affirmation, the privilege of ruling with Him and sharing together in the Father’s joy for all eternity. Those who live for the here and now, focused on the immediate rewards of this life will meet with God’s judgment. Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confid… Tim Dunham 3031 https://ccf.sermon.net/21795484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_welldone/id/3658899.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21795484 Scripture: Matthew 25:14-25:30, Series: Matthew Sun, 23 May 2021 08:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confidence of salvation, and go about our daily lives with the hope that Jesus is coming again and leave it at that? Or does Jesus expect us to be living our life for some greater purpose? This parable makes it clear that we cannot just go about our lives and do nothing of eternal value. Every true follower of Christ must live their life and steward all that God has put in our care, for the purpose of expanding His glory and increasing His Kingdom. To do nothing and make no eternal impact with our life is to prove we are not truly saved and d not really understand the character or the purpose of God. But, we who do know God and understand His purpose have the honor and responsibility to use all that He has entrusted to us to impact the world around us for His glory. We have the opportunity to leave an enteral impact in our own life, and the lives of those we know and have relationships with. Those who are diligent to use their life for Kingdom purposes will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns, and they will receive His affirmation, the privilege of ruling with Him and sharing together in the Father’s joy for all eternity. Those who live for the here and now, focused on the immediate rewards of this life will meet with God’s judgment. Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confidence of salvation, and go about our daily lives with the hope that Jesus is coming again and leave it at that? Or does Jesus expect us to be living our life for some greater purpose? This parable makes it clear that we cannot just go about our lives and do nothing of eternal value. Every true follower of Christ must live their life and steward all that God has put in our care, for the purpose of expanding His glory and increasing His Kingdom. To do nothing and make no eternal impact with our life is to prove we are not truly saved and d not really understand the character or the purpose of God. But, we who do know God and understand His purpose have the honor and responsibility to use all that He has entrusted to us to impact the world around us for His glory. We have the opportunity to leave an enteral impact in our own life, and the lives of those we know and have relationships with. Those who are diligent to use their life for Kingdom purposes will be ready to meet Jesus when He returns, and they will receive His affirmation, the privilege of ruling with Him and sharing together in the Father’s joy for all eternity. Those who live for the here and now, focused on the immediate rewards of this life will meet with God’s judgment. Big Idea - Jesus continues to answer the question about how to be ready for his return. Waiting well means expecting His return at any time, and being prepared for it by making certain of our salvation. So, does that mean we can just rest in the confid… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21795484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_welldone/id/411666 https://ccf.sermon.net/21795484 Scripture: Matthew 25:14-25:30, Series: Matthew Sun, 16 May 2021 15:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be ready, and be watching for His return, since it could be at any time. But, what does it mean to be ready? How are we to be watching and waiting? Each parable unpacks different aspects of what it means for us to be watching and be ready for His return. Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be ready, and be watching for His return, since it could be at any time. But, what does it mean to be ready? How are we to be watching and waiting? Each parable unpacks different aspects of what it means for us to be watching and be ready for His return. Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be read… Tim Dunham 2698 https://ccf.sermon.net/21792433/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beforeitstoolate/id/3655929.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21792433 Scripture: Matthew 25:1-25:13, Series: Matthew Sun, 16 May 2021 15:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be ready, and be watching for His return, since it could be at any time. But, what does it mean to be ready? How are we to be watching and waiting? Each parable unpacks different aspects of what it means for us to be watching and be ready for His return. Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be ready, and be watching for His return, since it could be at any time. But, what does it mean to be ready? How are we to be watching and waiting? Each parable unpacks different aspects of what it means for us to be watching and be ready for His return. Big Idea - As Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about His return, He uses a series of parables to explain that we cannot know the time of His return and, therefore, do not need to spend our energy trying to figure it out. Instead, we need to be read… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21792433/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_beforeitstoolate/id/411443 https://ccf.sermon.net/21792433 Scripture: Matthew 25:1-25:13, Series: Matthew Mon, 10 May 2021 14:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would come. So, what are the signs of Jesus' return and the end of the age? Does the Bible reveal to us what the future holds? More importantly, does our theology of the end times motivate us to greater service and faithfulness, or does it create in a spirit of procrastination, or worse, of selfishness and neglect? Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would come. So, what are the signs of Jesus' return and the end of the age? Does the Bible reveal to us what the future holds? More importantly, does our theology of the end times motivate us to greater service and faithfulness, or does it create in a spirit of procrastination, or worse, of selfishness and neglect? Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would … Tim Dunham 2899 https://ccf.sermon.net/21789209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareyouwaitingfor/id/3652760.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21789209 Scripture: Matthew 24:36-24:51, Series: Matthew Mon, 10 May 2021 14:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would come. So, what are the signs of Jesus' return and the end of the age? Does the Bible reveal to us what the future holds? More importantly, does our theology of the end times motivate us to greater service and faithfulness, or does it create in a spirit of procrastination, or worse, of selfishness and neglect? Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would come. So, what are the signs of Jesus' return and the end of the age? Does the Bible reveal to us what the future holds? More importantly, does our theology of the end times motivate us to greater service and faithfulness, or does it create in a spirit of procrastination, or worse, of selfishness and neglect? Big Idea - Most of us would love to know what the future holds. We would at least like to know when the Covid crisis will end! So, we can relate with the disciples who wanted to know when the Temple would be destroyed and when the end of the age would … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21789209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whatareyouwaitingfor/id/411213 https://ccf.sermon.net/21789209 Scripture: Matthew 24:36-24:51, Series: Matthew Sun, 02 May 2021 08:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: 1) when will the Temple be destroyed, and 2) what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? They understand all of this as being one event that will bring about the end of this age, understood by the Jews as the Great Day of the Lord. Jesus’ answer shows that it is not one event, but two events separated by some significant gap in time, which we can now verify to be true! Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: 1) when will the Temple be destroyed, and 2) what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? They understand all of this as being one event that will bring about the end of this age, understood by the Jews as the Great Day of the Lord. Jesus’ answer shows that it is not one event, but two events separated by some significant gap in time, which we can now verify to be true! Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: … Tim Dunham 3193 https://ccf.sermon.net/21786274/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedarkestofdays/id/3649927.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21786274 Scripture: Matthew 24:15-24:35, Series: Matthew Sun, 02 May 2021 08:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: 1) when will the Temple be destroyed, and 2) what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? They understand all of this as being one event that will bring about the end of this age, understood by the Jews as the Great Day of the Lord. Jesus’ answer shows that it is not one event, but two events separated by some significant gap in time, which we can now verify to be true! Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: 1) when will the Temple be destroyed, and 2) what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? They understand all of this as being one event that will bring about the end of this age, understood by the Jews as the Great Day of the Lord. Jesus’ answer shows that it is not one event, but two events separated by some significant gap in time, which we can now verify to be true! Big Idea - This is one of the most perplexing passages in Matthew and, like all passages that speak of the end times, it can be very challenging to understand exactly what Jesus is talking about. The disciples have asked Jesus two important questions: … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21786274/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thedarkestofdays/id/411027 https://ccf.sermon.net/21786274 Scripture: Matthew 24:15-24:35, Series: Matthew Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when they would finally get out from under oppressive Roman rule. Their hope for a Messiah was the hope of the end of their current troubles. But Jesus has been making it clear that is not His mission, yet the disciples are still not understanding. We might have more sympathy for them, given our own challenging times - it is natural to want to know when it will all end! When will better days come? Jesus gives them part of their answer, but more than that He helps them redirect their focus because the end is not coming as soon as they might hope. Instead of thinking about when it will all end, He encourages them to 1) beware of the things that can lead us astray or erode our faith 2) be prepared for trouble, and 3) focus on how to get to the finish, 4) by focusing on the mission Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when they would finally get out from under oppressive Roman rule. Their hope for a Messiah was the hope of the end of their current troubles. But Jesus has been making it clear that is not His mission, yet the disciples are still not understanding. We might have more sympathy for them, given our own challenging times - it is natural to want to know when it will all end! When will better days come? Jesus gives them part of their answer, but more than that He helps them redirect their focus because the end is not coming as soon as they might hope. Instead of thinking about when it will all end, He encourages them to 1) beware of the things that can lead us astray or erode our faith 2) be prepared for trouble, and 3) focus on how to get to the finish, 4) by focusing on the mission Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when … Tim Dunham 3495 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782386/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenwillitend/id/3646152.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782386 Scripture: Matthew 24:1-24:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when they would finally get out from under oppressive Roman rule. Their hope for a Messiah was the hope of the end of their current troubles. But Jesus has been making it clear that is not His mission, yet the disciples are still not understanding. We might have more sympathy for them, given our own challenging times - it is natural to want to know when it will all end! When will better days come? Jesus gives them part of their answer, but more than that He helps them redirect their focus because the end is not coming as soon as they might hope. Instead of thinking about when it will all end, He encourages them to 1) beware of the things that can lead us astray or erode our faith 2) be prepared for trouble, and 3) focus on how to get to the finish, 4) by focusing on the mission Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when they would finally get out from under oppressive Roman rule. Their hope for a Messiah was the hope of the end of their current troubles. But Jesus has been making it clear that is not His mission, yet the disciples are still not understanding. We might have more sympathy for them, given our own challenging times - it is natural to want to know when it will all end! When will better days come? Jesus gives them part of their answer, but more than that He helps them redirect their focus because the end is not coming as soon as they might hope. Instead of thinking about when it will all end, He encourages them to 1) beware of the things that can lead us astray or erode our faith 2) be prepared for trouble, and 3) focus on how to get to the finish, 4) by focusing on the mission Big Idea - When things are hard, the question we want to be answered is "when will it end?" That is certainly the question I am asking now about the pandemic. We are all so done with this! For Jews in Israel during Jesus day, the big question was when … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21782386/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whenwillitend/id/410704 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782386 Scripture: Matthew 24:1-24:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this title. If they do not really understand what the nature and origin of the Messiah are, then it is no wonder they cannot see the Messiah when he is standing right in front of them! But shouldn’t they have really been able to figure this out? Why was it so hard for the most diligent students of the Word to miss something as important as the Messiah? How can we make sure we do not make the same mistake and miss the most important and vital truths in the Bible? Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this title. If they do not really understand what the nature and origin of the Messiah are, then it is no wonder they cannot see the Messiah when he is standing right in front of them! But shouldn’t they have really been able to figure this out? Why was it so hard for the most diligent students of the Word to miss something as important as the Messiah? How can we make sure we do not make the same mistake and miss the most important and vital truths in the Bible? Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this … Tim Dunham 2399 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782384/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whosesonisthemessiah/id/3646150.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782384 Scripture: Matthew 22:41-22:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this title. If they do not really understand what the nature and origin of the Messiah are, then it is no wonder they cannot see the Messiah when he is standing right in front of them! But shouldn’t they have really been able to figure this out? Why was it so hard for the most diligent students of the Word to miss something as important as the Messiah? How can we make sure we do not make the same mistake and miss the most important and vital truths in the Bible? Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this title. If they do not really understand what the nature and origin of the Messiah are, then it is no wonder they cannot see the Messiah when he is standing right in front of them! But shouldn’t they have really been able to figure this out? Why was it so hard for the most diligent students of the Word to miss something as important as the Messiah? How can we make sure we do not make the same mistake and miss the most important and vital truths in the Bible? Big Idea - Do we understand fully all that is expressed in the idea of Messiah? The Pharisees were diligent students of the Word, the expert interpreters of the Bible, but Jesus’ question reveals that they do not really grasp all that is meant by this … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21782384/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whosesonisthemessiah/id/410703 https://ccf.sermon.net/21782384 Scripture: Matthew 22:41-22:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Apr 2021 07:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a collision with others. This is even more true when it comes to people being in a relationship with a Holy God. It could be argued that the only rule we need is to love each other and perhaps this would be true if we were like God, always knowing exactly what people need and how to best help them. But, we are not always that wise, and more than that, we have conflicting agendas. Our own selfishness and self-interest prevent us from seeing what others need, much less being willing to always do what is right and best for others. So the rules spell out clearly how we should treat each other and relate to one another. At the same time, we know the rules in and of themselves are not enough. A relationship built on rules without love would be cold and distant at best, and downright destructive at worst. So, how does the great commandment help us build strong and healthy relationships with each other and most importantly with God? Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a collision with others. This is even more true when it comes to people being in a relationship with a Holy God. It could be argued that the only rule we need is to love each other and perhaps this would be true if we were like God, always knowing exactly what people need and how to best help them. But, we are not always that wise, and more than that, we have conflicting agendas. Our own selfishness and self-interest prevent us from seeing what others need, much less being willing to always do what is right and best for others. So the rules spell out clearly how we should treat each other and relate to one another. At the same time, we know the rules in and of themselves are not enough. A relationship built on rules without love would be cold and distant at best, and downright destructive at worst. So, how does the great commandment help us build strong and healthy relationships with each other and most importantly with God? Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a colli… Tim Dunham 2749 https://ccf.sermon.net/21774846/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whattheworldneedsnow/id/3639285.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21774846 Scripture: Matthew 22:34-22:40, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Apr 2021 07:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a collision with others. This is even more true when it comes to people being in a relationship with a Holy God. It could be argued that the only rule we need is to love each other and perhaps this would be true if we were like God, always knowing exactly what people need and how to best help them. But, we are not always that wise, and more than that, we have conflicting agendas. Our own selfishness and self-interest prevent us from seeing what others need, much less being willing to always do what is right and best for others. So the rules spell out clearly how we should treat each other and relate to one another. At the same time, we know the rules in and of themselves are not enough. A relationship built on rules without love would be cold and distant at best, and downright destructive at worst. So, how does the great commandment help us build strong and healthy relationships with each other and most importantly with God? Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a collision with others. This is even more true when it comes to people being in a relationship with a Holy God. It could be argued that the only rule we need is to love each other and perhaps this would be true if we were like God, always knowing exactly what people need and how to best help them. But, we are not always that wise, and more than that, we have conflicting agendas. Our own selfishness and self-interest prevent us from seeing what others need, much less being willing to always do what is right and best for others. So the rules spell out clearly how we should treat each other and relate to one another. At the same time, we know the rules in and of themselves are not enough. A relationship built on rules without love would be cold and distant at best, and downright destructive at worst. So, how does the great commandment help us build strong and healthy relationships with each other and most importantly with God? Big Idea - Any human relationship requires rules and guidelines to work. Imagine a task as simple as driving, if there were no clear rules to govern which side of the road we drive on! Without rules, any interaction with others will soon become a colli… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21774846/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whattheworldneedsnow/id/410216 https://ccf.sermon.net/21774846 Scripture: Matthew 22:34-22:40, Series: Matthew Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our savior as an event that has already happened! All of Christianity depends on this one great event, but how do we know it’s true? Paul said that if Jesus was not raised from the dead, we Christians are most to be pitied because we have believed a lie! So, how do we know Jesus really rose from the dead? If we have doubts, what can we do to grow in our faith that the resurrection is true? How will my conviction about the resurrection make any real difference in my everyday life? The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or in the afterlife at all. Their question to Jesus was intended to show how foolish Jesus was for believing in such a doctrine, more than seeking any real answer. Jesus’ response was that their failure to believe in the resurrection was a result of their failure to really understand the Scriptures, and from that to know and understand the power of God - who He is, what He can do, and what is the nature of His relationship with those He loves in a covenant relationship. If we are to grow in our confident assurance of the resurrection, that Jesus rose again and that so will we, then we must turn to the Scriptures and find the truth and conviction to firmly establish our faith. The Bible is the main path to grow in faith because it is God's direct word to us. Therefore, the Word is more reliable and more powerful than any other "proof" or evidence. All other evidence must rest on human experience and perception, and our own perceptions are far too unreliable. Only God's revelation in Scripture is absolutely reliable! Solid confidence in the resurrection will change the way we live because we know that there is much more to us than our few years on this earth. What we do in this life has great consequences in the next, and we will stand before God the great judge who will reward and punish for all eternity based on how we live here and now! Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our savior as an event that has already happened! All of Christianity depends on this one great event, but how do we know it’s true? Paul said that if Jesus was not raised from the dead, we Christians are most to be pitied because we have believed a lie! So, how do we know Jesus really rose from the dead? If we have doubts, what can we do to grow in our faith that the resurrection is true? How will my conviction about the resurrection make any real difference in my everyday life? The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or in the afterlife at all. Their question to Jesus was intended to show how foolish Jesus was for believing in such a doctrine, more than seeking any real answer. Jesus’ response was that their failure to believe in the resurrection was a result of their failure to really understand the Scriptures, and from that to know and understand the power of God - who He is, what He can do, and what is the nature of His relationship with those He loves in a covenant relationship. If we are to grow in our confident assurance of the resurrection, that Jesus rose again and that so will we, then we must turn to the Scriptures and find the truth and conviction to firmly establish our faith. The Bible is the main path to grow in faith because it is God's direct word to us. Therefore, the Word is more reliable and more powerful than any other "proof" or evidence. All other evidence must rest on human experience and perception, and our own perceptions are far too unreliable. Only God's revelation in Scripture is absolutely reliable! Solid confidence in the resurrection will change the way we live because we know that there is much more to us than our few years on this earth. What we do in this life has great consequences in the next, and we will stand before God the great judge who will reward and punish for all eternity based on how we live here and now! Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our … Tim Dunham 2601 https://ccf.sermon.net/21771588/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theresurrection/id/3636221.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21771588 Scripture: Matthew 22:23-22:33, Series: Matthew Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our savior as an event that has already happened! All of Christianity depends on this one great event, but how do we know it’s true? Paul said that if Jesus was not raised from the dead, we Christians are most to be pitied because we have believed a lie! So, how do we know Jesus really rose from the dead? If we have doubts, what can we do to grow in our faith that the resurrection is true? How will my conviction about the resurrection make any real difference in my everyday life? The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or in the afterlife at all. Their question to Jesus was intended to show how foolish Jesus was for believing in such a doctrine, more than seeking any real answer. Jesus’ response was that their failure to believe in the resurrection was a result of their failure to really understand the Scriptures, and from that to know and understand the power of God - who He is, what He can do, and what is the nature of His relationship with those He loves in a covenant relationship. If we are to grow in our confident assurance of the resurrection, that Jesus rose again and that so will we, then we must turn to the Scriptures and find the truth and conviction to firmly establish our faith. The Bible is the main path to grow in faith because it is God's direct word to us. Therefore, the Word is more reliable and more powerful than any other "proof" or evidence. All other evidence must rest on human experience and perception, and our own perceptions are far too unreliable. Only God's revelation in Scripture is absolutely reliable! Solid confidence in the resurrection will change the way we live because we know that there is much more to us than our few years on this earth. What we do in this life has great consequences in the next, and we will stand before God the great judge who will reward and punish for all eternity based on how we live here and now! Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our savior as an event that has already happened! All of Christianity depends on this one great event, but how do we know it’s true? Paul said that if Jesus was not raised from the dead, we Christians are most to be pitied because we have believed a lie! So, how do we know Jesus really rose from the dead? If we have doubts, what can we do to grow in our faith that the resurrection is true? How will my conviction about the resurrection make any real difference in my everyday life? The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection or in the afterlife at all. Their question to Jesus was intended to show how foolish Jesus was for believing in such a doctrine, more than seeking any real answer. Jesus’ response was that their failure to believe in the resurrection was a result of their failure to really understand the Scriptures, and from that to know and understand the power of God - who He is, what He can do, and what is the nature of His relationship with those He loves in a covenant relationship. If we are to grow in our confident assurance of the resurrection, that Jesus rose again and that so will we, then we must turn to the Scriptures and find the truth and conviction to firmly establish our faith. The Bible is the main path to grow in faith because it is God's direct word to us. Therefore, the Word is more reliable and more powerful than any other "proof" or evidence. All other evidence must rest on human experience and perception, and our own perceptions are far too unreliable. Only God's revelation in Scripture is absolutely reliable! Solid confidence in the resurrection will change the way we live because we know that there is much more to us than our few years on this earth. What we do in this life has great consequences in the next, and we will stand before God the great judge who will reward and punish for all eternity based on how we live here and now! Big Idea - S - The resurrection is the one thing that makes Christianity unique from every other religion. Many believe in the afterlife, reincarnation, and even in the resurrection of the dead, but only Christianity celebrates the resurrection of our … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21771588/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theresurrection/id/410041 https://ccf.sermon.net/21771588 Scripture: Matthew 22:23-22:33, Series: Matthew Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:41:27 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in many places because of drastically opposing world views. We all think our view must be the correct view, but how can we be certain? The only way to stop being a product of someone else's teaching (world view) is when you start being the product of a different teacher! Every world view is flawed and is full of error, some more than others, but every view has its failures because all humanity is blind, and every teacher is a blind guide of the blind. One option is to stop following anyone, and look only to ourselves for the answers, but that is exactly how the teachers we have followed have led us away from the truth. We are only becoming our own blind guide. The only reasonable and sane option is to find a different teacher, one who is not blind! And there is only one such teacher - Jesus. We know we can trust Him because His life and everything He taught has been vindicated by the resurrection Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in many places because of drastically opposing world views. We all think our view must be the correct view, but how can we be certain? The only way to stop being a product of someone else's teaching (world view) is when you start being the product of a different teacher! Every world view is flawed and is full of error, some more than others, but every view has its failures because all humanity is blind, and every teacher is a blind guide of the blind. One option is to stop following anyone, and look only to ourselves for the answers, but that is exactly how the teachers we have followed have led us away from the truth. We are only becoming our own blind guide. The only reasonable and sane option is to find a different teacher, one who is not blind! And there is only one such teacher - Jesus. We know we can trust Him because His life and everything He taught has been vindicated by the resurrection Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in m… Tim Dunham 2877 https://ccf.sermon.net/21766651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blindguidesoftheblind/id/3631497.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21766651 Scripture: Matthew 23:1-23:39, Series: Matthew Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:41:27 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in many places because of drastically opposing world views. We all think our view must be the correct view, but how can we be certain? The only way to stop being a product of someone else's teaching (world view) is when you start being the product of a different teacher! Every world view is flawed and is full of error, some more than others, but every view has its failures because all humanity is blind, and every teacher is a blind guide of the blind. One option is to stop following anyone, and look only to ourselves for the answers, but that is exactly how the teachers we have followed have led us away from the truth. We are only becoming our own blind guide. The only reasonable and sane option is to find a different teacher, one who is not blind! And there is only one such teacher - Jesus. We know we can trust Him because His life and everything He taught has been vindicated by the resurrection Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in many places because of drastically opposing world views. We all think our view must be the correct view, but how can we be certain? The only way to stop being a product of someone else's teaching (world view) is when you start being the product of a different teacher! Every world view is flawed and is full of error, some more than others, but every view has its failures because all humanity is blind, and every teacher is a blind guide of the blind. One option is to stop following anyone, and look only to ourselves for the answers, but that is exactly how the teachers we have followed have led us away from the truth. We are only becoming our own blind guide. The only reasonable and sane option is to find a different teacher, one who is not blind! And there is only one such teacher - Jesus. We know we can trust Him because His life and everything He taught has been vindicated by the resurrection Big Idea - When do you stop being a product of the teachers and influencers who shaped you? Our thinking and worldview are not a matter of our own making - it is shaped in us by others. How do we know it is correct or true? The world is in turmoil in m… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21766651/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_blindguidesoftheblind/id/409629 https://ccf.sermon.net/21766651 Scripture: Matthew 23:1-23:39, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Mar 2021 06:52:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively persecute and harm Christians. In a world where most leaders are elected by democratic process, those places where rulers have seized power by force, it seems quite unjust and wrong! So, what should our attitude be toward governments and rulers who do not uphold our values? We are to give to all leaders and governments respect and obedience in the sphere of their God-given authority, not because they are just or good, but because it is part of our obedience to God who placed us under their authority. Following human rulers does not mean we are worshipping them or that we support everything they do. Our allegiance, loyalty, and obedience must first be to God as the one who is supreme over every power and authority. When we love, worship, and obey God first, we have the freedom and obligation to honor and obey human authorities. The only time we must not obey human rulers is when obeying man would mean disobeying God. We are to give to each, God and rulers, what belongs to them. We have been bought with a price and therefore we belong to God and are to give our lives to Him! Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively persecute and harm Christians. In a world where most leaders are elected by democratic process, those places where rulers have seized power by force, it seems quite unjust and wrong! So, what should our attitude be toward governments and rulers who do not uphold our values? We are to give to all leaders and governments respect and obedience in the sphere of their God-given authority, not because they are just or good, but because it is part of our obedience to God who placed us under their authority. Following human rulers does not mean we are worshipping them or that we support everything they do. Our allegiance, loyalty, and obedience must first be to God as the one who is supreme over every power and authority. When we love, worship, and obey God first, we have the freedom and obligation to honor and obey human authorities. The only time we must not obey human rulers is when obeying man would mean disobeying God. We are to give to each, God and rulers, what belongs to them. We have been bought with a price and therefore we belong to God and are to give our lives to Him! Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively per… Tim Dunham 2688 https://ccf.sermon.net/21763047/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godandgovernments/id/3628035.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21763047 Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22:22, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Mar 2021 06:52:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively persecute and harm Christians. In a world where most leaders are elected by democratic process, those places where rulers have seized power by force, it seems quite unjust and wrong! So, what should our attitude be toward governments and rulers who do not uphold our values? We are to give to all leaders and governments respect and obedience in the sphere of their God-given authority, not because they are just or good, but because it is part of our obedience to God who placed us under their authority. Following human rulers does not mean we are worshipping them or that we support everything they do. Our allegiance, loyalty, and obedience must first be to God as the one who is supreme over every power and authority. When we love, worship, and obey God first, we have the freedom and obligation to honor and obey human authorities. The only time we must not obey human rulers is when obeying man would mean disobeying God. We are to give to each, God and rulers, what belongs to them. We have been bought with a price and therefore we belong to God and are to give our lives to Him! Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively persecute and harm Christians. In a world where most leaders are elected by democratic process, those places where rulers have seized power by force, it seems quite unjust and wrong! So, what should our attitude be toward governments and rulers who do not uphold our values? We are to give to all leaders and governments respect and obedience in the sphere of their God-given authority, not because they are just or good, but because it is part of our obedience to God who placed us under their authority. Following human rulers does not mean we are worshipping them or that we support everything they do. Our allegiance, loyalty, and obedience must first be to God as the one who is supreme over every power and authority. When we love, worship, and obey God first, we have the freedom and obligation to honor and obey human authorities. The only time we must not obey human rulers is when obeying man would mean disobeying God. We are to give to each, God and rulers, what belongs to them. We have been bought with a price and therefore we belong to God and are to give our lives to Him! Big Idea - What is to be our relationship to rulers and governments? Many rulers are corrupt or even evil and many government regulations are opposed to Christian values (abortion, anti-conversion laws, same-sex marriage). Some governments actively per… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21763047/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_godandgovernments/id/409361 https://ccf.sermon.net/21763047 Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22:22, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Mar 2021 08:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of heaven is like the joyous celebration of a wedding. God invites us to share in His joy. He is gracious and patient in extending the invitation because He truly wants to share His joy with us! We truly honor God by participating in His joy and we greatly dishonor God by seeking joy apart from Him. The Kingdom is for those who have faith to accept the invitation and dress for the occasion - that is, by repentance and sanctification to be clothed in righteousness through the work of Christ. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of heaven is like the joyous celebration of a wedding. God invites us to share in His joy. He is gracious and patient in extending the invitation because He truly wants to share His joy with us! We truly honor God by participating in His joy and we greatly dishonor God by seeking joy apart from Him. The Kingdom is for those who have faith to accept the invitation and dress for the occasion - that is, by repentance and sanctification to be clothed in righteousness through the work of Christ. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells… Tim Dunham 2638 https://ccf.sermon.net/21759428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechosenfew/id/3624529.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21759428 Scripture: Matthew 22:1-22:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Mar 2021 08:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of heaven is like the joyous celebration of a wedding. God invites us to share in His joy. He is gracious and patient in extending the invitation because He truly wants to share His joy with us! We truly honor God by participating in His joy and we greatly dishonor God by seeking joy apart from Him. The Kingdom is for those who have faith to accept the invitation and dress for the occasion - that is, by repentance and sanctification to be clothed in righteousness through the work of Christ. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of heaven is like the joyous celebration of a wedding. God invites us to share in His joy. He is gracious and patient in extending the invitation because He truly wants to share His joy with us! We truly honor God by participating in His joy and we greatly dishonor God by seeking joy apart from Him. The Kingdom is for those who have faith to accept the invitation and dress for the occasion - that is, by repentance and sanctification to be clothed in righteousness through the work of Christ. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God like? It seems like a lot of rules - God wants to take control of our lives and tell us how to live. Following Jesus can also lead to suffering and persecution. So, why would anyone want to follow Him? Jesus tells… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21759428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thechosenfew/id/409102 https://ccf.sermon.net/21759428 Scripture: Matthew 22:1-22:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 07 Mar 2021 05:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus knows their plan better than they do. Killing Jesus is no small thing - it is the ultimate rejection of God Himself. We know how we would respond to rejection and even the leaders of Israel waste no time calling down the most severe punishment on the rebellious farmers in the parable. But, how does God respond to all-out rejection? The amazing thing is God’s incredible patience in dealing with those who have rejected Him. He does not respond with instant wrath. He is patient, giving every chance for people to change. But, in the end, He will destroy those who reject Jesus, His son. At the same time, it is by means of this very rejection and death of His Son that God works out His saving plan for those who turn to Him in faith. God will take the Kingdom away from Israel, who did not give Him the fruit of gratitude and obedience, and He will give it to a new people - those who honor the Son and follow Him in faith! Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus knows their plan better than they do. Killing Jesus is no small thing - it is the ultimate rejection of God Himself. We know how we would respond to rejection and even the leaders of Israel waste no time calling down the most severe punishment on the rebellious farmers in the parable. But, how does God respond to all-out rejection? The amazing thing is God’s incredible patience in dealing with those who have rejected Him. He does not respond with instant wrath. He is patient, giving every chance for people to change. But, in the end, He will destroy those who reject Jesus, His son. At the same time, it is by means of this very rejection and death of His Son that God works out His saving plan for those who turn to Him in faith. God will take the Kingdom away from Israel, who did not give Him the fruit of gratitude and obedience, and He will give it to a new people - those who honor the Son and follow Him in faith! Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus… Tim Dunham 2762 https://ccf.sermon.net/21755654/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_reected/id/3620902.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21755654 Scripture: Matthew 21:33-21:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 07 Mar 2021 05:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus knows their plan better than they do. Killing Jesus is no small thing - it is the ultimate rejection of God Himself. We know how we would respond to rejection and even the leaders of Israel waste no time calling down the most severe punishment on the rebellious farmers in the parable. But, how does God respond to all-out rejection? The amazing thing is God’s incredible patience in dealing with those who have rejected Him. He does not respond with instant wrath. He is patient, giving every chance for people to change. But, in the end, He will destroy those who reject Jesus, His son. At the same time, it is by means of this very rejection and death of His Son that God works out His saving plan for those who turn to Him in faith. God will take the Kingdom away from Israel, who did not give Him the fruit of gratitude and obedience, and He will give it to a new people - those who honor the Son and follow Him in faith! Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus knows their plan better than they do. Killing Jesus is no small thing - it is the ultimate rejection of God Himself. We know how we would respond to rejection and even the leaders of Israel waste no time calling down the most severe punishment on the rebellious farmers in the parable. But, how does God respond to all-out rejection? The amazing thing is God’s incredible patience in dealing with those who have rejected Him. He does not respond with instant wrath. He is patient, giving every chance for people to change. But, in the end, He will destroy those who reject Jesus, His son. At the same time, it is by means of this very rejection and death of His Son that God works out His saving plan for those who turn to Him in faith. God will take the Kingdom away from Israel, who did not give Him the fruit of gratitude and obedience, and He will give it to a new people - those who honor the Son and follow Him in faith! Big Idea - Jesus is going to the cross, and the Gospel makes it so clear that it is by His own doing. Jesus will lay down His life for us. In this parable, Jesus tells the leaders indirectly, that they have rejected Him and will put Him to death. Jesus… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21755654/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_reected/id/408841 https://ccf.sermon.net/21755654 Scripture: Matthew 21:33-21:46, Series: Matthew Sun, 28 Feb 2021 09:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those in charge of the Temple, the Chief Priests and the Elders, are threatened by Jesus’ claim of authority. They are in charge of the Temple and the people, who is Jesus that would usurp their authority? So, they question Jesus in the Temple seeking to know by what authority Jesus is doing all these things? But, do they really want to know the answer? If Jesus is the Messiah, then He has received authority, not from man but from God. If that is truly the case, are the leaders prepared to submit to His authority? Jesus’ response to their question, while not a direct answer, points to the real problem. The real question is this - if Jesus does receive His authority from God will the leaders submit to Him as King? They were not willing to accept the God-given authority of John, so they will not receive the authority of Jesus either, and this is proof that they are do not accept even the rule of God! Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those in charge of the Temple, the Chief Priests and the Elders, are threatened by Jesus’ claim of authority. They are in charge of the Temple and the people, who is Jesus that would usurp their authority? So, they question Jesus in the Temple seeking to know by what authority Jesus is doing all these things? But, do they really want to know the answer? If Jesus is the Messiah, then He has received authority, not from man but from God. If that is truly the case, are the leaders prepared to submit to His authority? Jesus’ response to their question, while not a direct answer, points to the real problem. The real question is this - if Jesus does receive His authority from God will the leaders submit to Him as King? They were not willing to accept the God-given authority of John, so they will not receive the authority of Jesus either, and this is proof that they are do not accept even the rule of God! Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those i… Tim Dunham 2836 https://ccf.sermon.net/21752009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whosinchargehere/id/3617395.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21752009 Scripture: Matthew 21:23-21:32, Series: Matthew Sun, 28 Feb 2021 09:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those in charge of the Temple, the Chief Priests and the Elders, are threatened by Jesus’ claim of authority. They are in charge of the Temple and the people, who is Jesus that would usurp their authority? So, they question Jesus in the Temple seeking to know by what authority Jesus is doing all these things? But, do they really want to know the answer? If Jesus is the Messiah, then He has received authority, not from man but from God. If that is truly the case, are the leaders prepared to submit to His authority? Jesus’ response to their question, while not a direct answer, points to the real problem. The real question is this - if Jesus does receive His authority from God will the leaders submit to Him as King? They were not willing to accept the God-given authority of John, so they will not receive the authority of Jesus either, and this is proof that they are do not accept even the rule of God! Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those in charge of the Temple, the Chief Priests and the Elders, are threatened by Jesus’ claim of authority. They are in charge of the Temple and the people, who is Jesus that would usurp their authority? So, they question Jesus in the Temple seeking to know by what authority Jesus is doing all these things? But, do they really want to know the answer? If Jesus is the Messiah, then He has received authority, not from man but from God. If that is truly the case, are the leaders prepared to submit to His authority? Jesus’ response to their question, while not a direct answer, points to the real problem. The real question is this - if Jesus does receive His authority from God will the leaders submit to Him as King? They were not willing to accept the God-given authority of John, so they will not receive the authority of Jesus either, and this is proof that they are do not accept even the rule of God! Big Idea - Jesus has come to Jerusalem in a very visible way, and taking action in ways that are very Messianic - entering Jerusalem as King coming in peace, and chasing the merchants out of the Temple, and receiving praise that belongs to God. Those i… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21752009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whosinchargehere/id/408564 https://ccf.sermon.net/21752009 Scripture: Matthew 21:23-21:32, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:44:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or maybe we even feel most of the time. Why doesn't it work? What are we doing wrong? If Jesus is really the Son of God, we cannot doubt His word - the promise is 100% true. So, why doesn't it seem to work? Why doesn't God seem to give us whatever we ask for? The problem cannot be with the promise - the promise is true. Since it is true, we must conclude that Jesus intended His disciples and us to be accomplishing impossible things through prayer. The Christian life is to have a significant measure of the impossible if not the outright supernatural. The primary condition to success is that we pray believing. That we have faith without doubt. So, the problem is most likely to be found in the area of our faith. Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or maybe we even feel most of the time. Why doesn't it work? What are we doing wrong? If Jesus is really the Son of God, we cannot doubt His word - the promise is 100% true. So, why doesn't it seem to work? Why doesn't God seem to give us whatever we ask for? The problem cannot be with the promise - the promise is true. Since it is true, we must conclude that Jesus intended His disciples and us to be accomplishing impossible things through prayer. The Christian life is to have a significant measure of the impossible if not the outright supernatural. The primary condition to success is that we pray believing. That we have faith without doubt. So, the problem is most likely to be found in the area of our faith. Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or … Tim Dunham 3065 https://ccf.sermon.net/21748330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_believingprayer/id/3613898.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21748330 Scripture: Matthew 21:18-21:22, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Feb 2021 05:44:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or maybe we even feel most of the time. Why doesn't it work? What are we doing wrong? If Jesus is really the Son of God, we cannot doubt His word - the promise is 100% true. So, why doesn't it seem to work? Why doesn't God seem to give us whatever we ask for? The problem cannot be with the promise - the promise is true. Since it is true, we must conclude that Jesus intended His disciples and us to be accomplishing impossible things through prayer. The Christian life is to have a significant measure of the impossible if not the outright supernatural. The primary condition to success is that we pray believing. That we have faith without doubt. So, the problem is most likely to be found in the area of our faith. Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or maybe we even feel most of the time. Why doesn't it work? What are we doing wrong? If Jesus is really the Son of God, we cannot doubt His word - the promise is 100% true. So, why doesn't it seem to work? Why doesn't God seem to give us whatever we ask for? The problem cannot be with the promise - the promise is true. Since it is true, we must conclude that Jesus intended His disciples and us to be accomplishing impossible things through prayer. The Christian life is to have a significant measure of the impossible if not the outright supernatural. The primary condition to success is that we pray believing. That we have faith without doubt. So, the problem is most likely to be found in the area of our faith. Big Idea - Jesus makes a remarkable promise that if we ask in faith, we will receive "whatever" we ask for in prayer. That is an astonishing promise, but most Christians have tried it and found that it doesn't really seem to work, not all the time, or … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21748330/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_believingprayer/id/408282 https://ccf.sermon.net/21748330 Scripture: Matthew 21:18-21:22, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:39:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And more importantly what is the meaning of what Jesus does? He is clearly making a point by what He does, but what exactly is the point? The possible options for what Jesus’ actions in the Temple mean are many and it is likely that what Jesus did had symbolic meaning at many levels. Jesus was showing that He had ultimate authority over the Temple because He was the Messiah. His intense reaction and even anger remind us that He is both a loving savior and a righteous judge, and His righteous response to sin is one of anger and judgment and His actions certainly point toward the coming judgment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple. But most importantly, Jesus' actions show that one greater than the Temple has come who will make the Temple and the entire sacrificial system obsolete. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, a place where all, even Gentiles and the lame (unclean) could seek and find God. More than that could enter into His presence. But, a man-made Temple, the blood of animals, and a sinful priesthood were inadequate to such a task. But, one greater than the Temple has come! By His blood, all who believe have access to the very throne of heaven and can find cleansing and healing there. That it is right for Jesus to receive the praise belonging to God alone is proof that He is the Messiah who does in fact replace the Temple. Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And more importantly what is the meaning of what Jesus does? He is clearly making a point by what He does, but what exactly is the point? The possible options for what Jesus’ actions in the Temple mean are many and it is likely that what Jesus did had symbolic meaning at many levels. Jesus was showing that He had ultimate authority over the Temple because He was the Messiah. His intense reaction and even anger remind us that He is both a loving savior and a righteous judge, and His righteous response to sin is one of anger and judgment and His actions certainly point toward the coming judgment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple. But most importantly, Jesus' actions show that one greater than the Temple has come who will make the Temple and the entire sacrificial system obsolete. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, a place where all, even Gentiles and the lame (unclean) could seek and find God. More than that could enter into His presence. But, a man-made Temple, the blood of animals, and a sinful priesthood were inadequate to such a task. But, one greater than the Temple has come! By His blood, all who believe have access to the very throne of heaven and can find cleansing and healing there. That it is right for Jesus to receive the praise belonging to God alone is proof that He is the Messiah who does in fact replace the Temple. Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And mo… Tim Dunham 1846 https://ccf.sermon.net/21744750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_greaterthanthetemple/id/3610539.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21744750 Scripture: Matthew 21:12-21:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:39:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And more importantly what is the meaning of what Jesus does? He is clearly making a point by what He does, but what exactly is the point? The possible options for what Jesus’ actions in the Temple mean are many and it is likely that what Jesus did had symbolic meaning at many levels. Jesus was showing that He had ultimate authority over the Temple because He was the Messiah. His intense reaction and even anger remind us that He is both a loving savior and a righteous judge, and His righteous response to sin is one of anger and judgment and His actions certainly point toward the coming judgment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple. But most importantly, Jesus' actions show that one greater than the Temple has come who will make the Temple and the entire sacrificial system obsolete. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, a place where all, even Gentiles and the lame (unclean) could seek and find God. More than that could enter into His presence. But, a man-made Temple, the blood of animals, and a sinful priesthood were inadequate to such a task. But, one greater than the Temple has come! By His blood, all who believe have access to the very throne of heaven and can find cleansing and healing there. That it is right for Jesus to receive the praise belonging to God alone is proof that He is the Messiah who does in fact replace the Temple. Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And more importantly what is the meaning of what Jesus does? He is clearly making a point by what He does, but what exactly is the point? The possible options for what Jesus’ actions in the Temple mean are many and it is likely that what Jesus did had symbolic meaning at many levels. Jesus was showing that He had ultimate authority over the Temple because He was the Messiah. His intense reaction and even anger remind us that He is both a loving savior and a righteous judge, and His righteous response to sin is one of anger and judgment and His actions certainly point toward the coming judgment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple. But most importantly, Jesus' actions show that one greater than the Temple has come who will make the Temple and the entire sacrificial system obsolete. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, a place where all, even Gentiles and the lame (unclean) could seek and find God. More than that could enter into His presence. But, a man-made Temple, the blood of animals, and a sinful priesthood were inadequate to such a task. But, one greater than the Temple has come! By His blood, all who believe have access to the very throne of heaven and can find cleansing and healing there. That it is right for Jesus to receive the praise belonging to God alone is proof that He is the Messiah who does in fact replace the Temple. Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And mo… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21744750/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_greaterthanthetemple/id/407995 https://ccf.sermon.net/21744750 Scripture: Matthew 21:12-21:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 31 Jan 2021 09:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The blind men asked for mercy to have their eyes opened and that is really what they all should have been asking for - if not their physical eyes, certainly the eyes of understanding. The two blind men were able to ask for exactly the right kind of help because they knew their genuine need, and they knew they didn't deserve Jesus' help, but they trusted in His mercy. We would do well to follow their lead by asking Jesus to open our eyes, not because we have a right to His help, but because Jesus always meets the sincere cry for mercy with compassion and real help. Specifically, we need to ask Jesus to open our eyes 1) to see our great need for Him, 2) to see and to know God's gracious love for us in Christ Jesus, and 3) to understand what is the true nature of His kingdom and what it means for us to follow Him as residents of the Kingdom of heaven. Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The blind men asked for mercy to have their eyes opened and that is really what they all should have been asking for - if not their physical eyes, certainly the eyes of understanding. The two blind men were able to ask for exactly the right kind of help because they knew their genuine need, and they knew they didn't deserve Jesus' help, but they trusted in His mercy. We would do well to follow their lead by asking Jesus to open our eyes, not because we have a right to His help, but because Jesus always meets the sincere cry for mercy with compassion and real help. Specifically, we need to ask Jesus to open our eyes 1) to see our great need for Him, 2) to see and to know God's gracious love for us in Christ Jesus, and 3) to understand what is the true nature of His kingdom and what it means for us to follow Him as residents of the Kingdom of heaven. Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The… Tim Dunham 2888 https://ccf.sermon.net/21741320/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_openoureyeslord/id/3607240.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21741320 Scripture: Matthew 20:29-20:34, Series: Matthew Sun, 31 Jan 2021 09:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The blind men asked for mercy to have their eyes opened and that is really what they all should have been asking for - if not their physical eyes, certainly the eyes of understanding. The two blind men were able to ask for exactly the right kind of help because they knew their genuine need, and they knew they didn't deserve Jesus' help, but they trusted in His mercy. We would do well to follow their lead by asking Jesus to open our eyes, not because we have a right to His help, but because Jesus always meets the sincere cry for mercy with compassion and real help. Specifically, we need to ask Jesus to open our eyes 1) to see our great need for Him, 2) to see and to know God's gracious love for us in Christ Jesus, and 3) to understand what is the true nature of His kingdom and what it means for us to follow Him as residents of the Kingdom of heaven. Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The blind men asked for mercy to have their eyes opened and that is really what they all should have been asking for - if not their physical eyes, certainly the eyes of understanding. The two blind men were able to ask for exactly the right kind of help because they knew their genuine need, and they knew they didn't deserve Jesus' help, but they trusted in His mercy. We would do well to follow their lead by asking Jesus to open our eyes, not because we have a right to His help, but because Jesus always meets the sincere cry for mercy with compassion and real help. Specifically, we need to ask Jesus to open our eyes 1) to see our great need for Him, 2) to see and to know God's gracious love for us in Christ Jesus, and 3) to understand what is the true nature of His kingdom and what it means for us to follow Him as residents of the Kingdom of heaven. Big Idea - In Matthew 19-20, many different people are making all kinds of requests of Jesus. But it is only the two blind men who really know exactly what to ask for. How is their request different and what enabled them to ask for the best thing? The… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21741320/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_openoureyeslord/id/407730 https://ccf.sermon.net/21741320 Scripture: Matthew 20:29-20:34, Series: Matthew Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:52:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of leading in the kingdom of heaven is by way of serving. Jesus is the supreme example of leading by serving. What does Jesus' example teach us about how to serve others even as we lead them? Jesus was the Messiah, the promised King who is the supreme leader of His Kingdom. He leads according to the plan and purpose of God, not by the will of the people. But, His leadership is not characterized by force or power, demanding His own way. He did not come to be served, that is to demand people cater to His every need and whim. Rather, He came to serve by laying down His life to meet the great spiritual need of others. Leading is drawing people to fulfill God's purpose and plan on the road of obedience. But, as we lead others, whether in our own home, in the workplace, in the Church, or in society our leadership must be characterized by serving. Laying down our own life, our wants and needs, to sacrificially care for the needs of others so that they are equipped and able to fulfill God's purpose for their life. Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of leading in the kingdom of heaven is by way of serving. Jesus is the supreme example of leading by serving. What does Jesus' example teach us about how to serve others even as we lead them? Jesus was the Messiah, the promised King who is the supreme leader of His Kingdom. He leads according to the plan and purpose of God, not by the will of the people. But, His leadership is not characterized by force or power, demanding His own way. He did not come to be served, that is to demand people cater to His every need and whim. Rather, He came to serve by laying down His life to meet the great spiritual need of others. Leading is drawing people to fulfill God's purpose and plan on the road of obedience. But, as we lead others, whether in our own home, in the workplace, in the Church, or in society our leadership must be characterized by serving. Laying down our own life, our wants and needs, to sacrificially care for the needs of others so that they are equipped and able to fulfill God's purpose for their life. Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of … Tim Dunham 3193 https://ccf.sermon.net/21734074/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_upsidedownleadership/id/3600724.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21734074 Scripture: Matthew 20:17-20:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:52:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of leading in the kingdom of heaven is by way of serving. Jesus is the supreme example of leading by serving. What does Jesus' example teach us about how to serve others even as we lead them? Jesus was the Messiah, the promised King who is the supreme leader of His Kingdom. He leads according to the plan and purpose of God, not by the will of the people. But, His leadership is not characterized by force or power, demanding His own way. He did not come to be served, that is to demand people cater to His every need and whim. Rather, He came to serve by laying down His life to meet the great spiritual need of others. Leading is drawing people to fulfill God's purpose and plan on the road of obedience. But, as we lead others, whether in our own home, in the workplace, in the Church, or in society our leadership must be characterized by serving. Laying down our own life, our wants and needs, to sacrificially care for the needs of others so that they are equipped and able to fulfill God's purpose for their life. Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of leading in the kingdom of heaven is by way of serving. Jesus is the supreme example of leading by serving. What does Jesus' example teach us about how to serve others even as we lead them? Jesus was the Messiah, the promised King who is the supreme leader of His Kingdom. He leads according to the plan and purpose of God, not by the will of the people. But, His leadership is not characterized by force or power, demanding His own way. He did not come to be served, that is to demand people cater to His every need and whim. Rather, He came to serve by laying down His life to meet the great spiritual need of others. Leading is drawing people to fulfill God's purpose and plan on the road of obedience. But, as we lead others, whether in our own home, in the workplace, in the Church, or in society our leadership must be characterized by serving. Laying down our own life, our wants and needs, to sacrificially care for the needs of others so that they are equipped and able to fulfill God's purpose for their life. Big Idea - One of the most significant differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven is the nature of leadership. Worldly leadership is about power and control, dominating others in order to get your own way. But, the way of … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21734074/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_upsidedownleadership/id/407166 https://ccf.sermon.net/21734074 Scripture: Matthew 20:17-20:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 17 Jan 2021 06:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so that I can be first? What does this expression really mean and more importantly, what does it have to do with the way I think and live right now? Does being first mean first in line? The one who arrived at the goal or destination first? Or does it mean first in rank - the one who is the leader, or on top of the pecking order? Or does it mean something else altogether? Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so that I can be first? What does this expression really mean and more importantly, what does it have to do with the way I think and live right now? Does being first mean first in line? The one who arrived at the goal or destination first? Or does it mean first in rank - the one who is the leader, or on top of the pecking order? Or does it mean something else altogether? Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so… Tim Dunham 2885 https://ccf.sermon.net/21730480/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelastwillbefirst/id/3597405.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21730480 Scripture: Matthew 19:27-20:16, Series: Matthew Sun, 17 Jan 2021 06:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so that I can be first? What does this expression really mean and more importantly, what does it have to do with the way I think and live right now? Does being first mean first in line? The one who arrived at the goal or destination first? Or does it mean first in rank - the one who is the leader, or on top of the pecking order? Or does it mean something else altogether? Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so that I can be first? What does this expression really mean and more importantly, what does it have to do with the way I think and live right now? Does being first mean first in line? The one who arrived at the goal or destination first? Or does it mean first in rank - the one who is the leader, or on top of the pecking order? Or does it mean something else altogether? Big Idea - This phrase "The first shall be last and the last first" is one we probably all know and are familiar with. But what exactly did Jesus mean by it? How do I know If I am first, or last? Should I try to be first, or should I try to be last, so… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21730480/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thelastwillbefirst/id/406893 https://ccf.sermon.net/21730480 Scripture: Matthew 19:27-20:16, Series: Matthew Sun, 10 Jan 2021 05:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test Jesus. Divorce had become very widely accepted in Jesus' day even among the Pharisees who were the most serious about keeping all the commands with extreme diligence. They had come to have an expectation that their wife had to live up to their expectations in every way, and if they didn't you could get rid of them and find a better model. In our age, the attitude about divorce is much the same, in the world anyway. The fairy tales have taught us that when you meet the right person and fall in love you will live happily ever after. So if you are not happy, you must have married the wrong person. The solution, then, is to bail out of that relationship and find that right person who will make you happy. After all, doesn't God want us to be happy? On the other hand, there are some Christians who say that you can never divorce no matter what. It is always wrong, and if you divorce you can never remarry, and if you do you are living in adultery. So, what is right? What is allowed? Does God want us to live happily ever after? Or are we condemned to a life sentence of misery if we married the wrong person? The good news is that God does care a great deal about our happiness, but Jesus teaches that the key to our happiness is not finding "Mr. or Mrs. Right", rather the problem is our own hard heart that is seeking happiness apart from God and His design and plan for our life. It is the great deception of Satan from the very beginning of creation, that the key to happiness depends on something beyond us, beyond our current situation or circumstances. Adam and Eve had access to all the trees of the garden but one - and Satan convinced them that they could never be happy until they ate from that one - that was the one that would really make them happy! So it has been ever since. I am single, but I can't be happy unless I get married. Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test Jesus. Divorce had become very widely accepted in Jesus' day even among the Pharisees who were the most serious about keeping all the commands with extreme diligence. They had come to have an expectation that their wife had to live up to their expectations in every way, and if they didn't you could get rid of them and find a better model. In our age, the attitude about divorce is much the same, in the world anyway. The fairy tales have taught us that when you meet the right person and fall in love you will live happily ever after. So if you are not happy, you must have married the wrong person. The solution, then, is to bail out of that relationship and find that right person who will make you happy. After all, doesn't God want us to be happy? On the other hand, there are some Christians who say that you can never divorce no matter what. It is always wrong, and if you divorce you can never remarry, and if you do you are living in adultery. So, what is right? What is allowed? Does God want us to live happily ever after? Or are we condemned to a life sentence of misery if we married the wrong person? The good news is that God does care a great deal about our happiness, but Jesus teaches that the key to our happiness is not finding "Mr. or Mrs. Right", rather the problem is our own hard heart that is seeking happiness apart from God and His design and plan for our life. It is the great deception of Satan from the very beginning of creation, that the key to happiness depends on something beyond us, beyond our current situation or circumstances. Adam and Eve had access to all the trees of the garden but one - and Satan convinced them that they could never be happy until they ate from that one - that was the one that would really make them happy! So it has been ever since. I am single, but I can't be happy unless I get married. Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test J… Tim Dunham 3292 https://ccf.sermon.net/21726798/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_happilyeverafter/id/3594026.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21726798 Scripture: Matthew 19:3-19:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 10 Jan 2021 05:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test Jesus. Divorce had become very widely accepted in Jesus' day even among the Pharisees who were the most serious about keeping all the commands with extreme diligence. They had come to have an expectation that their wife had to live up to their expectations in every way, and if they didn't you could get rid of them and find a better model. In our age, the attitude about divorce is much the same, in the world anyway. The fairy tales have taught us that when you meet the right person and fall in love you will live happily ever after. So if you are not happy, you must have married the wrong person. The solution, then, is to bail out of that relationship and find that right person who will make you happy. After all, doesn't God want us to be happy? On the other hand, there are some Christians who say that you can never divorce no matter what. It is always wrong, and if you divorce you can never remarry, and if you do you are living in adultery. So, what is right? What is allowed? Does God want us to live happily ever after? Or are we condemned to a life sentence of misery if we married the wrong person? The good news is that God does care a great deal about our happiness, but Jesus teaches that the key to our happiness is not finding "Mr. or Mrs. Right", rather the problem is our own hard heart that is seeking happiness apart from God and His design and plan for our life. It is the great deception of Satan from the very beginning of creation, that the key to happiness depends on something beyond us, beyond our current situation or circumstances. Adam and Eve had access to all the trees of the garden but one - and Satan convinced them that they could never be happy until they ate from that one - that was the one that would really make them happy! So it has been ever since. I am single, but I can't be happy unless I get married. Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test Jesus. Divorce had become very widely accepted in Jesus' day even among the Pharisees who were the most serious about keeping all the commands with extreme diligence. They had come to have an expectation that their wife had to live up to their expectations in every way, and if they didn't you could get rid of them and find a better model. In our age, the attitude about divorce is much the same, in the world anyway. The fairy tales have taught us that when you meet the right person and fall in love you will live happily ever after. So if you are not happy, you must have married the wrong person. The solution, then, is to bail out of that relationship and find that right person who will make you happy. After all, doesn't God want us to be happy? On the other hand, there are some Christians who say that you can never divorce no matter what. It is always wrong, and if you divorce you can never remarry, and if you do you are living in adultery. So, what is right? What is allowed? Does God want us to live happily ever after? Or are we condemned to a life sentence of misery if we married the wrong person? The good news is that God does care a great deal about our happiness, but Jesus teaches that the key to our happiness is not finding "Mr. or Mrs. Right", rather the problem is our own hard heart that is seeking happiness apart from God and His design and plan for our life. It is the great deception of Satan from the very beginning of creation, that the key to happiness depends on something beyond us, beyond our current situation or circumstances. Adam and Eve had access to all the trees of the garden but one - and Satan convinced them that they could never be happy until they ate from that one - that was the one that would really make them happy! So it has been ever since. I am single, but I can't be happy unless I get married. Big Idea - Is divorce an option for a Christian? Was it "legal" to end your marriage so you could marry someone better? That was the question the Pharisees had for Jesus, not because they weren't certain of the answer, but because they wanted to test J… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21726798/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_happilyeverafter/id/406642 https://ccf.sermon.net/21726798 Scripture: Matthew 19:3-19:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 03 Jan 2021 04:51:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is it ever ok to get a divorce? Do I have to remain in a marriage where I am miserable, or being abused? Why am I so unhappy in my marriage? What should I do if my spouse won't change? What should I do if my spouse is always wanting to change me? Why is marriage so hard? Maybe it is better to just stay single, or just live together with someone. What is marriage anyway? If I am divorced is it ok to remarry? If I am divorced and remarried am I living in adultery? These are only some of the questions that this passage raises. But, maybe we can summarize all these questions by asking, what do I need to do if I want to achieve God's purpose for marriage my life? What is the secret to fulfilling God's plan for marriage in my life? Jesus answers the questions with one simple answer - the problem is not marriage, divorce, or being single, the problem is our hard and rebellious heart. If we are to fulfill God's purpose for our life in regards to marriage, we must have a new heart, which is made possible by the saving work of Jesus who gives us a new kind of heart. But, we must be diligent to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, for that is the root of the problem. Those who learn to walk by the Spirit will fulfill God's purpose for their life, whether it be in marriage or in singleness. Big Idea - Is it ever ok to get a divorce? Do I have to remain in a marriage where I am miserable, or being abused? Why am I so unhappy in my marriage? What should I do if my spouse won't change? What should I do if my spouse is always wanting to change me? Why is marriage so hard? Maybe it is better to just stay single, or just live together with someone. What is marriage anyway? If I am divorced is it ok to remarry? If I am divorced and remarried am I living in adultery? These are only some of the questions that this passage raises. But, maybe we can summarize all these questions by asking, what do I need to do if I want to achieve God's purpose for marriage my life? What is the secret to fulfilling God's plan for marriage in my life? Jesus answers the questions with one simple answer - the problem is not marriage, divorce, or being single, the problem is our hard and rebellious heart. If we are to fulfill God's purpose for our life in regards to marriage, we must have a new heart, which is made possible by the saving work of Jesus who gives us a new kind of heart. But, we must be diligent to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh, for that is the root of the problem. Those who learn to walk by the Spirit will fulfill God's purpose for their life, whether it be in marriage or in singleness. Big Idea - Is it ever ok to get a divorce? Do I have to remain in a marriage where I am miserable, or being abused? Why am I so unhappy in my marriage? What should I do if my spouse won't change? What should I do if my spouse is always wanting to chang… Tim Dunham 2842 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723439/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fulfillinggodsplanfor2021/id/3591269.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723439 Scripture: Matthew 19:1-19:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 27 Dec 2020 04:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no one is very happy with the way they are being led! And our grumbling against leaders is not without cause. They often make poor decisions, are power-hungry, do not seem to care for those they lead, and in the end create division and even chaos. It is no wonder, therefore, that people are constantly crying out for new and better leaders. But, are there better leaders out there? Will we ever find a leader who can really do the job well? The good news is that such a leader has already come! And Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the only One who can truly lead the world well. In Isaiah 9:1-7 we learn that Jesus was born to rule the world, for all eternity. How is Jesus the perfect ruler? Is His rule only over the Church or did He really come to rule the whole world? Jesus is the perfect and ideal ruler because He rules with supernatural wisdom, divine power and authority, fatherly benevolence, bringing everyone together in peace. The result of His rule is joy and the defeat of every enemy. The birth of Jesus is like the rising of the sun after a long dark night, but that is just the beginning, the dawning of His kingdom. But, we also look forward to the day when He will return to fully inaugurate His rule over all the earth. The question we must answer here and now, is this, “is Jesus really ruling over my life?” What does it look like for Jesus to be King over me? Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no one is very happy with the way they are being led! And our grumbling against leaders is not without cause. They often make poor decisions, are power-hungry, do not seem to care for those they lead, and in the end create division and even chaos. It is no wonder, therefore, that people are constantly crying out for new and better leaders. But, are there better leaders out there? Will we ever find a leader who can really do the job well? The good news is that such a leader has already come! And Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the only One who can truly lead the world well. In Isaiah 9:1-7 we learn that Jesus was born to rule the world, for all eternity. How is Jesus the perfect ruler? Is His rule only over the Church or did He really come to rule the whole world? Jesus is the perfect and ideal ruler because He rules with supernatural wisdom, divine power and authority, fatherly benevolence, bringing everyone together in peace. The result of His rule is joy and the defeat of every enemy. The birth of Jesus is like the rising of the sun after a long dark night, but that is just the beginning, the dawning of His kingdom. But, we also look forward to the day when He will return to fully inaugurate His rule over all the earth. The question we must answer here and now, is this, “is Jesus really ruling over my life?” What does it look like for Jesus to be King over me? Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no on… Tim Dunham 3164 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_foruntousachildisborn/id/3591267.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723437 Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-9:7, Series: Christmas Sun, 27 Dec 2020 04:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no one is very happy with the way they are being led! And our grumbling against leaders is not without cause. They often make poor decisions, are power-hungry, do not seem to care for those they lead, and in the end create division and even chaos. It is no wonder, therefore, that people are constantly crying out for new and better leaders. But, are there better leaders out there? Will we ever find a leader who can really do the job well? The good news is that such a leader has already come! And Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the only One who can truly lead the world well. In Isaiah 9:1-7 we learn that Jesus was born to rule the world, for all eternity. How is Jesus the perfect ruler? Is His rule only over the Church or did He really come to rule the whole world? Jesus is the perfect and ideal ruler because He rules with supernatural wisdom, divine power and authority, fatherly benevolence, bringing everyone together in peace. The result of His rule is joy and the defeat of every enemy. The birth of Jesus is like the rising of the sun after a long dark night, but that is just the beginning, the dawning of His kingdom. But, we also look forward to the day when He will return to fully inaugurate His rule over all the earth. The question we must answer here and now, is this, “is Jesus really ruling over my life?” What does it look like for Jesus to be King over me? Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no one is very happy with the way they are being led! And our grumbling against leaders is not without cause. They often make poor decisions, are power-hungry, do not seem to care for those they lead, and in the end create division and even chaos. It is no wonder, therefore, that people are constantly crying out for new and better leaders. But, are there better leaders out there? Will we ever find a leader who can really do the job well? The good news is that such a leader has already come! And Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the only One who can truly lead the world well. In Isaiah 9:1-7 we learn that Jesus was born to rule the world, for all eternity. How is Jesus the perfect ruler? Is His rule only over the Church or did He really come to rule the whole world? Jesus is the perfect and ideal ruler because He rules with supernatural wisdom, divine power and authority, fatherly benevolence, bringing everyone together in peace. The result of His rule is joy and the defeat of every enemy. The birth of Jesus is like the rising of the sun after a long dark night, but that is just the beginning, the dawning of His kingdom. But, we also look forward to the day when He will return to fully inaugurate His rule over all the earth. The question we must answer here and now, is this, “is Jesus really ruling over my life?” What does it look like for Jesus to be King over me? Big Idea - These days people do not seem to be very excited about their leaders, and for good reasons. Whether it is world leaders governing nations, those leading companies, or ministry organizations, or even leaders in the Church, it seems that no on… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21723437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_foruntousachildisborn/id/406432 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723437 Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-9:7, Series: Christmas Sun, 20 Dec 2020 04:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It records Jesus’ birth, but is Jesus even the main character in this story? Who is the story really about? More importantly, what does this story tell us? What is the real point Luke is making here? The story is about Jesus, but only indirectly. The main characters in the story are Joseph and Mary - it is really about them! Jesus isn’t even named. He is referred to only as the baby and Mary’s firstborn child. But, the story is about 1) God who is Sovereign even over the most powerful world leader, who in the end do God’s bidding, 2) Jesus meets the qualifications for Messiah - of the line of David, but the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth demonstrate that Jesus came as a slave, waving the rights and pomp of His position, and 3) even though the fulness of the incarnation meant Jesus was of the lowest status, He is still Lord and Master over all who would follow Him. He will dictate and govern those who follow Him, and that often means a path that is difficult and challenging. Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It records Jesus’ birth, but is Jesus even the main character in this story? Who is the story really about? More importantly, what does this story tell us? What is the real point Luke is making here? The story is about Jesus, but only indirectly. The main characters in the story are Joseph and Mary - it is really about them! Jesus isn’t even named. He is referred to only as the baby and Mary’s firstborn child. But, the story is about 1) God who is Sovereign even over the most powerful world leader, who in the end do God’s bidding, 2) Jesus meets the qualifications for Messiah - of the line of David, but the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth demonstrate that Jesus came as a slave, waving the rights and pomp of His position, and 3) even though the fulness of the incarnation meant Jesus was of the lowest status, He is still Lord and Master over all who would follow Him. He will dictate and govern those who follow Him, and that often means a path that is difficult and challenging. Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It reco… Tim Dunham 2897 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723436/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awayinamanger/id/3591266.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723436 Scripture: Luke 2:1-2:7, Series: Christmas Sun, 20 Dec 2020 04:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It records Jesus’ birth, but is Jesus even the main character in this story? Who is the story really about? More importantly, what does this story tell us? What is the real point Luke is making here? The story is about Jesus, but only indirectly. The main characters in the story are Joseph and Mary - it is really about them! Jesus isn’t even named. He is referred to only as the baby and Mary’s firstborn child. But, the story is about 1) God who is Sovereign even over the most powerful world leader, who in the end do God’s bidding, 2) Jesus meets the qualifications for Messiah - of the line of David, but the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth demonstrate that Jesus came as a slave, waving the rights and pomp of His position, and 3) even though the fulness of the incarnation meant Jesus was of the lowest status, He is still Lord and Master over all who would follow Him. He will dictate and govern those who follow Him, and that often means a path that is difficult and challenging. Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It records Jesus’ birth, but is Jesus even the main character in this story? Who is the story really about? More importantly, what does this story tell us? What is the real point Luke is making here? The story is about Jesus, but only indirectly. The main characters in the story are Joseph and Mary - it is really about them! Jesus isn’t even named. He is referred to only as the baby and Mary’s firstborn child. But, the story is about 1) God who is Sovereign even over the most powerful world leader, who in the end do God’s bidding, 2) Jesus meets the qualifications for Messiah - of the line of David, but the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth demonstrate that Jesus came as a slave, waving the rights and pomp of His position, and 3) even though the fulness of the incarnation meant Jesus was of the lowest status, He is still Lord and Master over all who would follow Him. He will dictate and govern those who follow Him, and that often means a path that is difficult and challenging. Big Idea - The story of Christmas is easily the most familiar in all the Bible. And Luke 2:1-7 even more so. But, we can confuse familiarity for understanding. What is the message of Luke 2:1-7? Do we really know what the point of the story is? It reco… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21723436/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_awayinamanger/id/406431 https://ccf.sermon.net/21723436 Scripture: Luke 2:1-2:7, Series: Christmas Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:19:26 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong perspective when the things right in front of us become bigger issues than they really are, and God and His purpose and plans in our lives get dwarfed by everything else. When this is the case it is vital that we realign our perspective by seeing how great God is and by remembering His promises and power to accomplish His perfect plan in us and through us! One of the best ways to do this is through the right kind of worship. Mary certainly had problems in her life, but she was able to keep things in the right perspective by magnifying God and finding her full joy in Him. Her worship was 1) rooted in humility, 2) focused on God’s power, 3) mindful of God’s character, and 4) shared with one who could relate. We will do well to follow Mary’s example! Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong perspective when the things right in front of us become bigger issues than they really are, and God and His purpose and plans in our lives get dwarfed by everything else. When this is the case it is vital that we realign our perspective by seeing how great God is and by remembering His promises and power to accomplish His perfect plan in us and through us! One of the best ways to do this is through the right kind of worship. Mary certainly had problems in her life, but she was able to keep things in the right perspective by magnifying God and finding her full joy in Him. Her worship was 1) rooted in humility, 2) focused on God’s power, 3) mindful of God’s character, and 4) shared with one who could relate. We will do well to follow Mary’s example! Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong persp… Tim Dunham 3375 https://ccf.sermon.net/21711530/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_keepingthingsinperspective/id/3581129.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21711530 Series: Christmas Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong perspective when the things right in front of us become bigger issues than they really are, and God and His purpose and plans in our lives get dwarfed by everything else. When this is the case it is vital that we realign our perspective by seeing how great God is and by remembering His promises and power to accomplish His perfect plan in us and through us! One of the best ways to do this is through the right kind of worship. Mary certainly had problems in her life, but she was able to keep things in the right perspective by magnifying God and finding her full joy in Him. Her worship was 1) rooted in humility, 2) focused on God’s power, 3) mindful of God’s character, and 4) shared with one who could relate. We will do well to follow Mary’s example! Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong perspective when the things right in front of us become bigger issues than they really are, and God and His purpose and plans in our lives get dwarfed by everything else. When this is the case it is vital that we realign our perspective by seeing how great God is and by remembering His promises and power to accomplish His perfect plan in us and through us! One of the best ways to do this is through the right kind of worship. Mary certainly had problems in her life, but she was able to keep things in the right perspective by magnifying God and finding her full joy in Him. Her worship was 1) rooted in humility, 2) focused on God’s power, 3) mindful of God’s character, and 4) shared with one who could relate. We will do well to follow Mary’s example! Big Idea - We are living in a challenging time - Covid, political turmoil in many countries, economic crisis, and all the uncertainties that come along with these issues. It is very easy to lose perspective, or more importantly, to have the wrong persp… Tim Dunham 3375 https://ccf.sermon.net/21711531/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_keepingthingsinperspective/id/3581132.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21711531 Scripture: Luke 1:39-1:55, Series: Christmas Sun, 06 Dec 2020 05:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear Advent sermons from Mark, but it is right to think about what we must do to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus. Just as Israel needed to prepare for His coming, if they were going to truly welcome Jesus into their lives, so we too must prepare our lives if we are going to experience Jesus as God with us - that is the point of Christmas. Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear Advent sermons from Mark, but it is right to think about what we must do to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus. Just as Israel needed to prepare for His coming, if they were going to truly welcome Jesus into their lives, so we too must prepare our lives if we are going to experience Jesus as God with us - that is the point of Christmas. Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear … Tim Dunham 3268 https://ccf.sermon.net/21707923/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparetheway/id/3577765.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21707923 Scripture: Mark 1:1-1:8, Series: Mark Sun, 06 Dec 2020 05:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear Advent sermons from Mark, but it is right to think about what we must do to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus. Just as Israel needed to prepare for His coming, if they were going to truly welcome Jesus into their lives, so we too must prepare our lives if we are going to experience Jesus as God with us - that is the point of Christmas. Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear Advent sermons from Mark, but it is right to think about what we must do to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus. Just as Israel needed to prepare for His coming, if they were going to truly welcome Jesus into their lives, so we too must prepare our lives if we are going to experience Jesus as God with us - that is the point of Christmas. Big Idea - At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it is not simply that He was born, but that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus came from heaven to earth then, so that He might be continually with us now. We do not often hear … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21707923/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_preparetheway/id/405448 https://ccf.sermon.net/21707923 Scripture: Mark 1:1-1:8, Series: Mark Sun, 29 Nov 2020 07:30:00 +0000 Walt DeMoss Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Walt DeMoss 2517 https://ccf.sermon.net/21702165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatamimissing/id/3574474.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21702165 Scripture: Matthew 19:13-19:30, Series: Matthew Sun, 22 Nov 2020 04:33:00 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 2789 https://ccf.sermon.net/21698670/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forgiveorregret/id/3571502.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21698670 Scripture: Matthew 18:21-18:35, Series: Matthew Sun, 15 Nov 2020 13:12:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3650 https://ccf.sermon.net/21695905/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letthelittlechildrencome/id/3568946.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21695905 Scripture: Matthew 19:13-19:15, Series: Matthew Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:55:30 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like the world. If you want to enter the kingdom at all you must humble yourself and take the position of a child - the lowest rank of all. We are to welcome each other as children in Jesus' name - because of our status as children of God through the work of Christ. But without some kind of hierarchy how are we to deal with sin and with those who go astray? Isn't there a need for a class of people who have the authority to decide what is right and wrong and to judge the conduct of those in the community? Something like the role of the Priests? Jesus makes it clear that the problem of sin in the community of faith, is a problem of the entire community, not the responsibility of a select few. We all must be extremely careful that we do not cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall into sin! We all must deal aggressively and decisively with sin in our personal life. Every “little one” is precious to God, even those that wander off. So each of us must have that same concern for those who wander off and diligently seek to restore them to the community. We are all accountable to each other, and God has given His authority to confront sin to those who prayerfully gather in His name. If even two are gathered in His name they have the authority to deal with a straying brother or sister. The goal is to restore the sinner, but if they refuse to repent the gathered community is authorized to break off fellowship with that person because that authority rests with the gathered and prayerful community of Christ-followers where Jesus Himself is a constant presence in their midst. Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like the world. If you want to enter the kingdom at all you must humble yourself and take the position of a child - the lowest rank of all. We are to welcome each other as children in Jesus' name - because of our status as children of God through the work of Christ. But without some kind of hierarchy how are we to deal with sin and with those who go astray? Isn't there a need for a class of people who have the authority to decide what is right and wrong and to judge the conduct of those in the community? Something like the role of the Priests? Jesus makes it clear that the problem of sin in the community of faith, is a problem of the entire community, not the responsibility of a select few. We all must be extremely careful that we do not cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall into sin! We all must deal aggressively and decisively with sin in our personal life. Every “little one” is precious to God, even those that wander off. So each of us must have that same concern for those who wander off and diligently seek to restore them to the community. We are all accountable to each other, and God has given His authority to confront sin to those who prayerfully gather in His name. If even two are gathered in His name they have the authority to deal with a straying brother or sister. The goal is to restore the sinner, but if they refuse to repent the gathered community is authorized to break off fellowship with that person because that authority rests with the gathered and prayerful community of Christ-followers where Jesus Himself is a constant presence in their midst. Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like… Tim Dunham 3381 https://ccf.sermon.net/21691489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wanderingsheep/id/3564781.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21691489 Scripture: Matthew 18:1-18:20, Series: Matthew Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:55:30 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like the world. If you want to enter the kingdom at all you must humble yourself and take the position of a child - the lowest rank of all. We are to welcome each other as children in Jesus' name - because of our status as children of God through the work of Christ. But without some kind of hierarchy how are we to deal with sin and with those who go astray? Isn't there a need for a class of people who have the authority to decide what is right and wrong and to judge the conduct of those in the community? Something like the role of the Priests? Jesus makes it clear that the problem of sin in the community of faith, is a problem of the entire community, not the responsibility of a select few. We all must be extremely careful that we do not cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall into sin! We all must deal aggressively and decisively with sin in our personal life. Every “little one” is precious to God, even those that wander off. So each of us must have that same concern for those who wander off and diligently seek to restore them to the community. We are all accountable to each other, and God has given His authority to confront sin to those who prayerfully gather in His name. If even two are gathered in His name they have the authority to deal with a straying brother or sister. The goal is to restore the sinner, but if they refuse to repent the gathered community is authorized to break off fellowship with that person because that authority rests with the gathered and prayerful community of Christ-followers where Jesus Himself is a constant presence in their midst. Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like the world. If you want to enter the kingdom at all you must humble yourself and take the position of a child - the lowest rank of all. We are to welcome each other as children in Jesus' name - because of our status as children of God through the work of Christ. But without some kind of hierarchy how are we to deal with sin and with those who go astray? Isn't there a need for a class of people who have the authority to decide what is right and wrong and to judge the conduct of those in the community? Something like the role of the Priests? Jesus makes it clear that the problem of sin in the community of faith, is a problem of the entire community, not the responsibility of a select few. We all must be extremely careful that we do not cause one of these little ones to stumble and fall into sin! We all must deal aggressively and decisively with sin in our personal life. Every “little one” is precious to God, even those that wander off. So each of us must have that same concern for those who wander off and diligently seek to restore them to the community. We are all accountable to each other, and God has given His authority to confront sin to those who prayerfully gather in His name. If even two are gathered in His name they have the authority to deal with a straying brother or sister. The goal is to restore the sinner, but if they refuse to repent the gathered community is authorized to break off fellowship with that person because that authority rests with the gathered and prayerful community of Christ-followers where Jesus Himself is a constant presence in their midst. Big Idea - How are we to handle sin in the community of faith? Who has the authority to call people to account when they go astray? Jesus began this teaching by explaining that the community of His followers were not to pursue greatness or status, like… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21691489/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_wanderingsheep/id/404446 https://ccf.sermon.net/21691489 Scripture: Matthew 18:1-18:20, Series: Matthew Sun, 01 Nov 2020 06:57:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingdom of God? Jesus makes it very clear that this kind of thinking and practice has absolutely no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The rank of every person in the Kingdom is the rank of a child - the rank of the weakest, smallest, and least important in the social order. We are to see ourselves at the rank of children and we are to see others at the same level. We are all brought low by our need for God's grace, our need for the cross. We relate to each other only on the basis of our position in Christ as His children. No one is exempt from the temptation to sin. No one is so strong that they are beyond the fight against sin in their own life. Just as children are in need of being cared for, so are we in a place of dependence on God, and on each other. Those who do wander off, are not lower than the rest of us. Instead, they are those whom God searches for and rejoices over with great joy when they are restored to the flock. Therefore, we need to show the same care for each other, and highly value every child of God, doing all we can to protect each other, and go after those who wander away. Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingdom of God? Jesus makes it very clear that this kind of thinking and practice has absolutely no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The rank of every person in the Kingdom is the rank of a child - the rank of the weakest, smallest, and least important in the social order. We are to see ourselves at the rank of children and we are to see others at the same level. We are all brought low by our need for God's grace, our need for the cross. We relate to each other only on the basis of our position in Christ as His children. No one is exempt from the temptation to sin. No one is so strong that they are beyond the fight against sin in their own life. Just as children are in need of being cared for, so are we in a place of dependence on God, and on each other. Those who do wander off, are not lower than the rest of us. Instead, they are those whom God searches for and rejoices over with great joy when they are restored to the flock. Therefore, we need to show the same care for each other, and highly value every child of God, doing all we can to protect each other, and go after those who wander away. Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingd… Tim Dunham 2769 https://ccf.sermon.net/21687948/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_becominglikechildren/id/3561336.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21687948 Scripture: Matthew 18:1-18:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 01 Nov 2020 06:57:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingdom of God? Jesus makes it very clear that this kind of thinking and practice has absolutely no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The rank of every person in the Kingdom is the rank of a child - the rank of the weakest, smallest, and least important in the social order. We are to see ourselves at the rank of children and we are to see others at the same level. We are all brought low by our need for God's grace, our need for the cross. We relate to each other only on the basis of our position in Christ as His children. No one is exempt from the temptation to sin. No one is so strong that they are beyond the fight against sin in their own life. Just as children are in need of being cared for, so are we in a place of dependence on God, and on each other. Those who do wander off, are not lower than the rest of us. Instead, they are those whom God searches for and rejoices over with great joy when they are restored to the flock. Therefore, we need to show the same care for each other, and highly value every child of God, doing all we can to protect each other, and go after those who wander away. Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingdom of God? Jesus makes it very clear that this kind of thinking and practice has absolutely no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. The rank of every person in the Kingdom is the rank of a child - the rank of the weakest, smallest, and least important in the social order. We are to see ourselves at the rank of children and we are to see others at the same level. We are all brought low by our need for God's grace, our need for the cross. We relate to each other only on the basis of our position in Christ as His children. No one is exempt from the temptation to sin. No one is so strong that they are beyond the fight against sin in their own life. Just as children are in need of being cared for, so are we in a place of dependence on God, and on each other. Those who do wander off, are not lower than the rest of us. Instead, they are those whom God searches for and rejoices over with great joy when they are restored to the flock. Therefore, we need to show the same care for each other, and highly value every child of God, doing all we can to protect each other, and go after those who wander away. Big Idea - In the Kingdoms and systems of the world, no one is really equal in status or rank. We find ways to measure ourselves against others to know who is better, who ranks higher, and who is more important. How do rank and status work in the Kingd… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21687948/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_becominglikechildren/id/404196 https://ccf.sermon.net/21687948 Scripture: Matthew 18:1-18:14, Series: Matthew Sun, 25 Oct 2020 05:12:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be diligent in paying this tax, as all devout Jews were. But, Jesus claims He is exempt - on what grounds? Jesus is exempt from paying the tax because He is God's Son, so He is the owner, the landlord of the Temple. As such, Jesus is greater than the Temple because He is equal to God, and the very one who is the rightful object of Temple worship. But even more than that, Jesus is the new Temple - it is in Him that our sin is atoned, and through Him that we now have access to the very presence of God. Not only that, but He is making us into a living Temple, individually and collectively as the Church. God dwells in us by His Spirit and our bodies are now a Holy Temple where God's presence dwells. Even though Jesus doesn’t have to pay the Temple tax, in the end, He does which shows us His attitude of grace and humility, He waves His rights in order to not cause others to be offended. This is a great example for us to follow that we do not always need to claim or rights, but in humility, we can lay down our rights to love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel. Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be diligent in paying this tax, as all devout Jews were. But, Jesus claims He is exempt - on what grounds? Jesus is exempt from paying the tax because He is God's Son, so He is the owner, the landlord of the Temple. As such, Jesus is greater than the Temple because He is equal to God, and the very one who is the rightful object of Temple worship. But even more than that, Jesus is the new Temple - it is in Him that our sin is atoned, and through Him that we now have access to the very presence of God. Not only that, but He is making us into a living Temple, individually and collectively as the Church. God dwells in us by His Spirit and our bodies are now a Holy Temple where God's presence dwells. Even though Jesus doesn’t have to pay the Temple tax, in the end, He does which shows us His attitude of grace and humility, He waves His rights in order to not cause others to be offended. This is a great example for us to follow that we do not always need to claim or rights, but in humility, we can lay down our rights to love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel. Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be d… Tim Dunham 2952 https://ccf.sermon.net/21684381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deathtaxes/id/3557913.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21684381 Scripture: Matthew 17:22-17:27, Series: Matthew Sun, 25 Oct 2020 05:12:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be diligent in paying this tax, as all devout Jews were. But, Jesus claims He is exempt - on what grounds? Jesus is exempt from paying the tax because He is God's Son, so He is the owner, the landlord of the Temple. As such, Jesus is greater than the Temple because He is equal to God, and the very one who is the rightful object of Temple worship. But even more than that, Jesus is the new Temple - it is in Him that our sin is atoned, and through Him that we now have access to the very presence of God. Not only that, but He is making us into a living Temple, individually and collectively as the Church. God dwells in us by His Spirit and our bodies are now a Holy Temple where God's presence dwells. Even though Jesus doesn’t have to pay the Temple tax, in the end, He does which shows us His attitude of grace and humility, He waves His rights in order to not cause others to be offended. This is a great example for us to follow that we do not always need to claim or rights, but in humility, we can lay down our rights to love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel. Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be diligent in paying this tax, as all devout Jews were. But, Jesus claims He is exempt - on what grounds? Jesus is exempt from paying the tax because He is God's Son, so He is the owner, the landlord of the Temple. As such, Jesus is greater than the Temple because He is equal to God, and the very one who is the rightful object of Temple worship. But even more than that, Jesus is the new Temple - it is in Him that our sin is atoned, and through Him that we now have access to the very presence of God. Not only that, but He is making us into a living Temple, individually and collectively as the Church. God dwells in us by His Spirit and our bodies are now a Holy Temple where God's presence dwells. Even though Jesus doesn’t have to pay the Temple tax, in the end, He does which shows us His attitude of grace and humility, He waves His rights in order to not cause others to be offended. This is a great example for us to follow that we do not always need to claim or rights, but in humility, we can lay down our rights to love and serve others for the sake of the Gospel. Big Idea - Why doesn’t Jesus have to pay the Temple tax? The Temple was the very center of Jewish religion and worship. The tax was used for upkeep and improvements at the Temple in Jerusalem. If you were serious about God and the Temple you would be d… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21684381/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_deathtaxes/id/403782 https://ccf.sermon.net/21684381 Scripture: Matthew 17:22-17:27, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost world. The work that Jesus calls us to is difficult at best, impossible at worst - overcoming our own fear and weakness, countless obstacles, the powers of darkness, and the hard-hardheartedness of humanity. How can we possibly be successful? The kind of faith that moves mountains is not a matter of having enough faith. What it takes is a mustard seed amount of genuine faith to move mountains. It is the object of faith that matters not how much we can muster up because it is God who does the impossible not us. Faith is not something we will ourselves to do as if our determination to believe or to have ”more” will cause us to have enough faith. Faith is being convinced of what is true - how things really are. This mustard seed of faith comes by 1) Replacing our distorted view of reality with the true view of God and the world, 2) Understanding what God has called us to do, 3) Knowing God through a life of seeking prayer - knowing experientially what He is like and what He has promised. Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost world. The work that Jesus calls us to is difficult at best, impossible at worst - overcoming our own fear and weakness, countless obstacles, the powers of darkness, and the hard-hardheartedness of humanity. How can we possibly be successful? The kind of faith that moves mountains is not a matter of having enough faith. What it takes is a mustard seed amount of genuine faith to move mountains. It is the object of faith that matters not how much we can muster up because it is God who does the impossible not us. Faith is not something we will ourselves to do as if our determination to believe or to have ”more” will cause us to have enough faith. Faith is being convinced of what is true - how things really are. This mustard seed of faith comes by 1) Replacing our distorted view of reality with the true view of God and the world, 2) Understanding what God has called us to do, 3) Knowing God through a life of seeking prayer - knowing experientially what He is like and what He has promised. Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost … Tim Dunham 3088 https://ccf.sermon.net/21680823/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faiththatmovesmountains/id/3554479.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21680823 Scripture: Matthew 17:14-17:23, Series: Matthew Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost world. The work that Jesus calls us to is difficult at best, impossible at worst - overcoming our own fear and weakness, countless obstacles, the powers of darkness, and the hard-hardheartedness of humanity. How can we possibly be successful? The kind of faith that moves mountains is not a matter of having enough faith. What it takes is a mustard seed amount of genuine faith to move mountains. It is the object of faith that matters not how much we can muster up because it is God who does the impossible not us. Faith is not something we will ourselves to do as if our determination to believe or to have ”more” will cause us to have enough faith. Faith is being convinced of what is true - how things really are. This mustard seed of faith comes by 1) Replacing our distorted view of reality with the true view of God and the world, 2) Understanding what God has called us to do, 3) Knowing God through a life of seeking prayer - knowing experientially what He is like and what He has promised. Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost world. The work that Jesus calls us to is difficult at best, impossible at worst - overcoming our own fear and weakness, countless obstacles, the powers of darkness, and the hard-hardheartedness of humanity. How can we possibly be successful? The kind of faith that moves mountains is not a matter of having enough faith. What it takes is a mustard seed amount of genuine faith to move mountains. It is the object of faith that matters not how much we can muster up because it is God who does the impossible not us. Faith is not something we will ourselves to do as if our determination to believe or to have ”more” will cause us to have enough faith. Faith is being convinced of what is true - how things really are. This mustard seed of faith comes by 1) Replacing our distorted view of reality with the true view of God and the world, 2) Understanding what God has called us to do, 3) Knowing God through a life of seeking prayer - knowing experientially what He is like and what He has promised. Big Idea - Faith is the single most important element in the life of any disciple. How can we have the kind of faith that moves mountains? We are called to be disciples, followers of Christ, who carry on His mission of bringing His salvation to a lost … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21680823/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_faiththatmovesmountains/id/403502 https://ccf.sermon.net/21680823 Scripture: Matthew 17:14-17:23, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Oct 2020 06:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah is a huge step forward, but it is clear that their understanding still falls short of all that Jesus truly is. What is still lacking in their knowledge? In what ways are they still deficient in their thinking about who Jesus is? We may ask the same question about our understanding of who Jesus is? Do we grasp fully and completely the whole picture of who Jesus is? Since understanding is of vital importance for faith, Jesus (with the help of the Father) gives further revelation to the disciples about His nature and His mission. Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah is a huge step forward, but it is clear that their understanding still falls short of all that Jesus truly is. What is still lacking in their knowledge? In what ways are they still deficient in their thinking about who Jesus is? We may ask the same question about our understanding of who Jesus is? Do we grasp fully and completely the whole picture of who Jesus is? Since understanding is of vital importance for faith, Jesus (with the help of the Father) gives further revelation to the disciples about His nature and His mission. Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confes… Tim Dunham 2596 https://ccf.sermon.net/21676949/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_listentohim/id/3550934.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21676949 Scripture: Matthew 17:1-17:13, Series: Matthew Sun, 11 Oct 2020 06:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah is a huge step forward, but it is clear that their understanding still falls short of all that Jesus truly is. What is still lacking in their knowledge? In what ways are they still deficient in their thinking about who Jesus is? We may ask the same question about our understanding of who Jesus is? Do we grasp fully and completely the whole picture of who Jesus is? Since understanding is of vital importance for faith, Jesus (with the help of the Father) gives further revelation to the disciples about His nature and His mission. Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah is a huge step forward, but it is clear that their understanding still falls short of all that Jesus truly is. What is still lacking in their knowledge? In what ways are they still deficient in their thinking about who Jesus is? We may ask the same question about our understanding of who Jesus is? Do we grasp fully and completely the whole picture of who Jesus is? Since understanding is of vital importance for faith, Jesus (with the help of the Father) gives further revelation to the disciples about His nature and His mission. Big Idea - How are we to understand who Jesus is? In the parable section, Jesus made it clear that the key to being a faithful follower and being in the Kingdom depended on their understanding of the word - all that He was teaching them. Peter's confes… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21676949/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_listentohim/id/403260 https://ccf.sermon.net/21676949 Scripture: Matthew 17:1-17:13, Series: Matthew Sun, 04 Oct 2020 05:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but that is not the whole story, it is not the final goal. He died so that we could follow Him. This is not just the words of a Rabbi seeking students who would “follow” him. This is the expectations of a King who is bringing His kingdom. Redemption is so much more than removing sin so we can be "saved." True salvation is a matter of becoming a citizen of His kingdom by putting our lives under His rule as our King. Therefore, following Jesus is a matter of giving loyalty and service to Him as our King. It means fulfilling His purpose for our life as citizens of His kingdom, living as He lived, doing what He did, and proclaiming His Kingdom in a world that is hostile toward the King. Because this world is hostile toward the King, His Kingdom, at this time, is not a safe place. Following Jesus involves great risk and comes at great cost. Is Jesus worth such risks and sacrifice? Absolutely, for this is the only path to life - to true salvation. While we may not face the same risk as the early Church, it is still costly to follow Jesus and anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself and take up his cross in order to be a citizen of the kingdom! Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but that is not the whole story, it is not the final goal. He died so that we could follow Him. This is not just the words of a Rabbi seeking students who would “follow” him. This is the expectations of a King who is bringing His kingdom. Redemption is so much more than removing sin so we can be "saved." True salvation is a matter of becoming a citizen of His kingdom by putting our lives under His rule as our King. Therefore, following Jesus is a matter of giving loyalty and service to Him as our King. It means fulfilling His purpose for our life as citizens of His kingdom, living as He lived, doing what He did, and proclaiming His Kingdom in a world that is hostile toward the King. Because this world is hostile toward the King, His Kingdom, at this time, is not a safe place. Following Jesus involves great risk and comes at great cost. Is Jesus worth such risks and sacrifice? Absolutely, for this is the only path to life - to true salvation. While we may not face the same risk as the early Church, it is still costly to follow Jesus and anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself and take up his cross in order to be a citizen of the kingdom! Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but … Tim Dunham 2680 https://ccf.sermon.net/21673580/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nomatterthecost/id/3547747.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21673580 Scripture: Matthew 16:24-16:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 04 Oct 2020 05:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but that is not the whole story, it is not the final goal. He died so that we could follow Him. This is not just the words of a Rabbi seeking students who would “follow” him. This is the expectations of a King who is bringing His kingdom. Redemption is so much more than removing sin so we can be "saved." True salvation is a matter of becoming a citizen of His kingdom by putting our lives under His rule as our King. Therefore, following Jesus is a matter of giving loyalty and service to Him as our King. It means fulfilling His purpose for our life as citizens of His kingdom, living as He lived, doing what He did, and proclaiming His Kingdom in a world that is hostile toward the King. Because this world is hostile toward the King, His Kingdom, at this time, is not a safe place. Following Jesus involves great risk and comes at great cost. Is Jesus worth such risks and sacrifice? Absolutely, for this is the only path to life - to true salvation. While we may not face the same risk as the early Church, it is still costly to follow Jesus and anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself and take up his cross in order to be a citizen of the kingdom! Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but that is not the whole story, it is not the final goal. He died so that we could follow Him. This is not just the words of a Rabbi seeking students who would “follow” him. This is the expectations of a King who is bringing His kingdom. Redemption is so much more than removing sin so we can be "saved." True salvation is a matter of becoming a citizen of His kingdom by putting our lives under His rule as our King. Therefore, following Jesus is a matter of giving loyalty and service to Him as our King. It means fulfilling His purpose for our life as citizens of His kingdom, living as He lived, doing what He did, and proclaiming His Kingdom in a world that is hostile toward the King. Because this world is hostile toward the King, His Kingdom, at this time, is not a safe place. Following Jesus involves great risk and comes at great cost. Is Jesus worth such risks and sacrifice? Absolutely, for this is the only path to life - to true salvation. While we may not face the same risk as the early Church, it is still costly to follow Jesus and anyone who wishes to follow Him, must deny himself and take up his cross in order to be a citizen of the kingdom! Big Idea - To what end has Jesus given His life for us? Jesus is going to Jerusalem to be mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. That is a pretty extreme course of action. Why would Jesus do that? Jesus died for us, to deal with our sin, but … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21673580/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_nomatterthecost/id/402983 https://ccf.sermon.net/21673580 Scripture: Matthew 16:24-16:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 27 Sep 2020 05:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles would indicate He is no ordinary person. Matthew has already given the answer in the introduction, but the crowd and the disciples have struggled to answer this question. Peter is now able to answer the question, though His understanding is still incomplete. But it is not only a matter of understanding who Jesus really is. Matthew is also making an important point about how the disciples came to understand who Jesus was, and likewise, how anyone comes to have a true knowledge of Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God who has come to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This understanding and knowledge did not come from Jesus, neither can the disciples take credit for figuring it out on their own. This knowledge came by revelation from the Father in heaven. Only God the Father can reveal the full and true identity of Jesus to anyone. But, that is not to say that God reveals Jesus apart from the witness of His people. Peter was given the authority and responsibility along with the other Apostles to proclaim Christ and to make disciples. We do not have the same role as Peter who established the Church, but we are to be building on that foundation, proclaiming Christ and making disciples. But we must keep in mind that we are simply stewards of the treasures of the Gospel and it is God who must reveal Himself to people. We also see in the life of Peter that receiving revelation from God does not mean we can still be full of misunderstanding! Peter got it right, and then he got it terribly wrong! We need to acknowledge that our minds and our entire world view are not from God and need radical revision so that we have the mind of God and not the thoughts of Satan. We need to press into further revelation and understanding from God! Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles would indicate He is no ordinary person. Matthew has already given the answer in the introduction, but the crowd and the disciples have struggled to answer this question. Peter is now able to answer the question, though His understanding is still incomplete. But it is not only a matter of understanding who Jesus really is. Matthew is also making an important point about how the disciples came to understand who Jesus was, and likewise, how anyone comes to have a true knowledge of Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God who has come to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This understanding and knowledge did not come from Jesus, neither can the disciples take credit for figuring it out on their own. This knowledge came by revelation from the Father in heaven. Only God the Father can reveal the full and true identity of Jesus to anyone. But, that is not to say that God reveals Jesus apart from the witness of His people. Peter was given the authority and responsibility along with the other Apostles to proclaim Christ and to make disciples. We do not have the same role as Peter who established the Church, but we are to be building on that foundation, proclaiming Christ and making disciples. But we must keep in mind that we are simply stewards of the treasures of the Gospel and it is God who must reveal Himself to people. We also see in the life of Peter that receiving revelation from God does not mean we can still be full of misunderstanding! Peter got it right, and then he got it terribly wrong! We need to acknowledge that our minds and our entire world view are not from God and need radical revision so that we have the mind of God and not the thoughts of Satan. We need to press into further revelation and understanding from God! Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles woul… Tim Dunham 3237 https://ccf.sermon.net/21670086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whodoyousayiam/id/3544467.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21670086 Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16:23, Series: Matthew Sun, 27 Sep 2020 05:11:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles would indicate He is no ordinary person. Matthew has already given the answer in the introduction, but the crowd and the disciples have struggled to answer this question. Peter is now able to answer the question, though His understanding is still incomplete. But it is not only a matter of understanding who Jesus really is. Matthew is also making an important point about how the disciples came to understand who Jesus was, and likewise, how anyone comes to have a true knowledge of Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God who has come to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This understanding and knowledge did not come from Jesus, neither can the disciples take credit for figuring it out on their own. This knowledge came by revelation from the Father in heaven. Only God the Father can reveal the full and true identity of Jesus to anyone. But, that is not to say that God reveals Jesus apart from the witness of His people. Peter was given the authority and responsibility along with the other Apostles to proclaim Christ and to make disciples. We do not have the same role as Peter who established the Church, but we are to be building on that foundation, proclaiming Christ and making disciples. But we must keep in mind that we are simply stewards of the treasures of the Gospel and it is God who must reveal Himself to people. We also see in the life of Peter that receiving revelation from God does not mean we can still be full of misunderstanding! Peter got it right, and then he got it terribly wrong! We need to acknowledge that our minds and our entire world view are not from God and need radical revision so that we have the mind of God and not the thoughts of Satan. We need to press into further revelation and understanding from God! Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles would indicate He is no ordinary person. Matthew has already given the answer in the introduction, but the crowd and the disciples have struggled to answer this question. Peter is now able to answer the question, though His understanding is still incomplete. But it is not only a matter of understanding who Jesus really is. Matthew is also making an important point about how the disciples came to understand who Jesus was, and likewise, how anyone comes to have a true knowledge of Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God who has come to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This understanding and knowledge did not come from Jesus, neither can the disciples take credit for figuring it out on their own. This knowledge came by revelation from the Father in heaven. Only God the Father can reveal the full and true identity of Jesus to anyone. But, that is not to say that God reveals Jesus apart from the witness of His people. Peter was given the authority and responsibility along with the other Apostles to proclaim Christ and to make disciples. We do not have the same role as Peter who established the Church, but we are to be building on that foundation, proclaiming Christ and making disciples. But we must keep in mind that we are simply stewards of the treasures of the Gospel and it is God who must reveal Himself to people. We also see in the life of Peter that receiving revelation from God does not mean we can still be full of misunderstanding! Peter got it right, and then he got it terribly wrong! We need to acknowledge that our minds and our entire world view are not from God and need radical revision so that we have the mind of God and not the thoughts of Satan. We need to press into further revelation and understanding from God! Big Idea - Who is Jesus and where does the true knowledge of Christ come from? This is the main question that has been posed through the first half of the book. Jesus has been careful to not disclose His identity directly, even though His miracles woul… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21670086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whodoyousayiam/id/402742 https://ccf.sermon.net/21670086 Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16:23, Series: Matthew Sun, 20 Sep 2020 07:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to look from a distance and puzzle at how the disciples could be so dense, but we are probably not much better. How often are we overcome by fear and worry, with growing uncertainty that our needs will be met or that things will work out? More importantly, how often do we miss spiritual truths God is trying to teach us because we are worried about the wrong things? The disciple’s problem was that they thought too little of God and too much of themselves, and that is certainly our problem as well! The solution is to reflect often on the wonder of God: His love and compassion for those in need, the abundance of His generous power to help, and the truth of the cross as evidence of God's heart toward us. At the same time, we need to be remembering our great weakness: our tendency to put confidence in what we can accomplish, and our inclination to worry so much about the wrong things (the material), that we miss what is truly important (the spiritual). Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to look from a distance and puzzle at how the disciples could be so dense, but we are probably not much better. How often are we overcome by fear and worry, with growing uncertainty that our needs will be met or that things will work out? More importantly, how often do we miss spiritual truths God is trying to teach us because we are worried about the wrong things? The disciple’s problem was that they thought too little of God and too much of themselves, and that is certainly our problem as well! The solution is to reflect often on the wonder of God: His love and compassion for those in need, the abundance of His generous power to help, and the truth of the cross as evidence of God's heart toward us. At the same time, we need to be remembering our great weakness: our tendency to put confidence in what we can accomplish, and our inclination to worry so much about the wrong things (the material), that we miss what is truly important (the spiritual). Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to lo… Tim Dunham 2597 https://ccf.sermon.net/21666487/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_improvingyourvision/id/3541079.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21666487 Scripture: Matthew 15:29-16:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 20 Sep 2020 07:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to look from a distance and puzzle at how the disciples could be so dense, but we are probably not much better. How often are we overcome by fear and worry, with growing uncertainty that our needs will be met or that things will work out? More importantly, how often do we miss spiritual truths God is trying to teach us because we are worried about the wrong things? The disciple’s problem was that they thought too little of God and too much of themselves, and that is certainly our problem as well! The solution is to reflect often on the wonder of God: His love and compassion for those in need, the abundance of His generous power to help, and the truth of the cross as evidence of God's heart toward us. At the same time, we need to be remembering our great weakness: our tendency to put confidence in what we can accomplish, and our inclination to worry so much about the wrong things (the material), that we miss what is truly important (the spiritual). Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to look from a distance and puzzle at how the disciples could be so dense, but we are probably not much better. How often are we overcome by fear and worry, with growing uncertainty that our needs will be met or that things will work out? More importantly, how often do we miss spiritual truths God is trying to teach us because we are worried about the wrong things? The disciple’s problem was that they thought too little of God and too much of themselves, and that is certainly our problem as well! The solution is to reflect often on the wonder of God: His love and compassion for those in need, the abundance of His generous power to help, and the truth of the cross as evidence of God's heart toward us. At the same time, we need to be remembering our great weakness: our tendency to put confidence in what we can accomplish, and our inclination to worry so much about the wrong things (the material), that we miss what is truly important (the spiritual). Big Idea - After seeing Jesus do so many incredible miracles, how could the disciples still be so slow to understand what Jesus can and will do for them? How can they so easily misunderstand what Jesus is telling them and showing them? It is easy to lo… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21666487/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_improvingyourvision/id/402493 https://ccf.sermon.net/21666487 Scripture: Matthew 15:29-16:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 13 Sep 2020 05:42:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may tell ourselves that we are no good, so why would God love us or help us, or we may feel angry because we have been trying so hard to be good, serving God, doing the right things, and even making sacrifices for Him, so why isn't He answering our prayers? We must hold on to the deep conviction that God has a wise and loving purpose in what He is doing, even in periods of silence and we must 1) believe that God is good and merciful and His compassion never fails, 2) practice faith by our persistence in asking, knowing He always hears and He does not turn away those who come humbly and genuinely seeking His help, 3) affirm that God's mercy is based on His loving kindness and not on our status, goodness, or heritage. Therefore we do not deserve His help, but we know in His love and grace He is with us, He is attentive, and He will work out His good purpose in our lives. Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may tell ourselves that we are no good, so why would God love us or help us, or we may feel angry because we have been trying so hard to be good, serving God, doing the right things, and even making sacrifices for Him, so why isn't He answering our prayers? We must hold on to the deep conviction that God has a wise and loving purpose in what He is doing, even in periods of silence and we must 1) believe that God is good and merciful and His compassion never fails, 2) practice faith by our persistence in asking, knowing He always hears and He does not turn away those who come humbly and genuinely seeking His help, 3) affirm that God's mercy is based on His loving kindness and not on our status, goodness, or heritage. Therefore we do not deserve His help, but we know in His love and grace He is with us, He is attentive, and He will work out His good purpose in our lives. Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may t… Tim Dunham 1379 https://ccf.sermon.net/21662652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whengodissilent/id/3537692.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21662652 Scripture: Matthew 15:21-15:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 13 Sep 2020 05:42:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may tell ourselves that we are no good, so why would God love us or help us, or we may feel angry because we have been trying so hard to be good, serving God, doing the right things, and even making sacrifices for Him, so why isn't He answering our prayers? We must hold on to the deep conviction that God has a wise and loving purpose in what He is doing, even in periods of silence and we must 1) believe that God is good and merciful and His compassion never fails, 2) practice faith by our persistence in asking, knowing He always hears and He does not turn away those who come humbly and genuinely seeking His help, 3) affirm that God's mercy is based on His loving kindness and not on our status, goodness, or heritage. Therefore we do not deserve His help, but we know in His love and grace He is with us, He is attentive, and He will work out His good purpose in our lives. Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may tell ourselves that we are no good, so why would God love us or help us, or we may feel angry because we have been trying so hard to be good, serving God, doing the right things, and even making sacrifices for Him, so why isn't He answering our prayers? We must hold on to the deep conviction that God has a wise and loving purpose in what He is doing, even in periods of silence and we must 1) believe that God is good and merciful and His compassion never fails, 2) practice faith by our persistence in asking, knowing He always hears and He does not turn away those who come humbly and genuinely seeking His help, 3) affirm that God's mercy is based on His loving kindness and not on our status, goodness, or heritage. Therefore we do not deserve His help, but we know in His love and grace He is with us, He is attentive, and He will work out His good purpose in our lives. Big Idea - What does it mean when God does not seem to hear our prayers or respond to our cries for help? How do we walk by faith when it feels like God is ignoring us? We may think that God has turned His back on us because we have messed up. We may t… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21662652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whengodissilent/id/402216 https://ccf.sermon.net/21662652 Scripture: Matthew 15:21-15:28, Series: Matthew Sun, 06 Sep 2020 06:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and makes it clear you cannot achieve holiness through the law. The law is not wrong, but their understanding and application of the law were deeply flawed. Christians are at risk of making the same exact mistake when it comes to understanding God's moral code and how we are to walk in it by creating an ethical system very similar to that of the Pharisees - different rules but the same method. So then what is the ethical system Jesus taught and how are we to be holy as God is holy? Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they had made the law itself the highest ideal and the main goal of ethical observance. Jesus taught instead that loving God and loving your neighbor was the highest value. The law is simply a tool to help know how to love. Our lack of holiness is not caused by our contact with the material world, not from external causes, but as a result of our own evil heart. The only cure is the blood of Jesus and the power of the resurrection to transform our heart from one that is in every way self-serving into a heart that truly loves God and loves others. Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and makes it clear you cannot achieve holiness through the law. The law is not wrong, but their understanding and application of the law were deeply flawed. Christians are at risk of making the same exact mistake when it comes to understanding God's moral code and how we are to walk in it by creating an ethical system very similar to that of the Pharisees - different rules but the same method. So then what is the ethical system Jesus taught and how are we to be holy as God is holy? Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they had made the law itself the highest ideal and the main goal of ethical observance. Jesus taught instead that loving God and loving your neighbor was the highest value. The law is simply a tool to help know how to love. Our lack of holiness is not caused by our contact with the material world, not from external causes, but as a result of our own evil heart. The only cure is the blood of Jesus and the power of the resurrection to transform our heart from one that is in every way self-serving into a heart that truly loves God and loves others. Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and m… Tim Dunham 3012 https://ccf.sermon.net/21659790/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theproblemofrules/id/3535052.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21659790 Scripture: Matthew 15:1-15:20, Series: Matthew Sun, 06 Sep 2020 06:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and makes it clear you cannot achieve holiness through the law. The law is not wrong, but their understanding and application of the law were deeply flawed. Christians are at risk of making the same exact mistake when it comes to understanding God's moral code and how we are to walk in it by creating an ethical system very similar to that of the Pharisees - different rules but the same method. So then what is the ethical system Jesus taught and how are we to be holy as God is holy? Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they had made the law itself the highest ideal and the main goal of ethical observance. Jesus taught instead that loving God and loving your neighbor was the highest value. The law is simply a tool to help know how to love. Our lack of holiness is not caused by our contact with the material world, not from external causes, but as a result of our own evil heart. The only cure is the blood of Jesus and the power of the resurrection to transform our heart from one that is in every way self-serving into a heart that truly loves God and loves others. Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and makes it clear you cannot achieve holiness through the law. The law is not wrong, but their understanding and application of the law were deeply flawed. Christians are at risk of making the same exact mistake when it comes to understanding God's moral code and how we are to walk in it by creating an ethical system very similar to that of the Pharisees - different rules but the same method. So then what is the ethical system Jesus taught and how are we to be holy as God is holy? Jesus criticized the Pharisees because they had made the law itself the highest ideal and the main goal of ethical observance. Jesus taught instead that loving God and loving your neighbor was the highest value. The law is simply a tool to help know how to love. Our lack of holiness is not caused by our contact with the material world, not from external causes, but as a result of our own evil heart. The only cure is the blood of Jesus and the power of the resurrection to transform our heart from one that is in every way self-serving into a heart that truly loves God and loves others. Big Idea - We are called to be holy as God is holy. The Jews strived to accomplish this by a very strict observance of the commandments as interpreted and applied according to their own traditions. But Jesus points out the flaws of this approach and m… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21659790/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theproblemofrules/id/402006 https://ccf.sermon.net/21659790 Scripture: Matthew 15:1-15:20, Series: Matthew Sun, 30 Aug 2020 05:24:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever face, and He will without a doubt help us overcome every trouble. We know this is the right answer, but when things are going bad, it is not enough to just know the right answer in our head. The real test of what we believe comes when we are in the midst of the storm. It is not enough to have only knowledge we must also have an unshakeable faith. Faith is casting ourselves completely upon Jesus as the only one who can help us even when our faith fails - because of His power and His grace, as the very Son of God who never leaves us or forsakes us. Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever face, and He will without a doubt help us overcome every trouble. We know this is the right answer, but when things are going bad, it is not enough to just know the right answer in our head. The real test of what we believe comes when we are in the midst of the storm. It is not enough to have only knowledge we must also have an unshakeable faith. Faith is casting ourselves completely upon Jesus as the only one who can help us even when our faith fails - because of His power and His grace, as the very Son of God who never leaves us or forsakes us. Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever fac… Tim Dunham 2809 https://ccf.sermon.net/21653106/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_walkingwithesus/id/3531265.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21653106 Series: Matthew Sun, 30 Aug 2020 05:24:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever face, and He will without a doubt help us overcome every trouble. We know this is the right answer, but when things are going bad, it is not enough to just know the right answer in our head. The real test of what we believe comes when we are in the midst of the storm. It is not enough to have only knowledge we must also have an unshakeable faith. Faith is casting ourselves completely upon Jesus as the only one who can help us even when our faith fails - because of His power and His grace, as the very Son of God who never leaves us or forsakes us. Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever face, and He will without a doubt help us overcome every trouble. We know this is the right answer, but when things are going bad, it is not enough to just know the right answer in our head. The real test of what we believe comes when we are in the midst of the storm. It is not enough to have only knowledge we must also have an unshakeable faith. Faith is casting ourselves completely upon Jesus as the only one who can help us even when our faith fails - because of His power and His grace, as the very Son of God who never leaves us or forsakes us. Big Idea - Is God really able to help us and save us? Life is full of many threats and dangers - the storms of life that threaten to sink us. Is Jesus greater than all of these? Of Course, Jesus is greater than any obstacle or problem we will ever fac… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21653106/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_walkingwithesus/id/401700 https://ccf.sermon.net/21653106 Series: Matthew Sun, 23 Aug 2020 06:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - is Jesus done with them? What about those who have rejected Him, and shown themselves to be His enemies? Does He avoid them, or call down God's wrath on them? Jesus does avoid those who are only interested in conflict or harm, but He does not avoid the crowds no matter how dull of hearing they prove to be. He has compassion for them and heals them. He cares for their needs and He expects His disciples to work with Him in showing God’s love and kindness to them. But, the disciples are not left to help people with only their limited resources. Instead, they are to turn to Jesus as the one who will supply all they need to show God's love and care to lost and even clueless sheep. Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - is Jesus done with them? What about those who have rejected Him, and shown themselves to be His enemies? Does He avoid them, or call down God's wrath on them? Jesus does avoid those who are only interested in conflict or harm, but He does not avoid the crowds no matter how dull of hearing they prove to be. He has compassion for them and heals them. He cares for their needs and He expects His disciples to work with Him in showing God’s love and kindness to them. But, the disciples are not left to help people with only their limited resources. Instead, they are to turn to Jesus as the one who will supply all they need to show God's love and care to lost and even clueless sheep. Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - … Tim Dunham 2691 https://ccf.sermon.net/21649758/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusismorethanenough/id/3528066.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21649758 Scripture: Matthew 14:13-14:21, Series: Matthew Sun, 23 Aug 2020 06:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - is Jesus done with them? What about those who have rejected Him, and shown themselves to be His enemies? Does He avoid them, or call down God's wrath on them? Jesus does avoid those who are only interested in conflict or harm, but He does not avoid the crowds no matter how dull of hearing they prove to be. He has compassion for them and heals them. He cares for their needs and He expects His disciples to work with Him in showing God’s love and kindness to them. But, the disciples are not left to help people with only their limited resources. Instead, they are to turn to Jesus as the one who will supply all they need to show God's love and care to lost and even clueless sheep. Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - is Jesus done with them? What about those who have rejected Him, and shown themselves to be His enemies? Does He avoid them, or call down God's wrath on them? Jesus does avoid those who are only interested in conflict or harm, but He does not avoid the crowds no matter how dull of hearing they prove to be. He has compassion for them and heals them. He cares for their needs and He expects His disciples to work with Him in showing God’s love and kindness to them. But, the disciples are not left to help people with only their limited resources. Instead, they are to turn to Jesus as the one who will supply all they need to show God's love and care to lost and even clueless sheep. Big Idea - S - How does Jesus respond to those who do not understand His message? How would he want us to respond as his disciples? Those who have shown themselves to be soil that bears no fruit - because it is hard, or shallow, or crowded by thorns - … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21649758/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_esusismorethanenough/id/401402 https://ccf.sermon.net/21649758 Scripture: Matthew 14:13-14:21, Series: Matthew Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is far beyond what any normal person could do. So, this power and wisdom must come from somewhere else. Having the right understanding of who Jesus is and where He came from is everything. It is the beginning and basis of true faith. Those who failed to understand Jesus’ divine source of power, as one sent from God, could not believe Him or follow Him, they could not walk the path of a disciple. Only those who really understand who Jesus is are able to believe and have faith to see Him work His miracles in their lives and to follow Him as a disciple. Jesus follows a similar path to John the Baptist, He is a prophet and they preach the same message. Jesus will even face a similar ending to John's. But, Jesus is so much more than a Prophet, and His death is of infinitely greater significance. Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is far beyond what any normal person could do. So, this power and wisdom must come from somewhere else. Having the right understanding of who Jesus is and where He came from is everything. It is the beginning and basis of true faith. Those who failed to understand Jesus’ divine source of power, as one sent from God, could not believe Him or follow Him, they could not walk the path of a disciple. Only those who really understand who Jesus is are able to believe and have faith to see Him work His miracles in their lives and to follow Him as a disciple. Jesus follows a similar path to John the Baptist, He is a prophet and they preach the same message. Jesus will even face a similar ending to John's. But, Jesus is so much more than a Prophet, and His death is of infinitely greater significance. Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is fa… Tim Dunham 2451 https://ccf.sermon.net/21646251/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoisesus/id/3524759.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21646251 Scripture: Matthew 13:53-14:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is far beyond what any normal person could do. So, this power and wisdom must come from somewhere else. Having the right understanding of who Jesus is and where He came from is everything. It is the beginning and basis of true faith. Those who failed to understand Jesus’ divine source of power, as one sent from God, could not believe Him or follow Him, they could not walk the path of a disciple. Only those who really understand who Jesus is are able to believe and have faith to see Him work His miracles in their lives and to follow Him as a disciple. Jesus follows a similar path to John the Baptist, He is a prophet and they preach the same message. Jesus will even face a similar ending to John's. But, Jesus is so much more than a Prophet, and His death is of infinitely greater significance. Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is far beyond what any normal person could do. So, this power and wisdom must come from somewhere else. Having the right understanding of who Jesus is and where He came from is everything. It is the beginning and basis of true faith. Those who failed to understand Jesus’ divine source of power, as one sent from God, could not believe Him or follow Him, they could not walk the path of a disciple. Only those who really understand who Jesus is are able to believe and have faith to see Him work His miracles in their lives and to follow Him as a disciple. Jesus follows a similar path to John the Baptist, He is a prophet and they preach the same message. Jesus will even face a similar ending to John's. But, Jesus is so much more than a Prophet, and His death is of infinitely greater significance. Big Idea - What is the source of Jesus' wisdom and power and why does it matter? Is it really all that important to have the right theology about Jesu, to understand accurately who He is and where He came from? No one can dispute His miracles. It is fa… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21646251/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_whoisesus/id/401158 https://ccf.sermon.net/21646251 Scripture: Matthew 13:53-14:12, Series: Matthew Sun, 09 Aug 2020 07:29:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? The Kingdom of Heaven is the most valuable treasure any person could possess. But, if that is not our attitude and priority it is proof that we really do not understand the Kingdom and what is at stake. It is proof that we value too much the things of this world and that we do not really understand the incredible nature and worth of the Kingdom. But, missing out on the Kingdom does not mean we just have to settle for a slightly less valuable treasure. Jesus makes it clear that to reject His offer of the Kingdom is to lose all treasure and doom oneself to eternal judgment. Those who do understand the priceless treasure we possess in Christ are to eagerly teach others. Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? The Kingdom of Heaven is the most valuable treasure any person could possess. But, if that is not our attitude and priority it is proof that we really do not understand the Kingdom and what is at stake. It is proof that we value too much the things of this world and that we do not really understand the incredible nature and worth of the Kingdom. But, missing out on the Kingdom does not mean we just have to settle for a slightly less valuable treasure. Jesus makes it clear that to reject His offer of the Kingdom is to lose all treasure and doom oneself to eternal judgment. Those who do understand the priceless treasure we possess in Christ are to eagerly teach others. Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? Th… Tim Dunham 2568 https://ccf.sermon.net/21642745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hiddentreasure/id/3521571.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21642745 Scripture: Matthew 13:44-13:52, Series: Matthew Sun, 09 Aug 2020 07:29:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? The Kingdom of Heaven is the most valuable treasure any person could possess. But, if that is not our attitude and priority it is proof that we really do not understand the Kingdom and what is at stake. It is proof that we value too much the things of this world and that we do not really understand the incredible nature and worth of the Kingdom. But, missing out on the Kingdom does not mean we just have to settle for a slightly less valuable treasure. Jesus makes it clear that to reject His offer of the Kingdom is to lose all treasure and doom oneself to eternal judgment. Those who do understand the priceless treasure we possess in Christ are to eagerly teach others. Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? The Kingdom of Heaven is the most valuable treasure any person could possess. But, if that is not our attitude and priority it is proof that we really do not understand the Kingdom and what is at stake. It is proof that we value too much the things of this world and that we do not really understand the incredible nature and worth of the Kingdom. But, missing out on the Kingdom does not mean we just have to settle for a slightly less valuable treasure. Jesus makes it clear that to reject His offer of the Kingdom is to lose all treasure and doom oneself to eternal judgment. Those who do understand the priceless treasure we possess in Christ are to eagerly teach others. Big Idea - How precious is the Kingdom of God to us? What is its value? How important is it in our life? What is the evidence of its real worth in practical terms? If it is not the most important and prized treasure in our life, what are we missing? Th… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21642745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_hiddentreasure/id/400884 https://ccf.sermon.net/21642745 Scripture: Matthew 13:44-13:52, Series: Matthew Sun, 19 Jul 2020 06:06:00 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 1600 https://ccf.sermon.net/21642731/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theparableofthesower/id/3521559.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21642731 Scripture: Matthew 13:1-13:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 28 Jun 2020 06:28:00 +0000 Nathan Clifton Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Nathan Clifton 2122 https://ccf.sermon.net/21617999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theheartofgoddisplayedinthelif/id/3501897.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21617999 Scripture: Matthew 12:1-12:21, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:22:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, works. He has hidden revelation from those who think they know it all and who think they have everything under control, but He reveals Himself to those who are as helpless as infants. This is very contrary to the thinking of the world, where we are must prove we are good enough, smart enough, strong enough, beautiful enough to belong, to fit in. God is not impressed by our self-sufficiency and independence. He is looking for the humble - those who know they need help. The help He offers is no small thing. It is not worthless or optional, but is life-saving and life-giving. He promises to help us deal with all the problems and struggles of life, not by taking away the problems but by showing us a different way to live - the way of depending on His power and wisdom instead of our own. Those who know their need for help find it by 1) coming to Jesus, 2) taking up His yoke, 3) learning from Him. These will find rest for their souls. Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, works. He has hidden revelation from those who think they know it all and who think they have everything under control, but He reveals Himself to those who are as helpless as infants. This is very contrary to the thinking of the world, where we are must prove we are good enough, smart enough, strong enough, beautiful enough to belong, to fit in. God is not impressed by our self-sufficiency and independence. He is looking for the humble - those who know they need help. The help He offers is no small thing. It is not worthless or optional, but is life-saving and life-giving. He promises to help us deal with all the problems and struggles of life, not by taking away the problems but by showing us a different way to live - the way of depending on His power and wisdom instead of our own. Those who know their need for help find it by 1) coming to Jesus, 2) taking up His yoke, 3) learning from Him. These will find rest for their souls. Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, … Tim Dunham 2733 https://ccf.sermon.net/21615014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_restfortheweary/id/3499212.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21615014 Scripture: Matthew 11:25-11:30, Series: Matthew Sun, 21 Jun 2020 03:22:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, works. He has hidden revelation from those who think they know it all and who think they have everything under control, but He reveals Himself to those who are as helpless as infants. This is very contrary to the thinking of the world, where we are must prove we are good enough, smart enough, strong enough, beautiful enough to belong, to fit in. God is not impressed by our self-sufficiency and independence. He is looking for the humble - those who know they need help. The help He offers is no small thing. It is not worthless or optional, but is life-saving and life-giving. He promises to help us deal with all the problems and struggles of life, not by taking away the problems but by showing us a different way to live - the way of depending on His power and wisdom instead of our own. Those who know their need for help find it by 1) coming to Jesus, 2) taking up His yoke, 3) learning from Him. These will find rest for their souls. Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, works. He has hidden revelation from those who think they know it all and who think they have everything under control, but He reveals Himself to those who are as helpless as infants. This is very contrary to the thinking of the world, where we are must prove we are good enough, smart enough, strong enough, beautiful enough to belong, to fit in. God is not impressed by our self-sufficiency and independence. He is looking for the humble - those who know they need help. The help He offers is no small thing. It is not worthless or optional, but is life-saving and life-giving. He promises to help us deal with all the problems and struggles of life, not by taking away the problems but by showing us a different way to live - the way of depending on His power and wisdom instead of our own. Those who know their need for help find it by 1) coming to Jesus, 2) taking up His yoke, 3) learning from Him. These will find rest for their souls. Big Idea - What kind of person does God reveal Himself to and help out? The democratic mind may feel that God must reveal Himself universally to all, and any who are so disposed may choose Him. But that is not the way God, the creator of the universe, … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21615014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_restfortheweary/id/399004 https://ccf.sermon.net/21615014 Scripture: Matthew 11:25-11:30, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Jun 2020 08:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all shaped by experience our worldview which does not line up with who Jesus is and conditions us to want Jesus to be someone very different. But, we must know and worship the true Jesus by seeing Him through the dual lens of Scripture and faith. Even John the greatest of the prophets was at risk of stumbling over the real Jesus. He needed to understand who Jesus was from all that was prophesied about Him and accept by faith its truth. All Scripture points to Him and He is the grand climax and main point of the entire story! How much more did the crowds need to see and understand Jesus through the lens of the prophets including John? He was the greatest prophet to point to Jesus because He was the last before the Messiah came. All the Prophets and Law were given to point us to Jesus - to show us who He really is! For those who have the faith to hear it, he is Elijah - therefore the Great Day of the Lord has come. But, for those who look through any other lens, they will only find fault with the Jesus they see - they will stumble because of Him. Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all shaped by experience our worldview which does not line up with who Jesus is and conditions us to want Jesus to be someone very different. But, we must know and worship the true Jesus by seeing Him through the dual lens of Scripture and faith. Even John the greatest of the prophets was at risk of stumbling over the real Jesus. He needed to understand who Jesus was from all that was prophesied about Him and accept by faith its truth. All Scripture points to Him and He is the grand climax and main point of the entire story! How much more did the crowds need to see and understand Jesus through the lens of the prophets including John? He was the greatest prophet to point to Jesus because He was the last before the Messiah came. All the Prophets and Law were given to point us to Jesus - to show us who He really is! For those who have the faith to hear it, he is Elijah - therefore the Great Day of the Lord has come. But, for those who look through any other lens, they will only find fault with the Jesus they see - they will stumble because of Him. Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all sha… Tim Dunham 2669 https://ccf.sermon.net/21609457/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_notwhatweexpected/id/3495255.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21609457 Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11:19, Series: Matthew Sun, 14 Jun 2020 08:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all shaped by experience our worldview which does not line up with who Jesus is and conditions us to want Jesus to be someone very different. But, we must know and worship the true Jesus by seeing Him through the dual lens of Scripture and faith. Even John the greatest of the prophets was at risk of stumbling over the real Jesus. He needed to understand who Jesus was from all that was prophesied about Him and accept by faith its truth. All Scripture points to Him and He is the grand climax and main point of the entire story! How much more did the crowds need to see and understand Jesus through the lens of the prophets including John? He was the greatest prophet to point to Jesus because He was the last before the Messiah came. All the Prophets and Law were given to point us to Jesus - to show us who He really is! For those who have the faith to hear it, he is Elijah - therefore the Great Day of the Lord has come. But, for those who look through any other lens, they will only find fault with the Jesus they see - they will stumble because of Him. Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all shaped by experience our worldview which does not line up with who Jesus is and conditions us to want Jesus to be someone very different. But, we must know and worship the true Jesus by seeing Him through the dual lens of Scripture and faith. Even John the greatest of the prophets was at risk of stumbling over the real Jesus. He needed to understand who Jesus was from all that was prophesied about Him and accept by faith its truth. All Scripture points to Him and He is the grand climax and main point of the entire story! How much more did the crowds need to see and understand Jesus through the lens of the prophets including John? He was the greatest prophet to point to Jesus because He was the last before the Messiah came. All the Prophets and Law were given to point us to Jesus - to show us who He really is! For those who have the faith to hear it, he is Elijah - therefore the Great Day of the Lord has come. But, for those who look through any other lens, they will only find fault with the Jesus they see - they will stumble because of Him. Big Idea - What happens when Jesus turns out to be someone very different than what we thought? We all have ideas about what we want Jesus to be, or what we need Him to be, what we think He should be doing, and how He should be doing it. We are all sha… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21609457/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_notwhatweexpected/id/398657 https://ccf.sermon.net/21609457 Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11:19, Series: Matthew Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is found only in His kingdom. His Gospel divides those who love Jesus from those who do not. Those outside the Kingdom are at best intolerant of Jesus and His followers and at worst are hostile. One cause for this is that Jesus does not share loyalty. He demands the highest love and devotion from His followers, even above family. When we put Jesus and His call on our life above the expectations and demands of family, friends, our job, and society we lose, friends, offend family, and make ourselves enemies of society. Why are the stakes so high? Why can’t we love Jesus and be friends with the world? What right does Jesus have to demand total allegiance? Jesus is the High King who is worthy of our highest love and devotion because He is holy God, judge of all men, and the one who took up His cross and gave His life for us. But, He is also worth it because His kingdom is the only way of peace with God and with others. Thus, we are only "worthy" or fit to be part of His kingdom if we give up all to follow Him as Lord and master. The Gospel message divides. Many will not receive the message and will persecute the messengers. But, for, those who do receive the messenger there is the reward of eternal life. Those who help them in even the smallest ways, because they are a follower of Jesus, will receive the reward of peace, and life, and joy. Peace is a cup of cold water - where we can find it! Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is found only in His kingdom. His Gospel divides those who love Jesus from those who do not. Those outside the Kingdom are at best intolerant of Jesus and His followers and at worst are hostile. One cause for this is that Jesus does not share loyalty. He demands the highest love and devotion from His followers, even above family. When we put Jesus and His call on our life above the expectations and demands of family, friends, our job, and society we lose, friends, offend family, and make ourselves enemies of society. Why are the stakes so high? Why can’t we love Jesus and be friends with the world? What right does Jesus have to demand total allegiance? Jesus is the High King who is worthy of our highest love and devotion because He is holy God, judge of all men, and the one who took up His cross and gave His life for us. But, He is also worth it because His kingdom is the only way of peace with God and with others. Thus, we are only "worthy" or fit to be part of His kingdom if we give up all to follow Him as Lord and master. The Gospel message divides. Many will not receive the message and will persecute the messengers. But, for, those who do receive the messenger there is the reward of eternal life. Those who help them in even the smallest ways, because they are a follower of Jesus, will receive the reward of peace, and life, and joy. Peace is a cup of cold water - where we can find it! Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is fo… Tim Dunham 2622 https://ccf.sermon.net/21605599/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takeupyourcross/id/3491717.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21605599 Scripture: Matthew 10:34-10:42, Series: Matthew Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is found only in His kingdom. His Gospel divides those who love Jesus from those who do not. Those outside the Kingdom are at best intolerant of Jesus and His followers and at worst are hostile. One cause for this is that Jesus does not share loyalty. He demands the highest love and devotion from His followers, even above family. When we put Jesus and His call on our life above the expectations and demands of family, friends, our job, and society we lose, friends, offend family, and make ourselves enemies of society. Why are the stakes so high? Why can’t we love Jesus and be friends with the world? What right does Jesus have to demand total allegiance? Jesus is the High King who is worthy of our highest love and devotion because He is holy God, judge of all men, and the one who took up His cross and gave His life for us. But, He is also worth it because His kingdom is the only way of peace with God and with others. Thus, we are only "worthy" or fit to be part of His kingdom if we give up all to follow Him as Lord and master. The Gospel message divides. Many will not receive the message and will persecute the messengers. But, for, those who do receive the messenger there is the reward of eternal life. Those who help them in even the smallest ways, because they are a follower of Jesus, will receive the reward of peace, and life, and joy. Peace is a cup of cold water - where we can find it! Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is found only in His kingdom. His Gospel divides those who love Jesus from those who do not. Those outside the Kingdom are at best intolerant of Jesus and His followers and at worst are hostile. One cause for this is that Jesus does not share loyalty. He demands the highest love and devotion from His followers, even above family. When we put Jesus and His call on our life above the expectations and demands of family, friends, our job, and society we lose, friends, offend family, and make ourselves enemies of society. Why are the stakes so high? Why can’t we love Jesus and be friends with the world? What right does Jesus have to demand total allegiance? Jesus is the High King who is worthy of our highest love and devotion because He is holy God, judge of all men, and the one who took up His cross and gave His life for us. But, He is also worth it because His kingdom is the only way of peace with God and with others. Thus, we are only "worthy" or fit to be part of His kingdom if we give up all to follow Him as Lord and master. The Gospel message divides. Many will not receive the message and will persecute the messengers. But, for, those who do receive the messenger there is the reward of eternal life. Those who help them in even the smallest ways, because they are a follower of Jesus, will receive the reward of peace, and life, and joy. Peace is a cup of cold water - where we can find it! Big Idea - What's all this talk about persecution and hate, I thought Jesus was the prince of peace? How can Jesus say He has come to bring division? Didn't His birth signal peace on earth, goodwill to men? Jesus is the prince of peace, but peace is fo… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21605599/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_takeupyourcross/id/398393 https://ccf.sermon.net/21605599 Scripture: Matthew 10:34-10:42, Series: Matthew Sun, 31 May 2020 10:42:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How are we to respond to the persecution that comes as a result of our witness to the Gospel? That we are witnesses is assumed as the main goal of being a disciple. The first disciples may have thought this was going to be easy and they would be welcomed and loved - after all Jesus was! But, we know better! Jesus warns them that this is not how it’s going to work. We will encounter resistance, persecution, and hatred as we bear witness to Christ, but we are to keep proclaiming Christ as sheep among wolves. This is a very strange and unheard of description, but it accurately depicts how we are to live as Christ’s ambassadors and witnesses in a hostile world. In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples of the dangers, not to discourage them, but to prepare them to be faithful witnesses in spite of opposition. He then charges them to not be afraid but be reassured by keeping an eternal perspective on the central purpose of their lives. Big Idea - How are we to respond to the persecution that comes as a result of our witness to the Gospel? That we are witnesses is assumed as the main goal of being a disciple. The first disciples may have thought this was going to be easy and they would be welcomed and loved - after all Jesus was! But, we know better! Jesus warns them that this is not how it’s going to work. We will encounter resistance, persecution, and hatred as we bear witness to Christ, but we are to keep proclaiming Christ as sheep among wolves. This is a very strange and unheard of description, but it accurately depicts how we are to live as Christ’s ambassadors and witnesses in a hostile world. In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples of the dangers, not to discourage them, but to prepare them to be faithful witnesses in spite of opposition. He then charges them to not be afraid but be reassured by keeping an eternal perspective on the central purpose of their lives. Big Idea - How are we to respond to the persecution that comes as a result of our witness to the Gospel? That we are witnesses is assumed as the main goal of being a disciple. The first disciples may have thought this was going to be easy and they woul… Tim Dunham 3226 https://ccf.sermon.net/21602216/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sheepamongwolves/id/3488523.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21602216 Scripture: Matthew 10:16-10:33, Series: Matthew Sun, 24 May 2020 07:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His teaching - life in His Kingdom. And, we have learned that those who would live in the Kingdom must become dedicated followers of Jesus. But now Jesus makes the startling revelation that He expects His disciples to join Him in carrying out the mission of God. The end goal of being a true follower is not simply to be close to Jesus, or to be a spectator of His ministry, although these are certainly of great importance. The final goal of discipleship is to actually join Jesus as a co-laborer in carrying out the mission of God. In this second “teaching discourse” Jesus instructs the twelve about their role as laborers for the Gospel. The mission of the twelve is unique to the ministry of Jesus in Galilee before the cross, but it contains principles that shape the mission of God beyond the cross and beyond the nation of Israel. In this section, we learn of the heart of the mission and some practical instructions about how to carry out the mission. Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His teaching - life in His Kingdom. And, we have learned that those who would live in the Kingdom must become dedicated followers of Jesus. But now Jesus makes the startling revelation that He expects His disciples to join Him in carrying out the mission of God. The end goal of being a true follower is not simply to be close to Jesus, or to be a spectator of His ministry, although these are certainly of great importance. The final goal of discipleship is to actually join Jesus as a co-laborer in carrying out the mission of God. In this second “teaching discourse” Jesus instructs the twelve about their role as laborers for the Gospel. The mission of the twelve is unique to the ministry of Jesus in Galilee before the cross, but it contains principles that shape the mission of God beyond the cross and beyond the nation of Israel. In this section, we learn of the heart of the mission and some practical instructions about how to carry out the mission. Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His … Tim Dunham 3177 https://ccf.sermon.net/21598684/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themissionofgod/id/3485156.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21598684 Scripture: Matthew 9:35-10:15, Series: Matthew Sun, 24 May 2020 07:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His teaching - life in His Kingdom. And, we have learned that those who would live in the Kingdom must become dedicated followers of Jesus. But now Jesus makes the startling revelation that He expects His disciples to join Him in carrying out the mission of God. The end goal of being a true follower is not simply to be close to Jesus, or to be a spectator of His ministry, although these are certainly of great importance. The final goal of discipleship is to actually join Jesus as a co-laborer in carrying out the mission of God. In this second “teaching discourse” Jesus instructs the twelve about their role as laborers for the Gospel. The mission of the twelve is unique to the ministry of Jesus in Galilee before the cross, but it contains principles that shape the mission of God beyond the cross and beyond the nation of Israel. In this section, we learn of the heart of the mission and some practical instructions about how to carry out the mission. Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His teaching - life in His Kingdom. And, we have learned that those who would live in the Kingdom must become dedicated followers of Jesus. But now Jesus makes the startling revelation that He expects His disciples to join Him in carrying out the mission of God. The end goal of being a true follower is not simply to be close to Jesus, or to be a spectator of His ministry, although these are certainly of great importance. The final goal of discipleship is to actually join Jesus as a co-laborer in carrying out the mission of God. In this second “teaching discourse” Jesus instructs the twelve about their role as laborers for the Gospel. The mission of the twelve is unique to the ministry of Jesus in Galilee before the cross, but it contains principles that shape the mission of God beyond the cross and beyond the nation of Israel. In this section, we learn of the heart of the mission and some practical instructions about how to carry out the mission. Big Idea - What is the main goal of being a follower of Jesus? Up to this point in Matthew we have seen Jesus carrying out His mission from God - demonstrating His authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to command nature. We have learned about His … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21598684/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_themissionofgod/id/397866 https://ccf.sermon.net/21598684 Scripture: Matthew 9:35-10:15, Series: Matthew Sun, 17 May 2020 07:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if only a faith that is feeble. The better they knew who Jesus was the stronger their faith. It helps to be desperate, to have nowhere else to turn. Maybe we do not go in faith to Jesus because we are not yet convinced He is our only hope. Jesus helped everyone who came to Him believing He could do something, and sometimes even helping those who were beyond making their own decision to come. He always 1) welcomed them with mercy and compassion, 2) met them with a healing touch, 3) encouraged them, and 4) met their needs. His long term goal was not just to help, but to call them to be His disciples. Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if only a faith that is feeble. The better they knew who Jesus was the stronger their faith. It helps to be desperate, to have nowhere else to turn. Maybe we do not go in faith to Jesus because we are not yet convinced He is our only hope. Jesus helped everyone who came to Him believing He could do something, and sometimes even helping those who were beyond making their own decision to come. He always 1) welcomed them with mercy and compassion, 2) met them with a healing touch, 3) encouraged them, and 4) met their needs. His long term goal was not just to help, but to call them to be His disciples. Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if… Tim Dunham 3176 https://ccf.sermon.net/21594072/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_helpintimesoftrouble/id/3480770.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21594072 Scripture: Matthew 9:18-9:35, Series: Matthew Sun, 17 May 2020 07:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if only a faith that is feeble. The better they knew who Jesus was the stronger their faith. It helps to be desperate, to have nowhere else to turn. Maybe we do not go in faith to Jesus because we are not yet convinced He is our only hope. Jesus helped everyone who came to Him believing He could do something, and sometimes even helping those who were beyond making their own decision to come. He always 1) welcomed them with mercy and compassion, 2) met them with a healing touch, 3) encouraged them, and 4) met their needs. His long term goal was not just to help, but to call them to be His disciples. Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if only a faith that is feeble. The better they knew who Jesus was the stronger their faith. It helps to be desperate, to have nowhere else to turn. Maybe we do not go in faith to Jesus because we are not yet convinced He is our only hope. Jesus helped everyone who came to Him believing He could do something, and sometimes even helping those who were beyond making their own decision to come. He always 1) welcomed them with mercy and compassion, 2) met them with a healing touch, 3) encouraged them, and 4) met their needs. His long term goal was not just to help, but to call them to be His disciples. Big Idea - Where can we go when everything is falling apart and no one can help? We can always go to Jesus and He will never fail to help any and all who come to Him because they believe He can help them. Just going to Jesus is an act of faith even if… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21594072/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_helpintimesoftrouble/id/397586 https://ccf.sermon.net/21594072 Scripture: Matthew 9:18-9:35, Series: Matthew Sun, 10 May 2020 04:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and are not able to keep the rules, religion gives rituals and practices to make up for it. If we are diligent enough at the rituals and religious practices, it will help us keep the rules, or it will at least help us feel good about ourselves because we can be known as a person who tries hard! Judaism was no different. No matter what God’s intention was the Jewish people had turned into a religion just like any other. But, Jesus came to turn all of that upside down. Jesus did not come to help people be good by keeping the rules, rather He came to save those who were not good, by the mercy and grace of God. And, Jesus does not want us to feel good about ourselves because of our diligence in spiritual disciplines, but rather to experience the joy of life with Him! This does not mean that becoming a truly good person is not important, or that Jesus does not value and even teach the practice of spiritual disciplines. But Jesus is bringing a kingdom and a way that is so radically new and different, that it requires a whole new religious order and paradigm where moral goodness is replaced by mercy, and religious duty is replaced with living joy. Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and are not able to keep the rules, religion gives rituals and practices to make up for it. If we are diligent enough at the rituals and religious practices, it will help us keep the rules, or it will at least help us feel good about ourselves because we can be known as a person who tries hard! Judaism was no different. No matter what God’s intention was the Jewish people had turned into a religion just like any other. But, Jesus came to turn all of that upside down. Jesus did not come to help people be good by keeping the rules, rather He came to save those who were not good, by the mercy and grace of God. And, Jesus does not want us to feel good about ourselves because of our diligence in spiritual disciplines, but rather to experience the joy of life with Him! This does not mean that becoming a truly good person is not important, or that Jesus does not value and even teach the practice of spiritual disciplines. But Jesus is bringing a kingdom and a way that is so radically new and different, that it requires a whole new religious order and paradigm where moral goodness is replaced by mercy, and religious duty is replaced with living joy. Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and ar… Tim Dunham 2993 https://ccf.sermon.net/21590058/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_radicalreligion/id/3476971.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21590058 Scripture: Matthew 9:9-9:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 10 May 2020 04:37:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and are not able to keep the rules, religion gives rituals and practices to make up for it. If we are diligent enough at the rituals and religious practices, it will help us keep the rules, or it will at least help us feel good about ourselves because we can be known as a person who tries hard! Judaism was no different. No matter what God’s intention was the Jewish people had turned into a religion just like any other. But, Jesus came to turn all of that upside down. Jesus did not come to help people be good by keeping the rules, rather He came to save those who were not good, by the mercy and grace of God. And, Jesus does not want us to feel good about ourselves because of our diligence in spiritual disciplines, but rather to experience the joy of life with Him! This does not mean that becoming a truly good person is not important, or that Jesus does not value and even teach the practice of spiritual disciplines. But Jesus is bringing a kingdom and a way that is so radically new and different, that it requires a whole new religious order and paradigm where moral goodness is replaced by mercy, and religious duty is replaced with living joy. Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and are not able to keep the rules, religion gives rituals and practices to make up for it. If we are diligent enough at the rituals and religious practices, it will help us keep the rules, or it will at least help us feel good about ourselves because we can be known as a person who tries hard! Judaism was no different. No matter what God’s intention was the Jewish people had turned into a religion just like any other. But, Jesus came to turn all of that upside down. Jesus did not come to help people be good by keeping the rules, rather He came to save those who were not good, by the mercy and grace of God. And, Jesus does not want us to feel good about ourselves because of our diligence in spiritual disciplines, but rather to experience the joy of life with Him! This does not mean that becoming a truly good person is not important, or that Jesus does not value and even teach the practice of spiritual disciplines. But Jesus is bringing a kingdom and a way that is so radically new and different, that it requires a whole new religious order and paradigm where moral goodness is replaced by mercy, and religious duty is replaced with living joy. Big Idea - Most religion is a way for people to determine their own moral goodness. How well am I keeping the rules? For those who do a respectable job at keeping the rules, there is the reward of feeling that you are a good person. When we fail and ar… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21590058/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_radicalreligion/id/397241 https://ccf.sermon.net/21590058 Scripture: Matthew 9:9-9:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 03 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and our lives. It is a complicated question, and the answer is even more complex and may never satisfy us in this life. What matters is to know that it is a result of sin and the curse that resulted as part of the fall, and it is not going away until the ”end”. How then, are we to live in a world where evil and destruction will be part of life? Is there no place to run and hide? Can we overcome evil, or are we doomed to live under its power as long as we are on this earth? We cannot overcome evil, we cannot control it, we cannot avoid it, but there is One who is greater than every evil. Jesus has power and authority over every form of evil in the world and those who trust in Jesus can bee delivered from its control. We will have to contend with evil as long as we live, but we do not need to be defeated. More importantly, we do not need to be controlled by it. Jesus is in control and if we follow Him evil loses its grip over our life! Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and our lives. It is a complicated question, and the answer is even more complex and may never satisfy us in this life. What matters is to know that it is a result of sin and the curse that resulted as part of the fall, and it is not going away until the ”end”. How then, are we to live in a world where evil and destruction will be part of life? Is there no place to run and hide? Can we overcome evil, or are we doomed to live under its power as long as we are on this earth? We cannot overcome evil, we cannot control it, we cannot avoid it, but there is One who is greater than every evil. Jesus has power and authority over every form of evil in the world and those who trust in Jesus can bee delivered from its control. We will have to contend with evil as long as we live, but we do not need to be defeated. More importantly, we do not need to be controlled by it. Jesus is in control and if we follow Him evil loses its grip over our life! Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and… Tim Dunham 2941 https://ccf.sermon.net/21587298/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowertosave/id/3474457.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21587298 Scripture: Matthew 8:28-9:8, Series: Matthew Sun, 03 May 2020 04:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and our lives. It is a complicated question, and the answer is even more complex and may never satisfy us in this life. What matters is to know that it is a result of sin and the curse that resulted as part of the fall, and it is not going away until the ”end”. How then, are we to live in a world where evil and destruction will be part of life? Is there no place to run and hide? Can we overcome evil, or are we doomed to live under its power as long as we are on this earth? We cannot overcome evil, we cannot control it, we cannot avoid it, but there is One who is greater than every evil. Jesus has power and authority over every form of evil in the world and those who trust in Jesus can bee delivered from its control. We will have to contend with evil as long as we live, but we do not need to be defeated. More importantly, we do not need to be controlled by it. Jesus is in control and if we follow Him evil loses its grip over our life! Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and our lives. It is a complicated question, and the answer is even more complex and may never satisfy us in this life. What matters is to know that it is a result of sin and the curse that resulted as part of the fall, and it is not going away until the ”end”. How then, are we to live in a world where evil and destruction will be part of life? Is there no place to run and hide? Can we overcome evil, or are we doomed to live under its power as long as we are on this earth? We cannot overcome evil, we cannot control it, we cannot avoid it, but there is One who is greater than every evil. Jesus has power and authority over every form of evil in the world and those who trust in Jesus can bee delivered from its control. We will have to contend with evil as long as we live, but we do not need to be defeated. More importantly, we do not need to be controlled by it. Jesus is in control and if we follow Him evil loses its grip over our life! Big Idea - The coronavirus reminds us that nature is not always our friend, it can be very destructive. A destruction that is clearly evil. It is a fair question to ask how a good and loving God could allow such terrible things to invade our planet and… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21587298/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thepowertosave/id/397036 https://ccf.sermon.net/21587298 Scripture: Matthew 8:28-9:8, Series: Matthew Sun, 26 Apr 2020 07:20:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all that He taught and commanded so that we can live as He lived. It also involves going on mission with Him in the world - doing His work (preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom). In order to be a true follower of Jesus, we must make the ultimate commitment to Him - to follow Him all the time, no matter what, everywhere He goes (sends). Such a radical commitment makes great sense when we understand fully who He is. He is the Lord of all creation who has power over everything. We do not follow Him because He keeps us safe, or because He will make our life easy, for that is not what He promises. We follow Him because His mission cannot fail and so, neither will we fail to accomplish God’s great purpose for our life. Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all that He taught and commanded so that we can live as He lived. It also involves going on mission with Him in the world - doing His work (preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom). In order to be a true follower of Jesus, we must make the ultimate commitment to Him - to follow Him all the time, no matter what, everywhere He goes (sends). Such a radical commitment makes great sense when we understand fully who He is. He is the Lord of all creation who has power over everything. We do not follow Him because He keeps us safe, or because He will make our life easy, for that is not what He promises. We follow Him because His mission cannot fail and so, neither will we fail to accomplish God’s great purpose for our life. Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all t… Tim Dunham 2998 https://ccf.sermon.net/21582305/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_becomingafollowerofesus/id/3469765.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21582305 Scripture: Matthew 8:18-8:27, Series: Matthew Sun, 26 Apr 2020 07:20:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all that He taught and commanded so that we can live as He lived. It also involves going on mission with Him in the world - doing His work (preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom). In order to be a true follower of Jesus, we must make the ultimate commitment to Him - to follow Him all the time, no matter what, everywhere He goes (sends). Such a radical commitment makes great sense when we understand fully who He is. He is the Lord of all creation who has power over everything. We do not follow Him because He keeps us safe, or because He will make our life easy, for that is not what He promises. We follow Him because His mission cannot fail and so, neither will we fail to accomplish God’s great purpose for our life. Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all that He taught and commanded so that we can live as He lived. It also involves going on mission with Him in the world - doing His work (preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom). In order to be a true follower of Jesus, we must make the ultimate commitment to Him - to follow Him all the time, no matter what, everywhere He goes (sends). Such a radical commitment makes great sense when we understand fully who He is. He is the Lord of all creation who has power over everything. We do not follow Him because He keeps us safe, or because He will make our life easy, for that is not what He promises. We follow Him because His mission cannot fail and so, neither will we fail to accomplish God’s great purpose for our life. Big Idea - What must we do if we are to be a student of Jesus? And why would anyone make such a radical commitment? A “Follower” of Jesus is a student in Jesus’ program of study to be one of His representatives in the world. It involves learning all t… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21582305/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_becomingafollowerofesus/id/396623 https://ccf.sermon.net/21582305 Scripture: Matthew 8:18-8:27, Series: Matthew Sun, 19 Apr 2020 07:02:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. Jesus is not a King who has come to overthrow Rome, but He is coming to overthrow sin and all the brokenness that is the result of sin. The coming of the kingdom means there is a restoration of all that is broken and wrong as a result of sin and the fall. Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a world view, it is the power to return all things to God's original design in creation. We live between the kingdom drawing near and the kingdom come. We still sin, and so we must still deal with its impact, but we are overcoming sin, and we the power of God will overcome many of its consequences. But, these are only a glimmer of the final victory over sin and all its consequences that await Jesus’ return. So, we see that Jesus is the ultimate cure for a sick and broken world! Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. Jesus is not a King who has come to overthrow Rome, but He is coming to overthrow sin and all the brokenness that is the result of sin. The coming of the kingdom means there is a restoration of all that is broken and wrong as a result of sin and the fall. Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a world view, it is the power to return all things to God's original design in creation. We live between the kingdom drawing near and the kingdom come. We still sin, and so we must still deal with its impact, but we are overcoming sin, and we the power of God will overcome many of its consequences. But, these are only a glimmer of the final victory over sin and all its consequences that await Jesus’ return. So, we see that Jesus is the ultimate cure for a sick and broken world! Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. … Tim Dunham 3148 https://ccf.sermon.net/21578234/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_asickandbrokenworld/id/3465996.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21578234 Scripture: Matthew 8:1-8:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 19 Apr 2020 07:02:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. Jesus is not a King who has come to overthrow Rome, but He is coming to overthrow sin and all the brokenness that is the result of sin. The coming of the kingdom means there is a restoration of all that is broken and wrong as a result of sin and the fall. Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a world view, it is the power to return all things to God's original design in creation. We live between the kingdom drawing near and the kingdom come. We still sin, and so we must still deal with its impact, but we are overcoming sin, and we the power of God will overcome many of its consequences. But, these are only a glimmer of the final victory over sin and all its consequences that await Jesus’ return. So, we see that Jesus is the ultimate cure for a sick and broken world! Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. Jesus is not a King who has come to overthrow Rome, but He is coming to overthrow sin and all the brokenness that is the result of sin. The coming of the kingdom means there is a restoration of all that is broken and wrong as a result of sin and the fall. Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a world view, it is the power to return all things to God's original design in creation. We live between the kingdom drawing near and the kingdom come. We still sin, and so we must still deal with its impact, but we are overcoming sin, and we the power of God will overcome many of its consequences. But, these are only a glimmer of the final victory over sin and all its consequences that await Jesus’ return. So, we see that Jesus is the ultimate cure for a sick and broken world! Big Idea - In this section Matthew illustrates that Jesus’ kingdom is more than just a way of thinking or a higher moral standard, it is a kingdom that confronts evil directly, and has the power to overcome and defeat the terrible consequences of sin. … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21578234/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_asickandbrokenworld/id/396254 https://ccf.sermon.net/21578234 Scripture: Matthew 8:1-8:17, Series: Matthew Sun, 22 Mar 2020 07:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to fulfilling the true purpose and heart of the law. In the Sermon Jesus correctly interprets the Law and spells out what it looks like to live up to its standard. It must be a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees - more than simply external compliance, it must be the very righteousness of Christ, not by our own doing, but by His grace. But, Jesus’ work of grace extended to us through His death and resurrection by faith, is to work itself out in a life that conforms to God’s heart and purpose. So, how can we know that we are doing the right thing? How can we be sure we are fulfilling the law? Jesus makes it pretty easy - just do to others the very thing you would want them to do to you. This IS the Law and the Prophets. We could reply to the entire Sermon on the Mount and apply this basic principle and it works - don’t lust after a woman, but treat her with the respect you would want if you were in her shoes. Don’t divorce your wife, but treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in here shoes. Don’t show off how spiritual you are, but be as genuine toward others as you want them to be toward you. In this last section of the main body of the sermon Jesus lays out two more points and we will apply this principle to them and see how it works! First, Don’t judge others, but help them with grace and humility as you would want them to help you. Second, share the gospel with those who are hostile to it, the way you would want them to share with you if you were in their shoes. Finally, seek God, His Kingdom and His help to apply this principle on all of life, because He is a Father who applies this very principle of love in His care for you! Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to fulfilling the true purpose and heart of the law. In the Sermon Jesus correctly interprets the Law and spells out what it looks like to live up to its standard. It must be a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees - more than simply external compliance, it must be the very righteousness of Christ, not by our own doing, but by His grace. But, Jesus’ work of grace extended to us through His death and resurrection by faith, is to work itself out in a life that conforms to God’s heart and purpose. So, how can we know that we are doing the right thing? How can we be sure we are fulfilling the law? Jesus makes it pretty easy - just do to others the very thing you would want them to do to you. This IS the Law and the Prophets. We could reply to the entire Sermon on the Mount and apply this basic principle and it works - don’t lust after a woman, but treat her with the respect you would want if you were in her shoes. Don’t divorce your wife, but treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in here shoes. Don’t show off how spiritual you are, but be as genuine toward others as you want them to be toward you. In this last section of the main body of the sermon Jesus lays out two more points and we will apply this principle to them and see how it works! First, Don’t judge others, but help them with grace and humility as you would want them to help you. Second, share the gospel with those who are hostile to it, the way you would want them to share with you if you were in their shoes. Finally, seek God, His Kingdom and His help to apply this principle on all of life, because He is a Father who applies this very principle of love in His care for you! Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to… Tim Dunham 2601 https://ccf.sermon.net/21557352/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dountoothers/id/3447404.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21557352 Scripture: Matthew 7:1-7:12, Series: Matthew Part#15 Sun, 22 Mar 2020 07:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to fulfilling the true purpose and heart of the law. In the Sermon Jesus correctly interprets the Law and spells out what it looks like to live up to its standard. It must be a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees - more than simply external compliance, it must be the very righteousness of Christ, not by our own doing, but by His grace. But, Jesus’ work of grace extended to us through His death and resurrection by faith, is to work itself out in a life that conforms to God’s heart and purpose. So, how can we know that we are doing the right thing? How can we be sure we are fulfilling the law? Jesus makes it pretty easy - just do to others the very thing you would want them to do to you. This IS the Law and the Prophets. We could reply to the entire Sermon on the Mount and apply this basic principle and it works - don’t lust after a woman, but treat her with the respect you would want if you were in her shoes. Don’t divorce your wife, but treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in here shoes. Don’t show off how spiritual you are, but be as genuine toward others as you want them to be toward you. In this last section of the main body of the sermon Jesus lays out two more points and we will apply this principle to them and see how it works! First, Don’t judge others, but help them with grace and humility as you would want them to help you. Second, share the gospel with those who are hostile to it, the way you would want them to share with you if you were in their shoes. Finally, seek God, His Kingdom and His help to apply this principle on all of life, because He is a Father who applies this very principle of love in His care for you! Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to fulfilling the true purpose and heart of the law. In the Sermon Jesus correctly interprets the Law and spells out what it looks like to live up to its standard. It must be a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees - more than simply external compliance, it must be the very righteousness of Christ, not by our own doing, but by His grace. But, Jesus’ work of grace extended to us through His death and resurrection by faith, is to work itself out in a life that conforms to God’s heart and purpose. So, how can we know that we are doing the right thing? How can we be sure we are fulfilling the law? Jesus makes it pretty easy - just do to others the very thing you would want them to do to you. This IS the Law and the Prophets. We could reply to the entire Sermon on the Mount and apply this basic principle and it works - don’t lust after a woman, but treat her with the respect you would want if you were in her shoes. Don’t divorce your wife, but treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in here shoes. Don’t show off how spiritual you are, but be as genuine toward others as you want them to be toward you. In this last section of the main body of the sermon Jesus lays out two more points and we will apply this principle to them and see how it works! First, Don’t judge others, but help them with grace and humility as you would want them to help you. Second, share the gospel with those who are hostile to it, the way you would want them to share with you if you were in their shoes. Finally, seek God, His Kingdom and His help to apply this principle on all of life, because He is a Father who applies this very principle of love in His care for you! Big Idea - If we were to spell out the “Big Idea” of the Sermon on the Mount it would be that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets not to abolish them, therefore, to be His disciple and live under His Kingdom rule we must also be committed to… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21557352/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_dountoothers/id/394834 https://ccf.sermon.net/21557352 Scripture: Matthew 7:1-7:12, Series: Matthew Part#15 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 03:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us to an extreme, all-out commitment to Him, but there are a number of reasons why this actually makes great sense. 1) He offers an eternal treasure - a treasure that cannot ever be lost or wear out, 2) He gives light to live by, 3) He is a Master who takes great care of His servants - Because we are precious and of great value to Him, and because He is more than able to take care of what He loves, and 4) Worrying about the future doesn't actually have any real benefit, but trusting God day by day is the only thing that does work! Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us to an extreme, all-out commitment to Him, but there are a number of reasons why this actually makes great sense. 1) He offers an eternal treasure - a treasure that cannot ever be lost or wear out, 2) He gives light to live by, 3) He is a Master who takes great care of His servants - Because we are precious and of great value to Him, and because He is more than able to take care of what He loves, and 4) Worrying about the future doesn't actually have any real benefit, but trusting God day by day is the only thing that does work! Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us … Tim Dunham 2857 https://ccf.sermon.net/21552487/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aonetracklife/id/3443204.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21552487 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:34, Series: Matthew Part#14 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 03:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us to an extreme, all-out commitment to Him, but there are a number of reasons why this actually makes great sense. 1) He offers an eternal treasure - a treasure that cannot ever be lost or wear out, 2) He gives light to live by, 3) He is a Master who takes great care of His servants - Because we are precious and of great value to Him, and because He is more than able to take care of what He loves, and 4) Worrying about the future doesn't actually have any real benefit, but trusting God day by day is the only thing that does work! Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us to an extreme, all-out commitment to Him, but there are a number of reasons why this actually makes great sense. 1) He offers an eternal treasure - a treasure that cannot ever be lost or wear out, 2) He gives light to live by, 3) He is a Master who takes great care of His servants - Because we are precious and of great value to Him, and because He is more than able to take care of what He loves, and 4) Worrying about the future doesn't actually have any real benefit, but trusting God day by day is the only thing that does work! Big Idea - Why does following Jesus, being a Disciple, require such an extreme, all-out commitment? Why can't we just live normal lives and tack Jesus on as needed or when convenient? Why does following Christ have to be so extreme? Jesus does call us … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21552487/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_aonetracklife/id/394469 https://ccf.sermon.net/21552487 Scripture: Matthew 6:19-6:34, Series: Matthew Part#14 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 04:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities for our life, and 3) it is how we generate the right attitudes that are necessary in order to experience God's full blessing and power in our lives! Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities for our life, and 3) it is how we generate the right attitudes that are necessary in order to experience God's full blessing and power in our lives! Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities … Tim Dunham 2998 https://ccf.sermon.net/21547660/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_praylikethis/id/3438676.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21547660 Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6:15, Series: Matthew Part#13 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 04:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities for our life, and 3) it is how we generate the right attitudes that are necessary in order to experience God's full blessing and power in our lives! Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities for our life, and 3) it is how we generate the right attitudes that are necessary in order to experience God's full blessing and power in our lives! Big Idea - Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What is the point and purpose of prayer, then? We must be people of prayer because 1) it is the very heart of our experiential relationship with God, 2) it is how we set the right priorities … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21547660/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_praylikethis/id/393940 https://ccf.sermon.net/21547660 Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6:15, Series: Matthew Part#13 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 08:34:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what is the right motivation for doing these things? The best way to check one’s real motives is to live out one’s spirituality in complete secrecy so that God is the only one who sees. Then we remove any temptation to be motivated by the approval of others. We can easily deceive ourselves in the realm of spirituality - since it is a spiritual practice we can assume it is done for God, and we can be blind to our self-serving motivations. We do need affirmation and approval, and often we seek applause and glory as well! But, our need for approval and affirmation can be met by God alone. As for applause - we should be living to give all the glory to God, realizing that any truly good thing that we do is because of His grace and help! Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what is the right motivation for doing these things? The best way to check one’s real motives is to live out one’s spirituality in complete secrecy so that God is the only one who sees. Then we remove any temptation to be motivated by the approval of others. We can easily deceive ourselves in the realm of spirituality - since it is a spiritual practice we can assume it is done for God, and we can be blind to our self-serving motivations. We do need affirmation and approval, and often we seek applause and glory as well! But, our need for approval and affirmation can be met by God alone. As for applause - we should be living to give all the glory to God, realizing that any truly good thing that we do is because of His grace and help! Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what i… Tim Dunham 2528 https://ccf.sermon.net/21543229/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_seekingaffirmations/id/3435050.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21543229 Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6:18, Series: Matthew Part#12 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 08:34:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what is the right motivation for doing these things? The best way to check one’s real motives is to live out one’s spirituality in complete secrecy so that God is the only one who sees. Then we remove any temptation to be motivated by the approval of others. We can easily deceive ourselves in the realm of spirituality - since it is a spiritual practice we can assume it is done for God, and we can be blind to our self-serving motivations. We do need affirmation and approval, and often we seek applause and glory as well! But, our need for approval and affirmation can be met by God alone. As for applause - we should be living to give all the glory to God, realizing that any truly good thing that we do is because of His grace and help! Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what is the right motivation for doing these things? The best way to check one’s real motives is to live out one’s spirituality in complete secrecy so that God is the only one who sees. Then we remove any temptation to be motivated by the approval of others. We can easily deceive ourselves in the realm of spirituality - since it is a spiritual practice we can assume it is done for God, and we can be blind to our self-serving motivations. We do need affirmation and approval, and often we seek applause and glory as well! But, our need for approval and affirmation can be met by God alone. As for applause - we should be living to give all the glory to God, realizing that any truly good thing that we do is because of His grace and help! Big Idea - How can we be sure our hearts and our motives are right? What are the real motives behind our spirituality - the practice of spiritual disciplines and the doing of good deeds like helping others, serving, and giving? More importantly, what i… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21543229/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_seekingaffirmations/id/393661 https://ccf.sermon.net/21543229 Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6:18, Series: Matthew Part#12 Sun, 23 Feb 2020 08:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by Jesus who fulfills the law in Himself, His life and His work. His death pays the price where we have utterly failed the law deserve hell. His perfect life is the perfect fulfillment of the Law's ultimate purpose to show us the loving heart of God. In Jesus, God saved His unfaithful bride; keeps all His promises; shows grace and kindness instead of taking the revenge that was His right; loved His enemies by doing good for them. But we become great in the Kingdom by doing and teaching the Law as Jesus interpreted and fulfilled it. His redeeming work makes it possible for us to even begin to pursue such a life. It is Christ in us and our union with Him that gives us power through His Spirit to fulfill His commands. It is more than keeping rules, it is loving God and the World like God does. By this we show that we are sons of God - His true children. Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by Jesus who fulfills the law in Himself, His life and His work. His death pays the price where we have utterly failed the law deserve hell. His perfect life is the perfect fulfillment of the Law's ultimate purpose to show us the loving heart of God. In Jesus, God saved His unfaithful bride; keeps all His promises; shows grace and kindness instead of taking the revenge that was His right; loved His enemies by doing good for them. But we become great in the Kingdom by doing and teaching the Law as Jesus interpreted and fulfilled it. His redeeming work makes it possible for us to even begin to pursue such a life. It is Christ in us and our union with Him that gives us power through His Spirit to fulfill His commands. It is more than keeping rules, it is loving God and the World like God does. By this we show that we are sons of God - His true children. Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by J… Tim Dunham 3241 https://ccf.sermon.net/21539530/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fulfillingthelawpart2/id/3431524.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21539530 Scripture: Matthew 5:27-5:48, Series: Matthew Part#11 Sun, 23 Feb 2020 08:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by Jesus who fulfills the law in Himself, His life and His work. His death pays the price where we have utterly failed the law deserve hell. His perfect life is the perfect fulfillment of the Law's ultimate purpose to show us the loving heart of God. In Jesus, God saved His unfaithful bride; keeps all His promises; shows grace and kindness instead of taking the revenge that was His right; loved His enemies by doing good for them. But we become great in the Kingdom by doing and teaching the Law as Jesus interpreted and fulfilled it. His redeeming work makes it possible for us to even begin to pursue such a life. It is Christ in us and our union with Him that gives us power through His Spirit to fulfill His commands. It is more than keeping rules, it is loving God and the World like God does. By this we show that we are sons of God - His true children. Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by Jesus who fulfills the law in Himself, His life and His work. His death pays the price where we have utterly failed the law deserve hell. His perfect life is the perfect fulfillment of the Law's ultimate purpose to show us the loving heart of God. In Jesus, God saved His unfaithful bride; keeps all His promises; shows grace and kindness instead of taking the revenge that was His right; loved His enemies by doing good for them. But we become great in the Kingdom by doing and teaching the Law as Jesus interpreted and fulfilled it. His redeeming work makes it possible for us to even begin to pursue such a life. It is Christ in us and our union with Him that gives us power through His Spirit to fulfill His commands. It is more than keeping rules, it is loving God and the World like God does. By this we show that we are sons of God - His true children. Big Idea - The question in this passage is not so much how we can be saved, but beyond that, how can we be great in the kingdom. How can our righteousness exceed that of the Pharisees (salvation) and how can be great in God’s kingdom? We are saved by J… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21539530/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_fulfillingthelawpart2/id/393337 https://ccf.sermon.net/21539530 Scripture: Matthew 5:27-5:48, Series: Matthew Part#11 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 05:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His Gospel, a huge debate had arisen regarding the relationship of the Church and the New Covenant with the Law and the Old Covenant. Did Jesus toss out the Law of Moses because it was of no value, or somehow defective? Or, did Jesus uphold the Law? Jesus makes clear that He holds all of the OT all the Law and the Prophets as authoritative and true. It all must be followed down to the smallest character. But, that does not mean Jesus did not radically alter how we think about and deal with the commandments in the OT. The key word in this passage is the word “fulfill.” The law cannot be changed but it can be fulfilled. When it is fulfilled is it is no longer necessary, not because it is not true or important but because it has fulfilled its purpose. Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His Gospel, a huge debate had arisen regarding the relationship of the Church and the New Covenant with the Law and the Old Covenant. Did Jesus toss out the Law of Moses because it was of no value, or somehow defective? Or, did Jesus uphold the Law? Jesus makes clear that He holds all of the OT all the Law and the Prophets as authoritative and true. It all must be followed down to the smallest character. But, that does not mean Jesus did not radically alter how we think about and deal with the commandments in the OT. The key word in this passage is the word “fulfill.” The law cannot be changed but it can be fulfilled. When it is fulfilled is it is no longer necessary, not because it is not true or important but because it has fulfilled its purpose. Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His… Tim Dunham 3224 https://ccf.sermon.net/21535670/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fulfillingthelaw/id/3427748.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21535670 Scripture: Matthew 5:17-5:42, Series: Matthew Part#10 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 05:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His Gospel, a huge debate had arisen regarding the relationship of the Church and the New Covenant with the Law and the Old Covenant. Did Jesus toss out the Law of Moses because it was of no value, or somehow defective? Or, did Jesus uphold the Law? Jesus makes clear that He holds all of the OT all the Law and the Prophets as authoritative and true. It all must be followed down to the smallest character. But, that does not mean Jesus did not radically alter how we think about and deal with the commandments in the OT. The key word in this passage is the word “fulfill.” The law cannot be changed but it can be fulfilled. When it is fulfilled is it is no longer necessary, not because it is not true or important but because it has fulfilled its purpose. Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His Gospel, a huge debate had arisen regarding the relationship of the Church and the New Covenant with the Law and the Old Covenant. Did Jesus toss out the Law of Moses because it was of no value, or somehow defective? Or, did Jesus uphold the Law? Jesus makes clear that He holds all of the OT all the Law and the Prophets as authoritative and true. It all must be followed down to the smallest character. But, that does not mean Jesus did not radically alter how we think about and deal with the commandments in the OT. The key word in this passage is the word “fulfill.” The law cannot be changed but it can be fulfilled. When it is fulfilled is it is no longer necessary, not because it is not true or important but because it has fulfilled its purpose. Big Idea - The sermon on the mount gives us a summary or example of the main content of Jesus’ teaching - what we are to practice and teach others to obey as disciples. So, what are we to obey, what are His commands? By the time Matthew was writing His… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21535670/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_fulfillingthelaw/id/393012 https://ccf.sermon.net/21535670 Scripture: Matthew 5:17-5:42, Series: Matthew Part#10 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 08:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinful world? First, by being salt and light, that we are a witness to the Kingdom and the truth of God by the distinctive qualities of our life. Jesus has just listed many of thee qualities, or attitudes in the sermon’s introduction. These qualities are produced by His transforming work in our lives, but we can lose our saltiness by living more like the world than like the King, by walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. The distinctive life of the disciple is not only a matter of attitudes but these attitudes must move us to real actions of loving and serving - of good deeds. But it is not enough to simply possess these qualities. We must live in such a way that we are displaying these qualities visibly before a watching world. Our lives cannot be private and secluded, but we must find ways to engage in the kinds of relationships with those who are not Christians that allow the light and salt of our life to make an impression upon them. Through these godly attitudes and loving actions, the world should see Christ in us and be drawn to know the king. In this way, our Father in heaven is glorified here on earth. Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinful world? First, by being salt and light, that we are a witness to the Kingdom and the truth of God by the distinctive qualities of our life. Jesus has just listed many of thee qualities, or attitudes in the sermon’s introduction. These qualities are produced by His transforming work in our lives, but we can lose our saltiness by living more like the world than like the King, by walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. The distinctive life of the disciple is not only a matter of attitudes but these attitudes must move us to real actions of loving and serving - of good deeds. But it is not enough to simply possess these qualities. We must live in such a way that we are displaying these qualities visibly before a watching world. Our lives cannot be private and secluded, but we must find ways to engage in the kinds of relationships with those who are not Christians that allow the light and salt of our life to make an impression upon them. Through these godly attitudes and loving actions, the world should see Christ in us and be drawn to know the king. In this way, our Father in heaven is glorified here on earth. Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinfu… Tim Dunham 2754 https://ccf.sermon.net/21532169/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_saltandlight/id/3424322.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21532169 Scripture: Matthew 5:13-5:16, Series: Matthew Part#9 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 08:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinful world? First, by being salt and light, that we are a witness to the Kingdom and the truth of God by the distinctive qualities of our life. Jesus has just listed many of thee qualities, or attitudes in the sermon’s introduction. These qualities are produced by His transforming work in our lives, but we can lose our saltiness by living more like the world than like the King, by walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. The distinctive life of the disciple is not only a matter of attitudes but these attitudes must move us to real actions of loving and serving - of good deeds. But it is not enough to simply possess these qualities. We must live in such a way that we are displaying these qualities visibly before a watching world. Our lives cannot be private and secluded, but we must find ways to engage in the kinds of relationships with those who are not Christians that allow the light and salt of our life to make an impression upon them. Through these godly attitudes and loving actions, the world should see Christ in us and be drawn to know the king. In this way, our Father in heaven is glorified here on earth. Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinful world? First, by being salt and light, that we are a witness to the Kingdom and the truth of God by the distinctive qualities of our life. Jesus has just listed many of thee qualities, or attitudes in the sermon’s introduction. These qualities are produced by His transforming work in our lives, but we can lose our saltiness by living more like the world than like the King, by walking in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. The distinctive life of the disciple is not only a matter of attitudes but these attitudes must move us to real actions of loving and serving - of good deeds. But it is not enough to simply possess these qualities. We must live in such a way that we are displaying these qualities visibly before a watching world. Our lives cannot be private and secluded, but we must find ways to engage in the kinds of relationships with those who are not Christians that allow the light and salt of our life to make an impression upon them. Through these godly attitudes and loving actions, the world should see Christ in us and be drawn to know the king. In this way, our Father in heaven is glorified here on earth. Big Idea - True followers of Jesus are the salt and light of the earth. Like Jesus, they are to make an impact for the Kingdom by their presence in it. How can we make a difference in the world? How are we to be bringing the Kingdom to a lost and sinfu… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21532169/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_saltandlight/id/392696 https://ccf.sermon.net/21532169 Scripture: Matthew 5:13-5:16, Series: Matthew Part#9 Sun, 02 Feb 2020 07:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3471 https://ccf.sermon.net/21528551/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermononthemount/id/3420811.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21528551 Scripture: Matthew 5:1-5:12, Series: Matthew Part#8 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 04:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry, and agreeing with His teaching, but not take the radical steps of giving up what is most important to us in order to truly follow Him? Can we just be consumers or is participating with Jesus in life and ministry an essential requirement? Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry, and agreeing with His teaching, but not take the radical steps of giving up what is most important to us in order to truly follow Him? Can we just be consumers or is participating with Jesus in life and ministry an essential requirement? Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry… Tim Dunham 2700 https://ccf.sermon.net/21524964/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_participantsofthekingdom/id/3417358.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21524964 Scripture: Matthew 4:18-4:25, Series: Matthew Part#7 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 04:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry, and agreeing with His teaching, but not take the radical steps of giving up what is most important to us in order to truly follow Him? Can we just be consumers or is participating with Jesus in life and ministry an essential requirement? Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry, and agreeing with His teaching, but not take the radical steps of giving up what is most important to us in order to truly follow Him? Can we just be consumers or is participating with Jesus in life and ministry an essential requirement? Big Idea - Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning it is now accessible to all who will enter. So the next question is how we can enter? Can we enter this kingdom by following Jesus at a safe distance, seeking the benefits of His ministry… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21524964/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_participantsofthekingdom/id/392054 https://ccf.sermon.net/21524964 Scripture: Matthew 4:18-4:25, Series: Matthew Part#7 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the Gospel? Kingdom has become a vague and obscure concept to those growing up in the ideology and world view of Western Democracy, or in the East where communism has taken root, places where we have done away with kings and kingdoms. The Kingdom of God is essentially the effective rule of God. He is Sovereign ruler over all things, but in His Sovereign plan, He has made room for other kingdoms. He has made every person created in His image a ruler over a kingdom, and He has allowed Satan to have his own dominion, the Kingdom of darkness. In Adam, we have all formed an alliance with the Kingdom of darkness. But, Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is now “at hand.” That means we now have access to His kingdom that we did not have before. And that access is through Jesus and His redeeming work. We now have the opportunity to change our alliance and become the rulers God originally intended, bringing our little Kingdoms under His all-encompassing rule and dominion. In addition to the rule of the king, a Kingdom offers the protection and care of the King and the invitation to serve the King in extending His empire and influence. When we become a citizen of a different kingdom, it is life-transforming. We, over time, are shaped by the culture and values of the king and His rule. The truest citizens of a kingdom are those who reflect the heart and values of the king in the way they live. Much of the Gospel of Matthew is laying out the values and culture of the Kingdom - what we are to be like as true citizens who live under the rule of Jesus our king. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the Gospel? Kingdom has become a vague and obscure concept to those growing up in the ideology and world view of Western Democracy, or in the East where communism has taken root, places where we have done away with kings and kingdoms. The Kingdom of God is essentially the effective rule of God. He is Sovereign ruler over all things, but in His Sovereign plan, He has made room for other kingdoms. He has made every person created in His image a ruler over a kingdom, and He has allowed Satan to have his own dominion, the Kingdom of darkness. In Adam, we have all formed an alliance with the Kingdom of darkness. But, Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is now “at hand.” That means we now have access to His kingdom that we did not have before. And that access is through Jesus and His redeeming work. We now have the opportunity to change our alliance and become the rulers God originally intended, bringing our little Kingdoms under His all-encompassing rule and dominion. In addition to the rule of the king, a Kingdom offers the protection and care of the King and the invitation to serve the King in extending His empire and influence. When we become a citizen of a different kingdom, it is life-transforming. We, over time, are shaped by the culture and values of the king and His rule. The truest citizens of a kingdom are those who reflect the heart and values of the king in the way they live. Much of the Gospel of Matthew is laying out the values and culture of the Kingdom - what we are to be like as true citizens who live under the rule of Jesus our king. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the G… Tim Dunham 3034 https://ccf.sermon.net/21521518/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekingdomathand/id/3414020.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21521518 Scripture: Matthew 4:12-4:17, Matthew 4:23, Psalms 145:1-145:4, Psalms 145:8-145:16, Series: Matthew Part#6 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the Gospel? Kingdom has become a vague and obscure concept to those growing up in the ideology and world view of Western Democracy, or in the East where communism has taken root, places where we have done away with kings and kingdoms. The Kingdom of God is essentially the effective rule of God. He is Sovereign ruler over all things, but in His Sovereign plan, He has made room for other kingdoms. He has made every person created in His image a ruler over a kingdom, and He has allowed Satan to have his own dominion, the Kingdom of darkness. In Adam, we have all formed an alliance with the Kingdom of darkness. But, Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is now “at hand.” That means we now have access to His kingdom that we did not have before. And that access is through Jesus and His redeeming work. We now have the opportunity to change our alliance and become the rulers God originally intended, bringing our little Kingdoms under His all-encompassing rule and dominion. In addition to the rule of the king, a Kingdom offers the protection and care of the King and the invitation to serve the King in extending His empire and influence. When we become a citizen of a different kingdom, it is life-transforming. We, over time, are shaped by the culture and values of the king and His rule. The truest citizens of a kingdom are those who reflect the heart and values of the king in the way they live. Much of the Gospel of Matthew is laying out the values and culture of the Kingdom - what we are to be like as true citizens who live under the rule of Jesus our king. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the Gospel? Kingdom has become a vague and obscure concept to those growing up in the ideology and world view of Western Democracy, or in the East where communism has taken root, places where we have done away with kings and kingdoms. The Kingdom of God is essentially the effective rule of God. He is Sovereign ruler over all things, but in His Sovereign plan, He has made room for other kingdoms. He has made every person created in His image a ruler over a kingdom, and He has allowed Satan to have his own dominion, the Kingdom of darkness. In Adam, we have all formed an alliance with the Kingdom of darkness. But, Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is now “at hand.” That means we now have access to His kingdom that we did not have before. And that access is through Jesus and His redeeming work. We now have the opportunity to change our alliance and become the rulers God originally intended, bringing our little Kingdoms under His all-encompassing rule and dominion. In addition to the rule of the king, a Kingdom offers the protection and care of the King and the invitation to serve the King in extending His empire and influence. When we become a citizen of a different kingdom, it is life-transforming. We, over time, are shaped by the culture and values of the king and His rule. The truest citizens of a kingdom are those who reflect the heart and values of the king in the way they live. Much of the Gospel of Matthew is laying out the values and culture of the Kingdom - what we are to be like as true citizens who live under the rule of Jesus our king. Big Idea - What is the Kingdom of God and what did Jesus mean when He said it was “at hand?” This is the central message of Jesus’ preaching. He went around proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom and how does it connect to the G… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21521518/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thekingdomathand/id/391776 https://ccf.sermon.net/21521518 Scripture: Matthew 4:12-4:17, Matthew 4:23, Psalms 145:1-145:4, Psalms 145:8-145:16, Series: Matthew Part#6 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 03:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Hebrews 4 tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we yet without sin so that He can sympathize with our weakness. But, how could Jesus understand the temptations we face when He did not live in the world of advanced technology and instant access to everything that is the world of today? Jesus may not have faced the exact temptations that we do, but He was tempted in every ‘way’ as we are. That’s because Jesus had the same basic human needs that we do: basic physical needs (food, water, etc), social/relationship needs (the need to feel loved and accepted, etc), and the need for meaning and purpose (worth, honor, significance, etc). He was tempted to meet those needs apart from God without waiting on God to provide according to His purpose and plan. Satan tempted Jesus to meet His needs apart from God 1) through his own abilities and resources, 2) by controlling and manipulating God, forcing Him to do what he wanted, and 3) by putting His trust in Satan who is the true person behind every false god (money, possessions, “worldly” wisdom, etc). Jesus was tempted in the ways we are, but He was without sin. He never once slipped and gave in to meet His needs apart from God’s plan. He trusted in His Father to meet every need and to work out every purpose according to His will. He was able to wait upon God and rest in Him because He was rooted deeply in the Word - God’s revealed truth about God’s nature and plans. He turned to the Word as the controlling force over His life, He was committed to holding on to its truths in faith, and to do all that God commanded. He proved to be the perfect Son where Adam, Israel, and every one of us fails so that He could be a sufficient sacrifice in our place. Through His blood, we are forgiven and through His righteous life, we are made right - righteous in Him. He became sin so that we might become His righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.) Big Idea - Hebrews 4 tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we yet without sin so that He can sympathize with our weakness. But, how could Jesus understand the temptations we face when He did not live in the world of advanced technology and instant access to everything that is the world of today? Jesus may not have faced the exact temptations that we do, but He was tempted in every ‘way’ as we are. That’s because Jesus had the same basic human needs that we do: basic physical needs (food, water, etc), social/relationship needs (the need to feel loved and accepted, etc), and the need for meaning and purpose (worth, honor, significance, etc). He was tempted to meet those needs apart from God without waiting on God to provide according to His purpose and plan. Satan tempted Jesus to meet His needs apart from God 1) through his own abilities and resources, 2) by controlling and manipulating God, forcing Him to do what he wanted, and 3) by putting His trust in Satan who is the true person behind every false god (money, possessions, “worldly” wisdom, etc). Jesus was tempted in the ways we are, but He was without sin. He never once slipped and gave in to meet His needs apart from God’s plan. He trusted in His Father to meet every need and to work out every purpose according to His will. He was able to wait upon God and rest in Him because He was rooted deeply in the Word - God’s revealed truth about God’s nature and plans. He turned to the Word as the controlling force over His life, He was committed to holding on to its truths in faith, and to do all that God commanded. He proved to be the perfect Son where Adam, Israel, and every one of us fails so that He could be a sufficient sacrifice in our place. Through His blood, we are forgiven and through His righteous life, we are made right - righteous in Him. He became sin so that we might become His righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.) Big Idea - Hebrews 4 tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we yet without sin so that He can sympathize with our weakness. But, how could Jesus understand the temptations we face when He did not live in the world of advanced technology and in… Tim Dunham 2523 https://ccf.sermon.net/21517838/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_temptedineveryway/id/3410649.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21517838 Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4:11, Hebrews 4:15-4:15, Romans 14:23-14:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21-5:21, Series: Matthew Part#5 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 05:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic story to highlight Jesus’ birth, or does it serve to teach us theological truths about who Jesus is? Matthew is very purposeful in including the account of the Magi and He intends us to learn significant truths about Jesus and about the way God directs people to know Him, or more accurately to find Him. First, this account demonstrates that Jesus’ Messianic claim is supported by His birth in Bethlehem (He was born in the right place). Second, the only way to “find” Jesus is through God’s revelation. Revelation is given for the very purpose of bringing us to Himself through Jesus Messiah, the pinnacle of all revelation. Therefore, the right response to God's revelation is to diligently follow where it leads until we find Jesus, and in finding Him there is great joy which leads us to worship Him. Thirdly, The Good News is for all, even the most sinful and wicked enemies of God. All who follow God's revelation in faith will find Jesus and His grace! Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic story to highlight Jesus’ birth, or does it serve to teach us theological truths about who Jesus is? Matthew is very purposeful in including the account of the Magi and He intends us to learn significant truths about Jesus and about the way God directs people to know Him, or more accurately to find Him. First, this account demonstrates that Jesus’ Messianic claim is supported by His birth in Bethlehem (He was born in the right place). Second, the only way to “find” Jesus is through God’s revelation. Revelation is given for the very purpose of bringing us to Himself through Jesus Messiah, the pinnacle of all revelation. Therefore, the right response to God's revelation is to diligently follow where it leads until we find Jesus, and in finding Him there is great joy which leads us to worship Him. Thirdly, The Good News is for all, even the most sinful and wicked enemies of God. All who follow God's revelation in faith will find Jesus and His grace! Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic stor… Tim Dunham 2525 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515403/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themagi/id/3408344.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515403 Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2:12, Micah 5:2-5:5, Isaiah 60:5-60:6, 2 Samuel 5:2-5:2, Matthew 7:7-7:8, Series: Christmas Sun, 22 Dec 2019 05:27:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic story to highlight Jesus’ birth, or does it serve to teach us theological truths about who Jesus is? Matthew is very purposeful in including the account of the Magi and He intends us to learn significant truths about Jesus and about the way God directs people to know Him, or more accurately to find Him. First, this account demonstrates that Jesus’ Messianic claim is supported by His birth in Bethlehem (He was born in the right place). Second, the only way to “find” Jesus is through God’s revelation. Revelation is given for the very purpose of bringing us to Himself through Jesus Messiah, the pinnacle of all revelation. Therefore, the right response to God's revelation is to diligently follow where it leads until we find Jesus, and in finding Him there is great joy which leads us to worship Him. Thirdly, The Good News is for all, even the most sinful and wicked enemies of God. All who follow God's revelation in faith will find Jesus and His grace! Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic story to highlight Jesus’ birth, or does it serve to teach us theological truths about who Jesus is? Matthew is very purposeful in including the account of the Magi and He intends us to learn significant truths about Jesus and about the way God directs people to know Him, or more accurately to find Him. First, this account demonstrates that Jesus’ Messianic claim is supported by His birth in Bethlehem (He was born in the right place). Second, the only way to “find” Jesus is through God’s revelation. Revelation is given for the very purpose of bringing us to Himself through Jesus Messiah, the pinnacle of all revelation. Therefore, the right response to God's revelation is to diligently follow where it leads until we find Jesus, and in finding Him there is great joy which leads us to worship Him. Thirdly, The Good News is for all, even the most sinful and wicked enemies of God. All who follow God's revelation in faith will find Jesus and His grace! Big Idea - What does the visit of the Magi tell us about Jesus? The place of the Messiah's birth was not random - it was proclaimed ahead of time as a matter of prophetic revelation from God. Is the visit of the Magi simply a colorful and dramatic stor… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21515403/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_themagi/id/391355 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515403 Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2:12, Micah 5:2-5:5, Isaiah 60:5-60:6, 2 Samuel 5:2-5:2, Matthew 7:7-7:8, Series: Christmas Sun, 08 Dec 2019 05:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondage in Egypt was a work that God did fully and completely in His own with any help or participation by the people of Israel. But, the work of getting to the promised land and taking possession of the inheritance of the land was a work that they had to participate in by faith and through obedience, driving out the enemy, maintaining holiness in the land, and holding on to what belonged to them. They could not succeed without God’s help, and in a very real sense it was God who would drive out the enemy, but unlike the Exodus, God would only work as they stepped out in faith and acted. The life of the Christian operates in exactly the same way. Salvation, or deliverance from bondage to sin and death is fully the work of God in Christ and we had no part in accomplishing our atonement or redemption. But taking full possession of our inheritance, life in the Kingdom, is very much a joint effort in which we participate with God by stepping out in faith to drive out every enemy, maintain holiness in kingdom life, and hold on firmly to all that is ours in Christ. Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondage in Egypt was a work that God did fully and completely in His own with any help or participation by the people of Israel. But, the work of getting to the promised land and taking possession of the inheritance of the land was a work that they had to participate in by faith and through obedience, driving out the enemy, maintaining holiness in the land, and holding on to what belonged to them. They could not succeed without God’s help, and in a very real sense it was God who would drive out the enemy, but unlike the Exodus, God would only work as they stepped out in faith and acted. The life of the Christian operates in exactly the same way. Salvation, or deliverance from bondage to sin and death is fully the work of God in Christ and we had no part in accomplishing our atonement or redemption. But taking full possession of our inheritance, life in the Kingdom, is very much a joint effort in which we participate with God by stepping out in faith to drive out every enemy, maintain holiness in kingdom life, and hold on firmly to all that is ours in Christ. Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondag… Tim Dunham 2954 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_claimingyourinheritance/id/3408343.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515402 Scripture: Numbers 33:50-33:56, Numbers 34:1-34:2, Numbers 34:13-34:15, Colossians 1:12-1:14, 1 Peter 1:3-1:5, Numbers 35:9-35:34, Numbers 36:1-36:13, Matthew 6:19-6:20, Series: Numbers Part#16 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 05:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondage in Egypt was a work that God did fully and completely in His own with any help or participation by the people of Israel. But, the work of getting to the promised land and taking possession of the inheritance of the land was a work that they had to participate in by faith and through obedience, driving out the enemy, maintaining holiness in the land, and holding on to what belonged to them. They could not succeed without God’s help, and in a very real sense it was God who would drive out the enemy, but unlike the Exodus, God would only work as they stepped out in faith and acted. The life of the Christian operates in exactly the same way. Salvation, or deliverance from bondage to sin and death is fully the work of God in Christ and we had no part in accomplishing our atonement or redemption. But taking full possession of our inheritance, life in the Kingdom, is very much a joint effort in which we participate with God by stepping out in faith to drive out every enemy, maintain holiness in kingdom life, and hold on firmly to all that is ours in Christ. Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondage in Egypt was a work that God did fully and completely in His own with any help or participation by the people of Israel. But, the work of getting to the promised land and taking possession of the inheritance of the land was a work that they had to participate in by faith and through obedience, driving out the enemy, maintaining holiness in the land, and holding on to what belonged to them. They could not succeed without God’s help, and in a very real sense it was God who would drive out the enemy, but unlike the Exodus, God would only work as they stepped out in faith and acted. The life of the Christian operates in exactly the same way. Salvation, or deliverance from bondage to sin and death is fully the work of God in Christ and we had no part in accomplishing our atonement or redemption. But taking full possession of our inheritance, life in the Kingdom, is very much a joint effort in which we participate with God by stepping out in faith to drive out every enemy, maintain holiness in kingdom life, and hold on firmly to all that is ours in Christ. Big Idea - God’s work in saving Israel and bringing them into the promised land as their possession, an inheritance from God, is a picture of our salvation and taking possession of our inheritance of His kingdom. God’s work of saving Israel from bondag… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21515402/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_claimingyourinheritance/id/391354 https://ccf.sermon.net/21515402 Scripture: Numbers 33:50-33:56, Numbers 34:1-34:2, Numbers 34:13-34:15, Colossians 1:12-1:14, 1 Peter 1:3-1:5, Numbers 35:9-35:34, Numbers 36:1-36:13, Matthew 6:19-6:20, Series: Numbers Part#16 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 07:38:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2874 https://ccf.sermon.net/21497180/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenextgeneration/id/3390942.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21497180 Scripture: Numbers 31:1-31:23, Numbers 32:1-32:19, Numbers 33:1-33:4, Series: Numbers Part#16 Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:02:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2770 https://ccf.sermon.net/21494911/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_areasontocelebrate/id/3388784.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21494911 Scripture: Numbers 30:1-30:16, Amos 5:21-5:23, Exodus 20:8-20:10, Numbers 10:10-10:10, Leviticus 16:29-16:31, John 6:32-6:35, John 7:37-7:38, 1 Corinthians 15:20-15:23, 1 Corinthians 15:51-15:52, Revelation 21:3-21:3, Series: Numbers Part#15 Sun, 17 Nov 2019 05:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of their sin, which turns away His great and deserve wrath. God’s plan to bless them will not fail, and with atonement This passage begins a new and final section of the book of Numbers. The first 10 chapters recount the preparations to go and possess the Land of Promise (census, arranging the camp, with God in the center). Chapter 11-23 tells of the failure of Israel as they repeatedly rebelled against the Lord and refuse to enter the promised land. The result is that that generation is condemned to die in the wilderness and will not possess the land. Chapter 25 is a transition chapter - it records the last of the rebellion cycles, which brings about the deaths of the last remaining survivors of the exodus generation. But, it also looks forward to the new generation. There are many parallels between the way this final section begins with the beginning of the book - there are events happening on the mountain tops that the people are not aware of, the people worship idols, they are saved by the zeal of those who take action against sin, and a census is taken of all the people. The point of these parallels is that this is a new generation, it is a new beginning, and the nation of Israel gets to start over.comes a chance to start over. Their failures follow them, only as a warning. It is a fresh start, and this generation has the chance to do things differently! Their past does not necessarily dictate their future. Starting over means the opportunity to walk fully into God’s blessing and promises! Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of their sin, which turns away His great and deserve wrath. God’s plan to bless them will not fail, and with atonement This passage begins a new and final section of the book of Numbers. The first 10 chapters recount the preparations to go and possess the Land of Promise (census, arranging the camp, with God in the center). Chapter 11-23 tells of the failure of Israel as they repeatedly rebelled against the Lord and refuse to enter the promised land. The result is that that generation is condemned to die in the wilderness and will not possess the land. Chapter 25 is a transition chapter - it records the last of the rebellion cycles, which brings about the deaths of the last remaining survivors of the exodus generation. But, it also looks forward to the new generation. There are many parallels between the way this final section begins with the beginning of the book - there are events happening on the mountain tops that the people are not aware of, the people worship idols, they are saved by the zeal of those who take action against sin, and a census is taken of all the people. The point of these parallels is that this is a new generation, it is a new beginning, and the nation of Israel gets to start over.comes a chance to start over. Their failures follow them, only as a warning. It is a fresh start, and this generation has the chance to do things differently! Their past does not necessarily dictate their future. Starting over means the opportunity to walk fully into God’s blessing and promises! Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of th… Tim Dunham 2990 https://ccf.sermon.net/21489874/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_startingover/id/3383908.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21489874 Scripture: Numbers 25:1-27:23, Series: Numbers Part#14 Sun, 17 Nov 2019 05:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of their sin, which turns away His great and deserve wrath. God’s plan to bless them will not fail, and with atonement This passage begins a new and final section of the book of Numbers. The first 10 chapters recount the preparations to go and possess the Land of Promise (census, arranging the camp, with God in the center). Chapter 11-23 tells of the failure of Israel as they repeatedly rebelled against the Lord and refuse to enter the promised land. The result is that that generation is condemned to die in the wilderness and will not possess the land. Chapter 25 is a transition chapter - it records the last of the rebellion cycles, which brings about the deaths of the last remaining survivors of the exodus generation. But, it also looks forward to the new generation. There are many parallels between the way this final section begins with the beginning of the book - there are events happening on the mountain tops that the people are not aware of, the people worship idols, they are saved by the zeal of those who take action against sin, and a census is taken of all the people. The point of these parallels is that this is a new generation, it is a new beginning, and the nation of Israel gets to start over.comes a chance to start over. Their failures follow them, only as a warning. It is a fresh start, and this generation has the chance to do things differently! Their past does not necessarily dictate their future. Starting over means the opportunity to walk fully into God’s blessing and promises! Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of their sin, which turns away His great and deserve wrath. God’s plan to bless them will not fail, and with atonement This passage begins a new and final section of the book of Numbers. The first 10 chapters recount the preparations to go and possess the Land of Promise (census, arranging the camp, with God in the center). Chapter 11-23 tells of the failure of Israel as they repeatedly rebelled against the Lord and refuse to enter the promised land. The result is that that generation is condemned to die in the wilderness and will not possess the land. Chapter 25 is a transition chapter - it records the last of the rebellion cycles, which brings about the deaths of the last remaining survivors of the exodus generation. But, it also looks forward to the new generation. There are many parallels between the way this final section begins with the beginning of the book - there are events happening on the mountain tops that the people are not aware of, the people worship idols, they are saved by the zeal of those who take action against sin, and a census is taken of all the people. The point of these parallels is that this is a new generation, it is a new beginning, and the nation of Israel gets to start over.comes a chance to start over. Their failures follow them, only as a warning. It is a fresh start, and this generation has the chance to do things differently! Their past does not necessarily dictate their future. Starting over means the opportunity to walk fully into God’s blessing and promises! Big Idea - The nation has repeatedly fallen into sin and they deserve to be destroyed completely by God - that is what full justice would bring upon them. But, instead of justice, they receive mercy and God repeatedly makes a way for the atoning of th… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21489874/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_startingover/id/389051 https://ccf.sermon.net/21489874 Scripture: Numbers 25:1-27:23, Series: Numbers Part#14 Sun, 10 Nov 2019 07:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What exactly is the blessing of God and how can we receive the fulness of His blessings in our lives? In modern times we may not think about the power of blessing or cursing like they did in the past when people were not so scientific. In ancient times, a spoken blessing or curse was considered to have power that would come true, even more so if spoken by one with a gift for such things. We are now ruled by a more logical approach to life, where only causes rooted in the laws of nature can produce certain effects and results. We do not believe in the superstisious. It true that our own words do not have the power to curse or bless, but the Bible is clear that God does! Our lives are not determined purely by the laws of nature, but ultimately by God who has the power to bless us or to curse us. So, what does the blessing, or the cursing look like and what can we do to make sure we are on the good side of God, so to speak? His blessing is a matter of His grace alone, it will never be something we deserve. He blesses based on His overflowing goodness and compassion. His blessing is ultimately Himself - His very life and presence with us, and His full saving work from beginning to end. His blessing is guaranteed through Jesus who is the King who blesses His people. Our part, is to trust in God. True faith will be evident in our life when we start acting like God, by seeking the blessing of others instead of cursing them. Big Idea - What exactly is the blessing of God and how can we receive the fulness of His blessings in our lives? In modern times we may not think about the power of blessing or cursing like they did in the past when people were not so scientific. In ancient times, a spoken blessing or curse was considered to have power that would come true, even more so if spoken by one with a gift for such things. We are now ruled by a more logical approach to life, where only causes rooted in the laws of nature can produce certain effects and results. We do not believe in the superstisious. It true that our own words do not have the power to curse or bless, but the Bible is clear that God does! Our lives are not determined purely by the laws of nature, but ultimately by God who has the power to bless us or to curse us. So, what does the blessing, or the cursing look like and what can we do to make sure we are on the good side of God, so to speak? His blessing is a matter of His grace alone, it will never be something we deserve. He blesses based on His overflowing goodness and compassion. His blessing is ultimately Himself - His very life and presence with us, and His full saving work from beginning to end. His blessing is guaranteed through Jesus who is the King who blesses His people. Our part, is to trust in God. True faith will be evident in our life when we start acting like God, by seeking the blessing of others instead of cursing them. Big Idea - What exactly is the blessing of God and how can we receive the fulness of His blessings in our lives? In modern times we may not think about the power of blessing or cursing like they did in the past when people were not so scientific. In an… Tim Dunham 3100 https://ccf.sermon.net/21485789/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegodwhoblesses/id/3379941.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21485789 Scripture: Numbers 23:1-23:30, Genesis 28:13-28:15, Series: Numbers Part#13 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 04:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - In the account of Balaam and Balak, the question is raised as to how God blesses or curses. Balak is convinced God can be paid off to do the bidding of kings. Balaam has better theology and knows that God cannot be bought, but his understanding of God also falls short in that he thinks God might easily change His mind as people do. We may have other ideas about how God blesses based on how deserving we are. Modern thinking is that God will bless those who deserve it. But, all of these prove false. God is Sovereign so He cannot be controlled by men. He is not fickle and does not change His plans as we do. And there is no one who is worthy of His blessing - certainly not Israel! God’s blessing is fully a matter of grace which God bestows on those He freely chooses. One of His greatest blessings is the gift of revelation, that He reveals Himself, His promises, and His plans to those He chooses. His revelation is not dependent on the holiness of the messenger but on His goodness and He more than able to reveal His exact Word and purpose through any means. Therefore, His Word and His promises are reliable and we can count on them. For those He promises to bless, nothing can stand in the way of God keeping His promise in every detail. What remains for us is to have faith in Him and in His power to fulfill all that He promises. Big Idea - In the account of Balaam and Balak, the question is raised as to how God blesses or curses. Balak is convinced God can be paid off to do the bidding of kings. Balaam has better theology and knows that God cannot be bought, but his understanding of God also falls short in that he thinks God might easily change His mind as people do. We may have other ideas about how God blesses based on how deserving we are. Modern thinking is that God will bless those who deserve it. But, all of these prove false. God is Sovereign so He cannot be controlled by men. He is not fickle and does not change His plans as we do. And there is no one who is worthy of His blessing - certainly not Israel! God’s blessing is fully a matter of grace which God bestows on those He freely chooses. One of His greatest blessings is the gift of revelation, that He reveals Himself, His promises, and His plans to those He chooses. His revelation is not dependent on the holiness of the messenger but on His goodness and He more than able to reveal His exact Word and purpose through any means. Therefore, His Word and His promises are reliable and we can count on them. For those He promises to bless, nothing can stand in the way of God keeping His promise in every detail. What remains for us is to have faith in Him and in His power to fulfill all that He promises. Big Idea - In the account of Balaam and Balak, the question is raised as to how God blesses or curses. Balak is convinced God can be paid off to do the bidding of kings. Balaam has better theology and knows that God cannot be bought, but his understand… Tim Dunham 3082 https://ccf.sermon.net/21481839/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_donkeytheology/id/3376192.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21481839 Scripture: Numbers 22:1-22:35, Genesis 28:13-28:15, Series: Numbers Part#12, Custom categories: Pastor: Numbers Sun, 20 Oct 2019 05:41:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The people had finally come to understand that sin and holiness cannot mix - like touching a high voltage wire So, how can God possibly live in their midst and not completely destroy them! God made two provisions to protect the people from His holy wrath. The first was the ministry of the Priests and Levites. It was their responsibility to stand between sinful people and the holiness of God so that the people would not be destroyed. The second was the provision of a means of cleansing from the impurity and stain of death by the ashes of a red heifer mixed with living water. Jesus is both our great High Priest who allows us to draw near to God and not be destroyed by His holiness. Jesus is also our red heifer, who absorbed the full effect of death by dying Himself so that we can be made alive with Him! Big Idea - The people had finally come to understand that sin and holiness cannot mix - like touching a high voltage wire So, how can God possibly live in their midst and not completely destroy them! God made two provisions to protect the people from His holy wrath. The first was the ministry of the Priests and Levites. It was their responsibility to stand between sinful people and the holiness of God so that the people would not be destroyed. The second was the provision of a means of cleansing from the impurity and stain of death by the ashes of a red heifer mixed with living water. Jesus is both our great High Priest who allows us to draw near to God and not be destroyed by His holiness. Jesus is also our red heifer, who absorbed the full effect of death by dying Himself so that we can be made alive with Him! Big Idea - The people had finally come to understand that sin and holiness cannot mix - like touching a high voltage wire So, how can God possibly live in their midst and not completely destroy them! God made two provisions to protect the people from H… Tim Dunham 2908 https://ccf.sermon.net/21474095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_beforeaholygod/id/3368755.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21474095 Scripture: Numbers 17:12-17:13, Numbers 18:1-18:32, Numbers 19:1-19:22, Series: Numbers Part#10 Sun, 13 Oct 2019 05:31:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3355 https://ccf.sermon.net/21474093/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godlyleadership/id/3368750.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21474093 Scripture: Numbers 16:1-16:49, Numbers 17:1-17:13, Series: Numbers Part#9 Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:06:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What happens when we really blow it? When we let fear and our flesh control us, instead of God's Word and His Spirit? Because of God’s marvelous grace, nothing can prevent God from fulfilling all His plans and promises, not even our worst failures. But there are serious consequences for sin and a defiant attitude. Jesus paid the price for our sins, and even for our rebellious hearts that mocked Him. Through the blood of Jesus and faith in Him, we can now experience the fulfillment of His promises and celebrate His grace and goodness with worship and thanksgiving. But, we must be careful to put God first in our lives and dedicate ourselves to following His word and not our own rebellious heart. Big Idea - What happens when we really blow it? When we let fear and our flesh control us, instead of God's Word and His Spirit? Because of God’s marvelous grace, nothing can prevent God from fulfilling all His plans and promises, not even our worst failures. But there are serious consequences for sin and a defiant attitude. Jesus paid the price for our sins, and even for our rebellious hearts that mocked Him. Through the blood of Jesus and faith in Him, we can now experience the fulfillment of His promises and celebrate His grace and goodness with worship and thanksgiving. But, we must be careful to put God first in our lives and dedicate ourselves to following His word and not our own rebellious heart. Big Idea - What happens when we really blow it? When we let fear and our flesh control us, instead of God's Word and His Spirit? Because of God’s marvelous grace, nothing can prevent God from fulfilling all His plans and promises, not even our worst fa… Tim Dunham 2312 https://ccf.sermon.net/21466196/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_flourfirewoodandtassels/id/3361185.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21466196 Scripture: Numbers 15:1-15:41, Series: Numbers Part#8 Sun, 29 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3396 https://ccf.sermon.net/21462182/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_intercession/id/3357353.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21462182 Scripture: Numbers 13:1-14:45, Series: Numbers Part#7 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 05:18:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - A quick search of the Internet and we discover that people like to complain. One site states that everyone complains - at least 15-30 times per day! Internet experts are also divided if this is really a bad thing or not. Most would say that complaining all the time is bad, but some suggest that complaining sometimes is necessary or even healthy. The Bible would agree that complaining is a core part of our human nature. So, what does the Bible have to say about our complaining? Is all complaining bad? Is it ok to complain sometimes? When is complaining absolutely wrong, and when might it be ok to complain? Is there ever a time when complaining is actually a good thing? Big Idea - A quick search of the Internet and we discover that people like to complain. One site states that everyone complains - at least 15-30 times per day! Internet experts are also divided if this is really a bad thing or not. Most would say that complaining all the time is bad, but some suggest that complaining sometimes is necessary or even healthy. The Bible would agree that complaining is a core part of our human nature. So, what does the Bible have to say about our complaining? Is all complaining bad? Is it ok to complain sometimes? When is complaining absolutely wrong, and when might it be ok to complain? Is there ever a time when complaining is actually a good thing? Big Idea - A quick search of the Internet and we discover that people like to complain. One site states that everyone complains - at least 15-30 times per day! Internet experts are also divided if this is really a bad thing or not. Most would say that … Tim Dunham 3142 https://ccf.sermon.net/21462187/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_complaining/id/3357357.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21462187 Scripture: Numbers 11:1-12:16, Luke 18:28-18:30, Acts 7:37, Hebrews 3:1-3:6, Series: Numbers Part#6 Sun, 15 Sep 2019 06:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2929 https://ccf.sermon.net/21454219/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gatheringandgoing/id/3349968.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21454219 Scripture: Numbers 10:1-10:36, Series: Numbers Part#5 Sun, 08 Sep 2019 05:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Why do Church? What is the point? What should the Church be focused on - what is her main focus of ministry? Evangelism? To help people get saved? Making disciples? Helping the poor - Social justice? Buildings? Programs? Worship - the glory of God? The Church should above all else be involved in helping people draw near to God and experience His presence through the Ministry of the Word - to know God, His plans, and do all that He commands. The Church is also is all about corporate Worship - celebrating God's great saving work in our life (Passover). Therefore, we should be actively involved in supporting God's house, by our giving and our service in order to participate in the ministry of drawing near to God - supporting it and experiencing it, and to support the Ministry of the Word, and to grow by the ministry of the Word. Finally, we are to join with one heart and one mind in Worshiping our great God! Big Idea - Why do Church? What is the point? What should the Church be focused on - what is her main focus of ministry? Evangelism? To help people get saved? Making disciples? Helping the poor - Social justice? Buildings? Programs? Worship - the glory of God? The Church should above all else be involved in helping people draw near to God and experience His presence through the Ministry of the Word - to know God, His plans, and do all that He commands. The Church is also is all about corporate Worship - celebrating God's great saving work in our life (Passover). Therefore, we should be actively involved in supporting God's house, by our giving and our service in order to participate in the ministry of drawing near to God - supporting it and experiencing it, and to support the Ministry of the Word, and to grow by the ministry of the Word. Finally, we are to join with one heart and one mind in Worshiping our great God! Big Idea - Why do Church? What is the point? What should the Church be focused on - what is her main focus of ministry? Evangelism? To help people get saved? Making disciples? Helping the poor - Social justice? Buildings? Programs? Worship - the glory … Tim Dunham 2953 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepurposeofthechurch/id/3347264.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451324 Scripture: Numbers 7:1-9:14, Series: Numbers Part#4 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 06:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God is holy and if He is to dwell in the midst of the people, they too must be holy. God gives extensive laws to make sure the camp is a holy place. God guards His holiness through the Priests and Levites as well so that the people are not destroyed. Then, it seems quite randomly, God blesses the people. How are we to understand the holiness of God, the law that guards His holiness, and the desire of God to bless the people? How are God’s holiness and goodness related or reconciled? We may have the idea that the law and God’s holiness are what God wants and cares most about, and the blessing is what we want and care about. The law is seen as how we give God what He wants (honor and obedience in accordance with His holiness) so that He will give us what we want - the blessings of prosperity and comfort. But this is a terrible misunderstanding of who God and His desire for His people. Holiness and blessing are not two different things. It is not the economic exchange of a consumer and a commercial enterprise! God’s holiness and His blessing are deeply connected and we could say even one in the same thing. The greatest blessing we can possess is His holy presence, and the deepest longings of our heart can be satisfied in a life rooted in His holiness. God’s laws are not to be obeyed in order to earn heavenly currency that can be cashed in for God’s blessing. Rather, the law is a necessary condition of blessing. So, good health, reconciled relationships, marital faithfulness, and devoted service are life conditions that bring about the realization of God’s blessing and shalom in our life! Big Idea - God is holy and if He is to dwell in the midst of the people, they too must be holy. God gives extensive laws to make sure the camp is a holy place. God guards His holiness through the Priests and Levites as well so that the people are not destroyed. Then, it seems quite randomly, God blesses the people. How are we to understand the holiness of God, the law that guards His holiness, and the desire of God to bless the people? How are God’s holiness and goodness related or reconciled? We may have the idea that the law and God’s holiness are what God wants and cares most about, and the blessing is what we want and care about. The law is seen as how we give God what He wants (honor and obedience in accordance with His holiness) so that He will give us what we want - the blessings of prosperity and comfort. But this is a terrible misunderstanding of who God and His desire for His people. Holiness and blessing are not two different things. It is not the economic exchange of a consumer and a commercial enterprise! God’s holiness and His blessing are deeply connected and we could say even one in the same thing. The greatest blessing we can possess is His holy presence, and the deepest longings of our heart can be satisfied in a life rooted in His holiness. God’s laws are not to be obeyed in order to earn heavenly currency that can be cashed in for God’s blessing. Rather, the law is a necessary condition of blessing. So, good health, reconciled relationships, marital faithfulness, and devoted service are life conditions that bring about the realization of God’s blessing and shalom in our life! Big Idea - God is holy and if He is to dwell in the midst of the people, they too must be holy. God gives extensive laws to make sure the camp is a holy place. God guards His holiness through the Priests and Levites as well so that the people are not d… Tim Dunham 3188 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451326/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelordblessyou/id/3347266.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451326 Scripture: Numbers 5:1-6:27, Series: Numbers Part#3 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:04:29 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3043 https://ccf.sermon.net/21442453/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dosomethingsmall/id/3338795.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21442453 Scripture: Numbers 3:1-4:49, Series: Numbers Part#2 Sun, 18 Aug 2019 06:13:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does it mean for God to be with us, to be in the camp, or to dwell in our heart, and how are we to respond to His presence with us? God is with us as the very center of our life. God is rightly the the center of everything but in our sinful rebellion we have put ourselves in the center and God in the remote fringes of the universe. But God chose Abraham and his descendents to be His chosen people. They would be His people and He would be there God. At Sinai the promise begins to take shape. By entering into a covenant relationship with Israel, Yahweh puts Himself back into the center of their lives and community. Like the epicenter of an earthquake, it can be a perilous place to live, but also one of immeasurable blessings! This is an amazing picture and promise of the relationship that He desires with His people, under the old covenant and under the new. The God of the Bible is not only the God of heaven, but He is also God with us. Big Idea - What does it mean for God to be with us, to be in the camp, or to dwell in our heart, and how are we to respond to His presence with us? God is with us as the very center of our life. God is rightly the the center of everything but in our sinful rebellion we have put ourselves in the center and God in the remote fringes of the universe. But God chose Abraham and his descendents to be His chosen people. They would be His people and He would be there God. At Sinai the promise begins to take shape. By entering into a covenant relationship with Israel, Yahweh puts Himself back into the center of their lives and community. Like the epicenter of an earthquake, it can be a perilous place to live, but also one of immeasurable blessings! This is an amazing picture and promise of the relationship that He desires with His people, under the old covenant and under the new. The God of the Bible is not only the God of heaven, but He is also God with us. Big Idea - What does it mean for God to be with us, to be in the camp, or to dwell in our heart, and how are we to respond to His presence with us? God is with us as the very center of our life. God is rightly the the center of everything but in our si… Tim Dunham 3297 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451328/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agodcenteredlife/id/3347268.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21451328 Scripture: Numbers 1:1-2:32, Series: Numbers Part#1 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 09:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2886 https://ccf.sermon.net/21435704/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_breakdownthewall/id/3332423.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21435704 Scripture: John 4:1-4:30, John 4:39-4:42, Series: John Part#1 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 06:28:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2288 https://ccf.sermon.net/21431058/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecrossofchrist/id/3328009.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21431058 Scripture: Galatians 6:11-6:17, Series: Galatians Part#15 Sun, 28 Jul 2019 06:34:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2952 https://ccf.sermon.net/21427109/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_personalresponsibilitymutualac/id/3324261.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21427109 Scripture: Galatians 6:1-6:10, Series: Galatians Part#14 Sun, 21 Jul 2019 07:32:00 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 3441 https://ccf.sermon.net/21431061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fruitforthecommunity/id/3328012.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21431061 Scripture: Galatians 5:19-5:26, Series: Galatians Part#13 Sun, 14 Jul 2019 06:44:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2481 https://ccf.sermon.net/21419491/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_calledtobefree/id/3317126.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21419491 Scripture: Galatians 5:13-5:18, Series: Galatians Part#12 Sun, 07 Jul 2019 04:16:00 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2334 https://ccf.sermon.net/21416978/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gal5212/id/3314744.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21416978 Scripture: Galatians 5:2-5:12, Series: Galatians Part#11 Sun, 30 Jun 2019 07:50:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2264 https://ccf.sermon.net/21411916/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_runfromthelaw/id/3309954.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21411916 Scripture: Galatians 4:21-5:1, Series: Galatians Part#10 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 04:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 1894 https://ccf.sermon.net/21408726/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comeback/id/3306924.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21408726 Scripture: Galatians 4:12-4:20, Series: Galatians Part#9 Sun, 16 Jun 2019 06:19:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3002 https://ccf.sermon.net/21404206/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adoptedheirs/id/3302485.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21404206 Scripture: Galatians 3:23-4:11, Series: Galatians Part#8 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 09:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2562 https://ccf.sermon.net/21400658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aretheretwopathstoglory/id/3299029.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21400658 Scripture: Galatians 3:15-3:22, Series: Galatians Part#7 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 04:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2753 https://ccf.sermon.net/21397299/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessingsandcurses/id/3295906.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21397299 Blessings and Curses, Scripture: Galatians 3:6-3:14, Series: Galatians Part#6 Sun, 26 May 2019 08:04:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - S - Do we receive the Spirit, grow to full maturity in Christ, and experience the miraculous work of the Spirit in our life by keeping the law in the flesh, or by our faith in the Gospel? It is faith in "Christ crucified" that results in the life-transforming work of the Spirit, not the law carried out in the flesh. Our faith in the Gospel and our response of faith brings about three great results in the life of every believer. First, at the the very beginning the Holy Spirit indwells us from the moment we believe and are made righteous through the work of Christ. Second, at the end of our journey, we are made perfect and complete by a life fully transformed according to God’s highest purpose and plan for us, and in all the in-between the Holy Spirit is at work in ways that we can see and experience. This is all accomplished, not be keeping the law int he flesh, but by our faith in Christ crucified. So, we must guard against leaving the way of the Spirit and falling into the way of the flesh and the law. Big Idea - S - Do we receive the Spirit, grow to full maturity in Christ, and experience the miraculous work of the Spirit in our life by keeping the law in the flesh, or by our faith in the Gospel? It is faith in "Christ crucified" that results in the life-transforming work of the Spirit, not the law carried out in the flesh. Our faith in the Gospel and our response of faith brings about three great results in the life of every believer. First, at the the very beginning the Holy Spirit indwells us from the moment we believe and are made righteous through the work of Christ. Second, at the end of our journey, we are made perfect and complete by a life fully transformed according to God’s highest purpose and plan for us, and in all the in-between the Holy Spirit is at work in ways that we can see and experience. This is all accomplished, not be keeping the law int he flesh, but by our faith in Christ crucified. So, we must guard against leaving the way of the Spirit and falling into the way of the flesh and the law. Big Idea - S - Do we receive the Spirit, grow to full maturity in Christ, and experience the miraculous work of the Spirit in our life by keeping the law in the flesh, or by our faith in the Gospel? It is faith in "Christ crucified" that results in the… Tim Dunham 3080 https://ccf.sermon.net/21391425/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hearingwithfaith/id/3291383.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21391425 Scripture: Galatians 3:1-3:6, Series: Galatians Part#5 Sun, 19 May 2019 07:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - Galatians 2:15-21 - a continuation of the account in Antioch with Peter. Peter is happy to eat with the Gentiles until Jewish visitors came from James. It is against Jewish law to eat with Gentiles and Peter changes his practice when visitors arrive. Paul rebukes Peter and it becomes clear that Paul fight’s this battle because what is at stake is the very core of the Gospel itself! In verse 15-21 Paul gives the theological argument and understanding behind his thinking. These few verses are, therefore, packed with some of the essential doctrines of salvation in Christ and in the true meaning of the Gospel. Summary - Galatians 2:15-21 - a continuation of the account in Antioch with Peter. Peter is happy to eat with the Gentiles until Jewish visitors came from James. It is against Jewish law to eat with Gentiles and Peter changes his practice when visitors arrive. Paul rebukes Peter and it becomes clear that Paul fight’s this battle because what is at stake is the very core of the Gospel itself! In verse 15-21 Paul gives the theological argument and understanding behind his thinking. These few verses are, therefore, packed with some of the essential doctrines of salvation in Christ and in the true meaning of the Gospel. Summary - Galatians 2:15-21 - a continuation of the account in Antioch with Peter. Peter is happy to eat with the Gentiles until Jewish visitors came from James. It is against Jewish law to eat with Gentiles and Peter changes his practice when visitors… Tim Dunham 2834 https://ccf.sermon.net/21387232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustifiedinchrist/id/3287370.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21387232 Scripture: Galatians 2:15-2:21, Series: Galatians Part#4 Sun, 12 May 2019 08:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3479 https://ccf.sermon.net/21382752/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_confrontingfear/id/3283024.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21382752 Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2:14, Series: Galatians Part#3 Sun, 05 May 2019 08:21:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the Gospel Paul preached and where did it come from? If it came by direct revelation how does it compare with what the other Apostles preached? Is it reliable and trustworthy? Paul is talking here about the source of the Gospel message he preached and proclaimed. It was not of human origin, or a tradition passed down to him from others. Rather, it was a direct revelation from God, of Jesus, as the risen Lord and Messiah who justifies sinners by His blood. Consequently, salvation is a matter of grace by faith, not a matter of keeping the law. So, salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, apart from keeping the law. Big Idea - What is the Gospel Paul preached and where did it come from? If it came by direct revelation how does it compare with what the other Apostles preached? Is it reliable and trustworthy? Paul is talking here about the source of the Gospel message he preached and proclaimed. It was not of human origin, or a tradition passed down to him from others. Rather, it was a direct revelation from God, of Jesus, as the risen Lord and Messiah who justifies sinners by His blood. Consequently, salvation is a matter of grace by faith, not a matter of keeping the law. So, salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, apart from keeping the law. Big Idea - What is the Gospel Paul preached and where did it come from? If it came by direct revelation how does it compare with what the other Apostles preached? Is it reliable and trustworthy? Paul is talking here about the source of the Gospel mess… Tim Dunham 2528 https://ccf.sermon.net/21379237/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_arevelation/id/3279683.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21379237 Scripture: Galatians 1:11-1:24, Series: Galatians Part#2 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 07:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospel is a very different message from the true Good News. It was a problem in Paul's day, and it is no less a problem today as the Gospel is getting diluted and distorted in various ways. Paul writes in Galatians that those who turn to a false Gospel turn away from God, abandon His saving grace, and disqualify themselves from serving Him. Those who are guilty of proclaiming a false Gospel come under the most severe curse of God's wrath. Those who follow their teaching at best do not experience all of the amazing benefits of salvation, and at worst are eternally lost in their sin. Sometimes the problem is not so much teaching a false Gospel as it is failing to hold up the Gospel as of first importance and the message of the Gospel gets lost in a sea of Church traditions and other “priorities.” When people discover that these secondary issues that are not critical they abandon the faith because the Gospel has been lumped together with everything else. Therefore, it is of vital importance to hold up the true Gospel as the unchanging message of salvation and we must guard it against every false Gospel and wrong focus that would trump or crowd out its life-giving truth. Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospel is a very different message from the true Good News. It was a problem in Paul's day, and it is no less a problem today as the Gospel is getting diluted and distorted in various ways. Paul writes in Galatians that those who turn to a false Gospel turn away from God, abandon His saving grace, and disqualify themselves from serving Him. Those who are guilty of proclaiming a false Gospel come under the most severe curse of God's wrath. Those who follow their teaching at best do not experience all of the amazing benefits of salvation, and at worst are eternally lost in their sin. Sometimes the problem is not so much teaching a false Gospel as it is failing to hold up the Gospel as of first importance and the message of the Gospel gets lost in a sea of Church traditions and other “priorities.” When people discover that these secondary issues that are not critical they abandon the faith because the Gospel has been lumped together with everything else. Therefore, it is of vital importance to hold up the true Gospel as the unchanging message of salvation and we must guard it against every false Gospel and wrong focus that would trump or crowd out its life-giving truth. Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospe… Tim Dunham 2008 https://ccf.sermon.net/21379232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theauthenticgospel/id/3279678.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21379232 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-1:10, Series: Galatians Part#1 Sun, 28 Apr 2019 07:59:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospel is a very different message from the true Good News. It was a problem in Paul's day, and it is no less a problem today as the Gospel is getting diluted and distorted in various ways. Paul writes in Galatians that those who turn to a false Gospel turn away from God, abandon His saving grace, and disqualify themselves from serving Him. Those who are guilty of proclaiming a false Gospel come under the most severe curse of God's wrath. Those who follow their teaching at best do not experience all of the amazing benefits of salvation, and at worst are eternally lost in their sin. Sometimes the problem is not so much teaching a false Gospel as it is failing to hold up the Gospel as of first importance and the message of the Gospel gets lost in a sea of Church traditions and other “priorities.” When people discover that these secondary issues that are not critical they abandon the faith because the Gospel has been lumped together with everything else. Therefore, it is of vital importance to hold up the true Gospel as the unchanging message of salvation and we must guard it against every false Gospel and wrong focus that would trump or crowd out its life-giving truth. Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospel is a very different message from the true Good News. It was a problem in Paul's day, and it is no less a problem today as the Gospel is getting diluted and distorted in various ways. Paul writes in Galatians that those who turn to a false Gospel turn away from God, abandon His saving grace, and disqualify themselves from serving Him. Those who are guilty of proclaiming a false Gospel come under the most severe curse of God's wrath. Those who follow their teaching at best do not experience all of the amazing benefits of salvation, and at worst are eternally lost in their sin. Sometimes the problem is not so much teaching a false Gospel as it is failing to hold up the Gospel as of first importance and the message of the Gospel gets lost in a sea of Church traditions and other “priorities.” When people discover that these secondary issues that are not critical they abandon the faith because the Gospel has been lumped together with everything else. Therefore, it is of vital importance to hold up the true Gospel as the unchanging message of salvation and we must guard it against every false Gospel and wrong focus that would trump or crowd out its life-giving truth. Big Idea - What is the great danger in changing the message of the Gospel into a different message and how can it get corrupted, distorted and changed so easily? The true Gospel itself can never change, but often the message that claims to be the Gospe… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21379232/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theauthenticgospel/id/381035 https://ccf.sermon.net/21379232 Scripture: Galatians 1:1-1:10, Series: Galatians Part#1 Sun, 21 Apr 2019 05:25:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3082 https://ccf.sermon.net/21369861/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsway/id/3270733.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21369861 Scripture: Matthew 28:1-28:20, Series: Easter Sun, 14 Apr 2019 05:15:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea The so-called Triumphal Entry of Jesus seems rather confusing. The crowd welcomes Jesus as King of Israel, but we know that He did not come to rule as King in Jerusalem. But Jesus accepts their praise and even finds a donkey to add to the effect. Then Jesus declares that His real purpose in coming to Jerusalem is to die, and we know that this marks the beginning of the Passion week leading up to the Cross. So, what is the point of this grand parade? Jesus always draws a large crowd, but it seems out of character for Him to put on a show for the crowd. What is this about? Like the Disciples, we may admit we do not really understand what it all means? So what is the point of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as the King of Israel? Jesus is indeed the King of Israel, and His kingdom is a major theme in all of the Gospels including John’s. His grand entrance into Jerusalem fulfills prophecy because He does come as her King and He comes to bring His kingdom rule. The Crowd plays their part and declares Jesus as King but the unfolding of the story from this point on goes very differently than what the crowd expects. It's not because they are wrong about who Jesus is, rather it is because they do understand the nature of His kingdom. It is not like the worldly Kingdoms that surround them. It is a kingdom that originates in Heaven and operates with a heavenly purpose. It is not of the world (coming from the world) but it is coming to the world to change it forever. The crowd wants a king who will overthrow worldly rulers, but Jesus comes to overthrow a much greater enemy, in fact, the greatest enemies of all mankind - sin, and death. You overthrow worldly powers with military force and conquer nations with great armies. But, sin and death can only be overcome by the death of the righteous and perfect Lamb of God. Therefore, Jesus comes as Israel’s king, not to ascend to the heights of earthly power, but to sink to the depths of human suffering so that by His death He may save all those who will come to Him and follow Him. His is a kingdom of truth, not a kingdom of force. Worldly kingdoms operate on the principle of might and supremacy, but the kingdom of God operates on the principle of truth. There is no power greater than God and none more supreme, but He does not force anyone to accept His rule over their life. Instead, He rules over those who come to understand the truth - the truth about God, sin, and His salvation in Jesus. Those to whom it has been revealed see the truth, believe it, and their life is transformed by it. They follow Christ and submit to His rule over them in every area of their life - they are in the Kingdom and heirs of eternal life. They hate their life in the world because they know the truth about what lies ahead for those who believe! Big Idea The so-called Triumphal Entry of Jesus seems rather confusing. The crowd welcomes Jesus as King of Israel, but we know that He did not come to rule as King in Jerusalem. But Jesus accepts their praise and even finds a donkey to add to the effect. Then Jesus declares that His real purpose in coming to Jerusalem is to die, and we know that this marks the beginning of the Passion week leading up to the Cross. So, what is the point of this grand parade? Jesus always draws a large crowd, but it seems out of character for Him to put on a show for the crowd. What is this about? Like the Disciples, we may admit we do not really understand what it all means? So what is the point of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as the King of Israel? Jesus is indeed the King of Israel, and His kingdom is a major theme in all of the Gospels including John’s. His grand entrance into Jerusalem fulfills prophecy because He does come as her King and He comes to bring His kingdom rule. The Crowd plays their part and declares Jesus as King but the unfolding of the story from this point on goes very differently than what the crowd expects. It's not because they are wrong about who Jesus is, rather it is because they do understand the nature of His kingdom. It is not like the worldly Kingdoms that surround them. It is a kingdom that originates in Heaven and operates with a heavenly purpose. It is not of the world (coming from the world) but it is coming to the world to change it forever. The crowd wants a king who will overthrow worldly rulers, but Jesus comes to overthrow a much greater enemy, in fact, the greatest enemies of all mankind - sin, and death. You overthrow worldly powers with military force and conquer nations with great armies. But, sin and death can only be overcome by the death of the righteous and perfect Lamb of God. Therefore, Jesus comes as Israel’s king, not to ascend to the heights of earthly power, but to sink to the depths of human suffering so that by His death He may save all those who will come to Him and follow Him. His is a kingdom of truth, not a kingdom of force. Worldly kingdoms operate on the principle of might and supremacy, but the kingdom of God operates on the principle of truth. There is no power greater than God and none more supreme, but He does not force anyone to accept His rule over their life. Instead, He rules over those who come to understand the truth - the truth about God, sin, and His salvation in Jesus. Those to whom it has been revealed see the truth, believe it, and their life is transformed by it. They follow Christ and submit to His rule over them in every area of their life - they are in the Kingdom and heirs of eternal life. They hate their life in the world because they know the truth about what lies ahead for those who believe! Big Idea The so-called Triumphal Entry of Jesus seems rather confusing. The crowd welcomes Jesus as King of Israel, but we know that He did not come to rule as King in Jerusalem. But Jesus accepts their praise and even finds a donkey to add to the ef… Tim Dunham 2639 https://ccf.sermon.net/21369860/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hosannathekingiscoming/id/3270730.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21369860 Scripture: John 12:12-12:36, Series: Easter Sun, 07 Apr 2019 05:01:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea If God doesn’t really need anything from us, why do we give Him anything? He is God Almighty, the source of all things, so we cannot really give Him anything he needs, or He does not already have. Nor can we can ever purchase His help or give in order to make God indebted to us. So why do we need to give tithes and offerings, or do we? God may not need anything, but He delights in thankful and grateful hearts. Tithes and offerings that are given from a truly grateful heart are an important way to worship God. Giving up something that is of value to us is a demonstration of our gratitude. A gift that really doesn't cost us anything, isn't much of a gift. The more costly the gift, the greater the depth of gratitude. There is no gift more costly than giving up our lives in service to God. Our gifts are also important in sustaining the place of worship and those who serve there, but the real goal must be the expression of our thanks to God. Big Idea If God doesn’t really need anything from us, why do we give Him anything? He is God Almighty, the source of all things, so we cannot really give Him anything he needs, or He does not already have. Nor can we can ever purchase His help or give in order to make God indebted to us. So why do we need to give tithes and offerings, or do we? God may not need anything, but He delights in thankful and grateful hearts. Tithes and offerings that are given from a truly grateful heart are an important way to worship God. Giving up something that is of value to us is a demonstration of our gratitude. A gift that really doesn't cost us anything, isn't much of a gift. The more costly the gift, the greater the depth of gratitude. There is no gift more costly than giving up our lives in service to God. Our gifts are also important in sustaining the place of worship and those who serve there, but the real goal must be the expression of our thanks to God. Big Idea If God doesn’t really need anything from us, why do we give Him anything? He is God Almighty, the source of all things, so we cannot really give Him anything he needs, or He does not already have. Nor can we can ever purchase His help or give… Tim Dunham 2773 https://ccf.sermon.net/21362956/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_givingtogivethanks/id/3264112.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21362956 Scripture: Leviticus 27:1-27:10, Leviticus 27:30-27:34, Series: Leviticus Part#15 Sun, 31 Mar 2019 09:32:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2648 https://ccf.sermon.net/21357503/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessingsudgementrestoration/id/3258903.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21357503 Scripture: Leviticus 26:1-26:17, Leviticus 26:27-26:31, Leviticus 26:40-26:46, Series: Leviticus Part#14 Sun, 24 Mar 2019 03:17:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - The majority of people do not ever commit a serious crime, and while many people experience financial struggles from time to time, in most cases, it is only the minority who find themselves in chronic poverty. How do we deal with these two segments of society? More importantly, how do we deal with these issues in our family and in the Church? What is the right response toward those who cause harm or loss to others? How should we deal with those who are poor? In short, the wrongdoer should receive justice and the poor should receive a second chance. The goal of justice is fair treatment and the goal of the second chance is equality. Those who cause loss or harm to others do not get a second chance, but they do get the chance to make things right. Those who have fallen into poverty do get a second chance by wiping the slate clean. But, these principles only make sense for those who want to live in the light of God's presence and who seek to enjoy the fellowship of His company. Seems easy enough, so why do we feel the need to make those who have wronged us suffer, and why don’t we give sacrificially to help the poor? It is only when we truly believe that everything belongs to God and He alone can supply all our needs, that we will have the power to love the poor and those who have hurt us. Big Idea - The majority of people do not ever commit a serious crime, and while many people experience financial struggles from time to time, in most cases, it is only the minority who find themselves in chronic poverty. How do we deal with these two segments of society? More importantly, how do we deal with these issues in our family and in the Church? What is the right response toward those who cause harm or loss to others? How should we deal with those who are poor? In short, the wrongdoer should receive justice and the poor should receive a second chance. The goal of justice is fair treatment and the goal of the second chance is equality. Those who cause loss or harm to others do not get a second chance, but they do get the chance to make things right. Those who have fallen into poverty do get a second chance by wiping the slate clean. But, these principles only make sense for those who want to live in the light of God's presence and who seek to enjoy the fellowship of His company. Seems easy enough, so why do we feel the need to make those who have wronged us suffer, and why don’t we give sacrificially to help the poor? It is only when we truly believe that everything belongs to God and He alone can supply all our needs, that we will have the power to love the poor and those who have hurt us. Big Idea - The majority of people do not ever commit a serious crime, and while many people experience financial struggles from time to time, in most cases, it is only the minority who find themselves in chronic poverty. How do we deal with these two… Tim Dunham 2946 https://ccf.sermon.net/21354622/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ubilee/id/3256210.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21354622 Scripture: Leviticus 24:10-24:20, Series: Leviticus Part#13 Sun, 17 Mar 2019 03:08:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How were the people to worship God? And what can they teach us about how we can worship God with greater purpose and affection? Their holiness was to be evident in their lifestyle, in their loyal devotion to worship God alone, and in genuine love and concern for one another. But, holiness was also to be evident in how and what they celebrated, and their very calendar was to be arranged and centered around worshipping God. Following the OT example, we can make our worship more meaningful and impacting by making time, by gathering together, and by entering into the story to remember and experience all that God has done. Big Idea - How were the people to worship God? And what can they teach us about how we can worship God with greater purpose and affection? Their holiness was to be evident in their lifestyle, in their loyal devotion to worship God alone, and in genuine love and concern for one another. But, holiness was also to be evident in how and what they celebrated, and their very calendar was to be arranged and centered around worshipping God. Following the OT example, we can make our worship more meaningful and impacting by making time, by gathering together, and by entering into the story to remember and experience all that God has done. Big Idea - How were the people to worship God? And what can they teach us about how we can worship God with greater purpose and affection? Their holiness was to be evident in their lifestyle, in their loyal devotion to worship God alone, and in genuine… Tim Dunham 2835 https://ccf.sermon.net/21354620/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewaytoworshipgod/id/3256207.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21354620 Worship, Scripture: Leviticus 23:1-23:44, Series: Leviticus Part#12 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 09:50:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2775 https://ccf.sermon.net/21345022/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aholypriesthood/id/3247236.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21345022 Scripture: Leviticus 2:1-22:8, Series: Leviticus Part#11 Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:36:00 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2401 https://ccf.sermon.net/21340597/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leviticus20/id/3242965.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21340597 Scripture: Leviticus 20:1-20:27, Series: Leviticus Part#10 Sun, 24 Feb 2019 09:20:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - As God's chosen, redeemed, and ransomed people God calls them to be like Him, to be Holy as He is holy. What does it mean to be holy - where and how were they to work out this godlike holiness? God is not of this earth. Is holiness living the life of a hermit, or a monk seeking to escape this life and the world? Holiness is being like God in everyday life - it is a lifestyle that is evident in the daily habits and routines of life. God commands are not simply a random standard that we are to measure up to, nor are they a means to prove that we are worthy of God. Rather, they represent the very character of God and show how the holiness of God is to intersect with every part of life. We have been ransomed by the blood and brought into a covenant relationship with Him. Now the goal of our life is to become like Him and live life in a way that displays His holy character in all that we do. The commands teach how to do that. Big Idea - As God's chosen, redeemed, and ransomed people God calls them to be like Him, to be Holy as He is holy. What does it mean to be holy - where and how were they to work out this godlike holiness? God is not of this earth. Is holiness living the life of a hermit, or a monk seeking to escape this life and the world? Holiness is being like God in everyday life - it is a lifestyle that is evident in the daily habits and routines of life. God commands are not simply a random standard that we are to measure up to, nor are they a means to prove that we are worthy of God. Rather, they represent the very character of God and show how the holiness of God is to intersect with every part of life. We have been ransomed by the blood and brought into a covenant relationship with Him. Now the goal of our life is to become like Him and live life in a way that displays His holy character in all that we do. The commands teach how to do that. Big Idea - As God's chosen, redeemed, and ransomed people God calls them to be like Him, to be Holy as He is holy. What does it mean to be holy - where and how were they to work out this godlike holiness? God is not of this earth. Is holiness living th… Tim Dunham 2989 https://ccf.sermon.net/21336446/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveyourneighbor/id/3239025.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21336446 Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-19:18, Series: Leviticus Part#9 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, God is the Great I am, and if He is God is a people, He determines what is right, and what is acceptable. His rules are based on His own being, character, and nature - the I AM, and therefore they cannot be changed since he does not change. Therefore, His people are to be distinct from the cultures and traditions around them - they are to honor His name, by living out His standard of holiness that reflects His holy character and nature. We must be aware that our conscience, or sense of right and wrong, of morality and holiness, has been heavily influenced by a culture that does not honor God or represent His glory, and we must, therefore, be very diligent to choose God's laws in spite of how we may feel about things. Choosing God, and His atonement also means choosing to follow His ways and to distinguish ourselves from the culture around us, no matter how much they may despise us for our differences. Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, God is the Great I am, and if He is God is a people, He determines what is right, and what is acceptable. His rules are based on His own being, character, and nature - the I AM, and therefore they cannot be changed since he does not change. Therefore, His people are to be distinct from the cultures and traditions around them - they are to honor His name, by living out His standard of holiness that reflects His holy character and nature. We must be aware that our conscience, or sense of right and wrong, of morality and holiness, has been heavily influenced by a culture that does not honor God or represent His glory, and we must, therefore, be very diligent to choose God's laws in spite of how we may feel about things. Choosing God, and His atonement also means choosing to follow His ways and to distinguish ourselves from the culture around us, no matter how much they may despise us for our differences. Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, … Tim Dunham 3003 https://ccf.sermon.net/21333375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourmoralcompass/id/3236153.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21333375 Scripture: Leviticus 1:1-18:30, Series: Leviticus Part#8 Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:53:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, God is the Great I am, and if He is God is a people, He determines what is right, and what is acceptable. His rules are based on His own being, character, and nature - the I AM, and therefore they cannot be changed since he does not change. Therefore, His people are to be distinct from the cultures and traditions around them - they are to honor His name, by living out His standard of holiness that reflects His holy character and nature. We must be aware that our conscience, or sense of right and wrong, of morality and holiness, has been heavily influenced by a culture that does not honor God or represent His glory, and we must, therefore, be very diligent to choose God's laws in spite of how we may feel about things. Choosing God, and His atonement also means choosing to follow His ways and to distinguish ourselves from the culture around us, no matter how much they may despise us for our differences. Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, God is the Great I am, and if He is God is a people, He determines what is right, and what is acceptable. His rules are based on His own being, character, and nature - the I AM, and therefore they cannot be changed since he does not change. Therefore, His people are to be distinct from the cultures and traditions around them - they are to honor His name, by living out His standard of holiness that reflects His holy character and nature. We must be aware that our conscience, or sense of right and wrong, of morality and holiness, has been heavily influenced by a culture that does not honor God or represent His glory, and we must, therefore, be very diligent to choose God's laws in spite of how we may feel about things. Choosing God, and His atonement also means choosing to follow His ways and to distinguish ourselves from the culture around us, no matter how much they may despise us for our differences. Big Idea Our thinking/conscience is shaped by our culture and "customs." The morals of culture come from human tradition and impersonal rules - that seem to come from nowhere, therefore they can be changed to fit the thinking of the current age. But, … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21333375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_ourmoralcompass/id/376563 https://ccf.sermon.net/21333375 Scripture: Leviticus 1:1-18:30, Series: Leviticus Part#8 Sun, 10 Feb 2019 09:49:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3066 https://ccf.sermon.net/21327740/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thedayofatonement/id/3230693.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21327740 Scripture: Leviticus 16:1-16:10, Leviticus 16:29-16:34, Series: Leviticus Sun, 03 Feb 2019 10:25:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2629 https://ccf.sermon.net/21323714/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graspingholiness/id/3226871.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21323714 Scripture: Leviticus 11:1-15:31, Series: Leviticus Part#6 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 09:45:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2896 https://ccf.sermon.net/21319567/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theendandthemeans/id/3222891.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21319567 Scripture: Leviticus 8:1-10:20, Series: Leviticus Part#5 Sun, 20 Jan 2019 07:26:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - God is holy, unique, incomparable, in a category fully set apart from any other. How are we to worship a God who is like no other? If God is truly unique, then we must worship Him in Holiness? But what exactly does that mean? Is worship merely a matter of style, or personal preference - many ways and many paths to worship God? Should our worship be as individualistic as we are? Are we free to worship in whatever way we feel best expresses who we are? God is holy, unique and set apart from all others, and those who worship Him must worship in a way that conforms to holiness, that is, according to the unique character and nature of this Holy God. Therefore, worship centers around obtaining cleansing and forgiveness and then responding to God’s gracious provision with thanksgiving and celebration. Big Idea - God is holy, unique, incomparable, in a category fully set apart from any other. How are we to worship a God who is like no other? If God is truly unique, then we must worship Him in Holiness? But what exactly does that mean? Is worship merely a matter of style, or personal preference - many ways and many paths to worship God? Should our worship be as individualistic as we are? Are we free to worship in whatever way we feel best expresses who we are? God is holy, unique and set apart from all others, and those who worship Him must worship in a way that conforms to holiness, that is, according to the unique character and nature of this Holy God. Therefore, worship centers around obtaining cleansing and forgiveness and then responding to God’s gracious provision with thanksgiving and celebration. Big Idea - God is holy, unique, incomparable, in a category fully set apart from any other. How are we to worship a God who is like no other? If God is truly unique, then we must worship Him in Holiness? But what exactly does that mean? Is worship mere… Tim Dunham 3011 https://ccf.sermon.net/21315569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christcenteredworship/id/3219093.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21315569 Scripture: Leviticus 6:8-7:38, Series: Leviticus Part#4 Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - All sin causes us to be guilty before God. Guilt refers to the state or fact of having done something wrong. Specifically, one has failed to keep the covenant regulations. But, guilt is also the awareness that we have done wrong, violated God's laws, and, as a result, we feel the sense of wrongness, failure, and that we are unworthily to stand before God. The only remedy for guilt is forgiveness. Sin has many deadly effects, therefore forgiveness has many layers. The most significant is that we are under the wrath of God and deserving of death. The Burnt offering satisfies the wrath of God and by it, the sinner is then at peace with God. Secondly, sin pollutes and defiles the sinner and contaminates the holy dwelling of God (even more so now as we are the temple of the God). So, sin must also be cleansed - its filth and pollution washed away from the sinner and the holy place. Finally, sin is described as a debt. This is most easily seen in our sins toward each other. Stealing, cheating, and lying often result in our gain at someone else's expense. But this is also true when we sin against Big Idea - All sin causes us to be guilty before God. Guilt refers to the state or fact of having done something wrong. Specifically, one has failed to keep the covenant regulations. But, guilt is also the awareness that we have done wrong, violated God's laws, and, as a result, we feel the sense of wrongness, failure, and that we are unworthily to stand before God. The only remedy for guilt is forgiveness. Sin has many deadly effects, therefore forgiveness has many layers. The most significant is that we are under the wrath of God and deserving of death. The Burnt offering satisfies the wrath of God and by it, the sinner is then at peace with God. Secondly, sin pollutes and defiles the sinner and contaminates the holy dwelling of God (even more so now as we are the temple of the God). So, sin must also be cleansed - its filth and pollution washed away from the sinner and the holy place. Finally, sin is described as a debt. This is most easily seen in our sins toward each other. Stealing, cheating, and lying often result in our gain at someone else's expense. But this is also true when we sin against Big Idea - All sin causes us to be guilty before God. Guilt refers to the state or fact of having done something wrong. Specifically, one has failed to keep the covenant regulations. But, guilt is also the awareness that we have done wrong, violated Go… Tim Dunham 3154 https://ccf.sermon.net/21311676/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_guilty/id/3215366.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21311676 Scripture: Leviticus 4:1-6:7, Series: Leviticus Part#3 Sun, 06 Jan 2019 04:28:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a picture of how we are to respond to God’s grace. We are to respond with gratitude, dedication, and joyful fellowship. Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a picture of how we are to respond to God’s grace. We are to respond with gratitude, dedication, and joyful fellowship. Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a … Tim Dunham 3116 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308105/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyofleviticus/id/3211978.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308105 Scripture: Leviticus 2:4-2:13, Leviticus 3:12-3:17, Series: Leviticus Part#2 Sun, 06 Jan 2019 04:28:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a picture of how we are to respond to God’s grace. We are to respond with gratitude, dedication, and joyful fellowship. Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a picture of how we are to respond to God’s grace. We are to respond with gratitude, dedication, and joyful fellowship. Big Idea - What is the right response to God's gracious gift of atonement through Christ? In the Burnt offering we see a picture of our great need for atonement and the tremendous price that was paid for our ransom. In the next two offerings, we get a … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21308105/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theoyofleviticus/id/374463 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308105 Scripture: Leviticus 2:4-2:13, Leviticus 3:12-3:17, Series: Leviticus Part#2 Sun, 30 Dec 2018 03:57:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship with the Holy God of the Bible. The Burnt Offering did not take away sin, but when done properly as an act of faith and obedience, it was a means of receiving grace, and for dealing with sin so the worshipper can be restored to a right relationship with God. The Burnt Offering is a powerful image of Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In this symbol, we see the need for atonement to satisfy the wrath of God, how Jesus is our substitute and it is possible for us to “die with Him”, and finally it is a powerful reminder of the ransom price that had to be paid, only in Gospel of Christ, it is not we who paid the ransom, but the full cost was borne by God alone in Christ. Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship with the Holy God of the Bible. The Burnt Offering did not take away sin, but when done properly as an act of faith and obedience, it was a means of receiving grace, and for dealing with sin so the worshipper can be restored to a right relationship with God. The Burnt Offering is a powerful image of Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In this symbol, we see the need for atonement to satisfy the wrath of God, how Jesus is our substitute and it is possible for us to “die with Him”, and finally it is a powerful reminder of the ransom price that had to be paid, only in Gospel of Christ, it is not we who paid the ransom, but the full cost was borne by God alone in Christ. Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship… Tim Dunham 2874 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308101/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leaningonesus/id/3211975.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308101 Scripture: Leviticus 1:1-1:17, Series: Leviticus Part#1 Sun, 30 Dec 2018 03:57:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship with the Holy God of the Bible. The Burnt Offering did not take away sin, but when done properly as an act of faith and obedience, it was a means of receiving grace, and for dealing with sin so the worshipper can be restored to a right relationship with God. The Burnt Offering is a powerful image of Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In this symbol, we see the need for atonement to satisfy the wrath of God, how Jesus is our substitute and it is possible for us to “die with Him”, and finally it is a powerful reminder of the ransom price that had to be paid, only in Gospel of Christ, it is not we who paid the ransom, but the full cost was borne by God alone in Christ. Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship with the Holy God of the Bible. The Burnt Offering did not take away sin, but when done properly as an act of faith and obedience, it was a means of receiving grace, and for dealing with sin so the worshipper can be restored to a right relationship with God. The Burnt Offering is a powerful image of Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In this symbol, we see the need for atonement to satisfy the wrath of God, how Jesus is our substitute and it is possible for us to “die with Him”, and finally it is a powerful reminder of the ransom price that had to be paid, only in Gospel of Christ, it is not we who paid the ransom, but the full cost was borne by God alone in Christ. Big Idea - How does the Burnt Offering help us better understand the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? The burnt offering was a visible symbol and very hands-on experience of paying the price for sin, in order to maintain a good and peace filled relationship… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21308101/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_leaningonesus/id/374461 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308101 Scripture: Leviticus 1:1-1:17, Series: Leviticus Part#1 Sun, 23 Dec 2018 03:40:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask them which is bigger, they would very likely answer that the Himalayas are bigger. If you were to ask which was more spectacular, they would most certainly choose the mountains, with towering rock cliffs, jagged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, over the flat, featureless ocean. But the truth is, the entire Himalaya mountain range is just over 1 million square kilometers, but the Pacific ocean is over 160 million square kilometers! Not only that, but we know that hidden under the surface of the featureless ocean is actually quite spectacular. In fact, Mt Everest may claim the highest point on the planet, but in fact, it is not the tallest mountain in the world. That title goes to an ocean in the Pacific - Mount Mauna Kea, in Hawaii. It is actually 33,000 feet tall, some 4,000 feet taller than Mt Everest, but about half of the mountain is below the surface of the ocean. This illustrates the truth that we can sometimes smaller things are much more spectacular when compared with things that are vastly greater because they are just too big for us to wrap our minds around. The Pacific ocean is so big, that even for those of us who have flown across it, it can be hard to fathom how vast it really is, not to mention that much of its wonder lies well hidden beneath the surface. Unless we take some effort to go below the surface and explore its depths, we will really have no idea how marvelous the ocean really is. But, Mt Everest is spectacular, not so much because it is so big, but actually, because it is small enough for us to see all at once. Because it is small enough to see all at one view, it has the power to dwarf us and to give a sense of awe and wonder, in ways that the much larger Pacific ocean may not at first glance. Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask them which is bigger, they would very likely answer that the Himalayas are bigger. If you were to ask which was more spectacular, they would most certainly choose the mountains, with towering rock cliffs, jagged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, over the flat, featureless ocean. But the truth is, the entire Himalaya mountain range is just over 1 million square kilometers, but the Pacific ocean is over 160 million square kilometers! Not only that, but we know that hidden under the surface of the featureless ocean is actually quite spectacular. In fact, Mt Everest may claim the highest point on the planet, but in fact, it is not the tallest mountain in the world. That title goes to an ocean in the Pacific - Mount Mauna Kea, in Hawaii. It is actually 33,000 feet tall, some 4,000 feet taller than Mt Everest, but about half of the mountain is below the surface of the ocean. This illustrates the truth that we can sometimes smaller things are much more spectacular when compared with things that are vastly greater because they are just too big for us to wrap our minds around. The Pacific ocean is so big, that even for those of us who have flown across it, it can be hard to fathom how vast it really is, not to mention that much of its wonder lies well hidden beneath the surface. Unless we take some effort to go below the surface and explore its depths, we will really have no idea how marvelous the ocean really is. But, Mt Everest is spectacular, not so much because it is so big, but actually, because it is small enough for us to see all at once. Because it is small enough to see all at one view, it has the power to dwarf us and to give a sense of awe and wonder, in ways that the much larger Pacific ocean may not at first glance. Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask t… Tim Dunham 2747 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308099/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christmasmiraclesincarnation/id/3211970.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308099 Christmas Miracles - Incarnation, Scripture: Colossians 1:15-1:23, Series: Christmas Sun, 23 Dec 2018 03:40:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask them which is bigger, they would very likely answer that the Himalayas are bigger. If you were to ask which was more spectacular, they would most certainly choose the mountains, with towering rock cliffs, jagged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, over the flat, featureless ocean. But the truth is, the entire Himalaya mountain range is just over 1 million square kilometers, but the Pacific ocean is over 160 million square kilometers! Not only that, but we know that hidden under the surface of the featureless ocean is actually quite spectacular. In fact, Mt Everest may claim the highest point on the planet, but in fact, it is not the tallest mountain in the world. That title goes to an ocean in the Pacific - Mount Mauna Kea, in Hawaii. It is actually 33,000 feet tall, some 4,000 feet taller than Mt Everest, but about half of the mountain is below the surface of the ocean. This illustrates the truth that we can sometimes smaller things are much more spectacular when compared with things that are vastly greater because they are just too big for us to wrap our minds around. The Pacific ocean is so big, that even for those of us who have flown across it, it can be hard to fathom how vast it really is, not to mention that much of its wonder lies well hidden beneath the surface. Unless we take some effort to go below the surface and explore its depths, we will really have no idea how marvelous the ocean really is. But, Mt Everest is spectacular, not so much because it is so big, but actually, because it is small enough for us to see all at once. Because it is small enough to see all at one view, it has the power to dwarf us and to give a sense of awe and wonder, in ways that the much larger Pacific ocean may not at first glance. Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask them which is bigger, they would very likely answer that the Himalayas are bigger. If you were to ask which was more spectacular, they would most certainly choose the mountains, with towering rock cliffs, jagged peaks, glacier-filled valleys, over the flat, featureless ocean. But the truth is, the entire Himalaya mountain range is just over 1 million square kilometers, but the Pacific ocean is over 160 million square kilometers! Not only that, but we know that hidden under the surface of the featureless ocean is actually quite spectacular. In fact, Mt Everest may claim the highest point on the planet, but in fact, it is not the tallest mountain in the world. That title goes to an ocean in the Pacific - Mount Mauna Kea, in Hawaii. It is actually 33,000 feet tall, some 4,000 feet taller than Mt Everest, but about half of the mountain is below the surface of the ocean. This illustrates the truth that we can sometimes smaller things are much more spectacular when compared with things that are vastly greater because they are just too big for us to wrap our minds around. The Pacific ocean is so big, that even for those of us who have flown across it, it can be hard to fathom how vast it really is, not to mention that much of its wonder lies well hidden beneath the surface. Unless we take some effort to go below the surface and explore its depths, we will really have no idea how marvelous the ocean really is. But, Mt Everest is spectacular, not so much because it is so big, but actually, because it is small enough for us to see all at once. Because it is small enough to see all at one view, it has the power to dwarf us and to give a sense of awe and wonder, in ways that the much larger Pacific ocean may not at first glance. Summary - What is bigger - the Himalayan Mountain range or the Pacific Ocean? If you were to take a person who didn’t know anything about either and set them in a boat in the middle of the Pacific, and then take them to the top of Mt Everest, and ask t… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21308099/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_christmasmiraclesincarnation/id/374460 https://ccf.sermon.net/21308099 Christmas Miracles - Incarnation, Scripture: Colossians 1:15-1:23, Series: Christmas Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans believe in miracles. Even more surprising, another study indicated that 73 percent of U.S. physicians believe in miracles, and 55 percent claim to have personally witnessed treatment results they consider miraculous! I personally know of more than one person who has experienced a miraculous cure from cancer or other fatal diseases. Here is perhaps a more relevant, or at least a more personal question - have you ever experienced a miracle in your own life? If miracles Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans believe in miracles. Even more surprising, another study indicated that 73 percent of U.S. physicians believe in miracles, and 55 percent claim to have personally witnessed treatment results they consider miraculous! I personally know of more than one person who has experienced a miraculous cure from cancer or other fatal diseases. Here is perhaps a more relevant, or at least a more personal question - have you ever experienced a miracle in your own life? If miracles Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans … Tim Dunham 3111 https://ccf.sermon.net/21295889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christmasmiraclesrevelation/id/3200240.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21295889 Scripture: Matthew 1:18-2:12, Series: Christmas Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans believe in miracles. Even more surprising, another study indicated that 73 percent of U.S. physicians believe in miracles, and 55 percent claim to have personally witnessed treatment results they consider miraculous! I personally know of more than one person who has experienced a miraculous cure from cancer or other fatal diseases. Here is perhaps a more relevant, or at least a more personal question - have you ever experienced a miracle in your own life? If miracles Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans believe in miracles. Even more surprising, another study indicated that 73 percent of U.S. physicians believe in miracles, and 55 percent claim to have personally witnessed treatment results they consider miraculous! I personally know of more than one person who has experienced a miraculous cure from cancer or other fatal diseases. Here is perhaps a more relevant, or at least a more personal question - have you ever experienced a miracle in your own life? If miracles Summary - What do you think about miracles? Maybe you don’t give it much thought. If you believe the Bible is true and you worship God, the chances are pretty good that you believe in Miracles. A recent survey in the US revealed that 80% of Americans … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21295889/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_christmasmiraclesrevelation/id/373513 https://ccf.sermon.net/21295889 Scripture: Matthew 1:18-2:12, Series: Christmas Sun, 09 Dec 2018 08:09:00 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 2244 https://ccf.sermon.net/21292759/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_andthentherewasesus/id/3197305.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21292759 And then there was Jesus Sun, 02 Dec 2018 09:46:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2402 https://ccf.sermon.net/21288205/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pause/id/3192876.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21288205 Series: Spiritual Disciplines Part#4 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 09:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s self-interest? That is, we give thanks only to make the other person feel valued and appreciated for what they did for us - a kind of “bun khun” response? Or is there more to gratitude than that? Most significantly, why does God ask us to give thanks to Him? Is He insecure about Himself and needs our appreciation so that He can feel good about Himself? Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s self-interest? That is, we give thanks only to make the other person feel valued and appreciated for what they did for us - a kind of “bun khun” response? Or is there more to gratitude than that? Most significantly, why does God ask us to give thanks to Him? Is He insecure about Himself and needs our appreciation so that He can feel good about Himself? Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s … Tim Dunham 2630 https://ccf.sermon.net/21284053/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trainingtobethankful/id/3188912.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21284053 Thankful, Scripture: Matthew 50:1-50:15, Series: Spiritual Disciplines Part#3 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 09:56:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s self-interest? That is, we give thanks only to make the other person feel valued and appreciated for what they did for us - a kind of “bun khun” response? Or is there more to gratitude than that? Most significantly, why does God ask us to give thanks to Him? Is He insecure about Himself and needs our appreciation so that He can feel good about Himself? Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s self-interest? That is, we give thanks only to make the other person feel valued and appreciated for what they did for us - a kind of “bun khun” response? Or is there more to gratitude than that? Most significantly, why does God ask us to give thanks to Him? Is He insecure about Himself and needs our appreciation so that He can feel good about Himself? Why are we supposed to give thanks? That is, why does it really matter if we are thankful or not? Is it a matter of owing something to the person who showed us kindness and generosity? Wouldn’t that make thanksgiving only a matter of feeding someone’s … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21284053/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_trainingtobethankful/id/372540 https://ccf.sermon.net/21284053 Thankful, Scripture: Matthew 50:1-50:15, Series: Spiritual Disciplines Part#3 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 08:38:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2759 https://ccf.sermon.net/21281454/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trainingtobefull/id/3186465.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21281454 Scripture: Matthew 13:18-13:23, Series: Spiritual Disciplines Part#2 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 08:24:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - How do we take back control of our lives in a world so full of noise and distractions? We have made it possible to communicate any time, anywhere, with anyone in the world, and the world can now find and communicate with us - anytime and anywhere! This constant barrage of information, communication, and availability means that we have the potential to live at a level of distraction and chaos that the world has never known. How are we dealing with this new state of existence and what are the effects on how we relate to God and how we hear His voice and follow Him? We cannot be successful in life, and we will not grow in Christ if we live in a constant state of distraction. We must train ourselves to silence the noise and to discipline ourselves to be still before God in order to hear His voice, know His heart, and live in communication with Him above all the chaos around us. This is vital because we are to be a people who are to be transformed by God's power and grace. We are invited to know the depths of God when but we are growing increasing shallow in our thinking. More and more we are unable to focus our mind or attention in any meaningful way on anything truly significant or important. Our only hope is to train ourselves in the age old spiritual disciplines that Jesus Himself practiced during His life on earth. Big Idea - How do we take back control of our lives in a world so full of noise and distractions? We have made it possible to communicate any time, anywhere, with anyone in the world, and the world can now find and communicate with us - anytime and anywhere! This constant barrage of information, communication, and availability means that we have the potential to live at a level of distraction and chaos that the world has never known. How are we dealing with this new state of existence and what are the effects on how we relate to God and how we hear His voice and follow Him? We cannot be successful in life, and we will not grow in Christ if we live in a constant state of distraction. We must train ourselves to silence the noise and to discipline ourselves to be still before God in order to hear His voice, know His heart, and live in communication with Him above all the chaos around us. This is vital because we are to be a people who are to be transformed by God's power and grace. We are invited to know the depths of God when but we are growing increasing shallow in our thinking. More and more we are unable to focus our mind or attention in any meaningful way on anything truly significant or important. Our only hope is to train ourselves in the age old spiritual disciplines that Jesus Himself practiced during His life on earth. Big Idea - How do we take back control of our lives in a world so full of noise and distractions? We have made it possible to communicate any time, anywhere, with anyone in the world, and the world can now find and communicate with us - anytime and any… Tim Dunham 3124 https://ccf.sermon.net/21281453/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trainingtobestill/id/3186464.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21281453 Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-4:10, Series: Spiritual Disciplines Part#1 Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:13:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We come at last to the end of Hebrews, what the author here in verse 22 as a sermon - a brief sermon! He concludes the sermon with a prayer, and as he did throughout the book, what he says in a few short words is packed with tons of content and meaning far beyond what he has “written briefly!” The focus of this prayer is that God would make it possible for us to be fully successful in doing His will! This is truly good news for us. I am often asked “how can we know what God’s will is? How can we be sure we are walking in God’s will?” One of the marks of being a true Christ follower and that we have the Holy Spirit in us and that our heart is being changed is that this now matters to us. There is a sense that God does everything according to a plan and purpose, and we are now part of that plan. It matters, therefore, how we live our life, the choices we make about how we spend our time and energy, and the goals and direction we set for our life! Faith, the conviction of things hoped for and the proof of things not seen forces us to focus on the path ahead, faith is future-focused, calling us to seek God’s will as we live out the rest of our days on planet earth, because we know it makes a difference for all eternity! We come at last to the end of Hebrews, what the author here in verse 22 as a sermon - a brief sermon! He concludes the sermon with a prayer, and as he did throughout the book, what he says in a few short words is packed with tons of content and meaning far beyond what he has “written briefly!” The focus of this prayer is that God would make it possible for us to be fully successful in doing His will! This is truly good news for us. I am often asked “how can we know what God’s will is? How can we be sure we are walking in God’s will?” One of the marks of being a true Christ follower and that we have the Holy Spirit in us and that our heart is being changed is that this now matters to us. There is a sense that God does everything according to a plan and purpose, and we are now part of that plan. It matters, therefore, how we live our life, the choices we make about how we spend our time and energy, and the goals and direction we set for our life! Faith, the conviction of things hoped for and the proof of things not seen forces us to focus on the path ahead, faith is future-focused, calling us to seek God’s will as we live out the rest of our days on planet earth, because we know it makes a difference for all eternity! We come at last to the end of Hebrews, what the author here in verse 22 as a sermon - a brief sermon! He concludes the sermon with a prayer, and as he did throughout the book, what he says in a few short words is packed with tons of content and meaning… Tim Dunham 2543 https://ccf.sermon.net/21271461/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doinggodswill/id/3177009.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21271461 God's Will, Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-13:25, Series: Hebrews Part#37 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 07:08:00 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2955 https://ccf.sermon.net/21266915/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoisresponsibletowhomforwhom/id/3172867.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21266915 Scripture: Hebrews 13:17-13:19, Series: Hebrews Part#36 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 07:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying to make sense of it all and who were feeling a great pull to return to the old. For generations to worship God meant going to a very specific and extraordinary Temple that was striking to see, and following a very set liturgy of traditions and customs. It meant bringing offerings from the produce of your crops and offering real animal sacrifices on a very real altar where the smoke and smell of fresh blood and roasting meat would make a very visceral experience. And, it almost always meant eating a meal at the altar, as most sacrifices involved the worshipper partaking as a meal a portion of what was offered. It was all very hands-on and a very physical experience. Now, they would gather in small groups in simple homes where there was no altar, no bringing in the first fruits of your crops, no sacrificing of animals on the altar, no standing before the holy place where God’s presence was known to reside. And to make matters worse, now they were being persecuted, first by the Jews and later by the Romans as a strange and extreme cult! It is no wonder many of them were seriously considering returning to the old way of Temple worship! It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying to make sense of it all and who were feeling a great pull to return to the old. For generations to worship God meant going to a very specific and extraordinary Temple that was striking to see, and following a very set liturgy of traditions and customs. It meant bringing offerings from the produce of your crops and offering real animal sacrifices on a very real altar where the smoke and smell of fresh blood and roasting meat would make a very visceral experience. And, it almost always meant eating a meal at the altar, as most sacrifices involved the worshipper partaking as a meal a portion of what was offered. It was all very hands-on and a very physical experience. Now, they would gather in small groups in simple homes where there was no altar, no bringing in the first fruits of your crops, no sacrificing of animals on the altar, no standing before the holy place where God’s presence was known to reside. And to make matters worse, now they were being persecuted, first by the Jews and later by the Romans as a strange and extreme cult! It is no wonder many of them were seriously considering returning to the old way of Temple worship! It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying … Tim Dunham 2445 https://ccf.sermon.net/21262683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesacrificeofpraise/id/3168933.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21262683 Sacrifice, Grace, , Scripture: Hebrews 13:7-13:16, Series: Hebrews Part#35 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 07:16:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying to make sense of it all and who were feeling a great pull to return to the old. For generations to worship God meant going to a very specific and extraordinary Temple that was striking to see, and following a very set liturgy of traditions and customs. It meant bringing offerings from the produce of your crops and offering real animal sacrifices on a very real altar where the smoke and smell of fresh blood and roasting meat would make a very visceral experience. And, it almost always meant eating a meal at the altar, as most sacrifices involved the worshipper partaking as a meal a portion of what was offered. It was all very hands-on and a very physical experience. Now, they would gather in small groups in simple homes where there was no altar, no bringing in the first fruits of your crops, no sacrificing of animals on the altar, no standing before the holy place where God’s presence was known to reside. And to make matters worse, now they were being persecuted, first by the Jews and later by the Romans as a strange and extreme cult! It is no wonder many of them were seriously considering returning to the old way of Temple worship! It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying to make sense of it all and who were feeling a great pull to return to the old. For generations to worship God meant going to a very specific and extraordinary Temple that was striking to see, and following a very set liturgy of traditions and customs. It meant bringing offerings from the produce of your crops and offering real animal sacrifices on a very real altar where the smoke and smell of fresh blood and roasting meat would make a very visceral experience. And, it almost always meant eating a meal at the altar, as most sacrifices involved the worshipper partaking as a meal a portion of what was offered. It was all very hands-on and a very physical experience. Now, they would gather in small groups in simple homes where there was no altar, no bringing in the first fruits of your crops, no sacrificing of animals on the altar, no standing before the holy place where God’s presence was known to reside. And to make matters worse, now they were being persecuted, first by the Jews and later by the Romans as a strange and extreme cult! It is no wonder many of them were seriously considering returning to the old way of Temple worship! It is probably hard for us to imagine or comprehend how radically Jesus and the Gospel changed everything for the first Christians who were coming to Christ from Judaism. The sermon to the Hebrews was addressing this group of believers who were trying … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21262683/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thesacrificeofpraise/id/370902 https://ccf.sermon.net/21262683 Sacrifice, Grace, , Scripture: Hebrews 13:7-13:16, Series: Hebrews Part#35 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 06:40:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What is the worship that pleases God? The author of Hebrews has given his final warning to “pay attention to the one who is speaking.” This has been a key focus of the sermon - to live in the complete truth of all that Jesus has obtained for us by His blood and to walk in that new life by faith. His conclusion is a "therefore" to live our lives with deep gratitude and worship. Worship here is focused on pleasing God with our whole life. So, what exactly does it look like to give God worship that is pleasing to Him? The worship that comes from our daily life and that pleases God is, first of all, loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. We love them by 1) Showing hospitality to strangers, 2) Helping those who are struggling and in need, 3) Guarding marriage as something sacred and highly valued, and 4) Not loving stuff. The love of stuff is one of the greatest hindrances to really loving people and showing generosity to those in need. The way to break the grip of materialism is through confidence in God's promises to take care of us. The more confident we are in the generosity of God toward us, the greater our generosity toward others. Big Idea - What is the worship that pleases God? The author of Hebrews has given his final warning to “pay attention to the one who is speaking.” This has been a key focus of the sermon - to live in the complete truth of all that Jesus has obtained for us by His blood and to walk in that new life by faith. His conclusion is a "therefore" to live our lives with deep gratitude and worship. Worship here is focused on pleasing God with our whole life. So, what exactly does it look like to give God worship that is pleasing to Him? The worship that comes from our daily life and that pleases God is, first of all, loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. We love them by 1) Showing hospitality to strangers, 2) Helping those who are struggling and in need, 3) Guarding marriage as something sacred and highly valued, and 4) Not loving stuff. The love of stuff is one of the greatest hindrances to really loving people and showing generosity to those in need. The way to break the grip of materialism is through confidence in God's promises to take care of us. The more confident we are in the generosity of God toward us, the greater our generosity toward others. Big Idea - What is the worship that pleases God? The author of Hebrews has given his final warning to “pay attention to the one who is speaking.” This has been a key focus of the sermon - to live in the complete truth of all that Jesus has obtained for… Tim Dunham 2311 https://ccf.sermon.net/21259436/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_brotherlylove/id/3165917.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21259436 Brotherly Love, Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-13:6, Series: Hebrews Part#34 Sun, 07 Oct 2018 07:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship to God? A life of worship is the result of a heart that is truly thankful. A heart that is truly thankful comes from the faith that sees the unseen and knows we belong to an unshakable kingdom. When we have this kind of faith, the things of this world hold little power or influence over us, because we know that it is all going to pass away. We develop this kind of faith by setting our mind on the clear message of the Gospel, what Jesus has done for us to bring us into His kingdom and into a moment Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship to God? A life of worship is the result of a heart that is truly thankful. A heart that is truly thankful comes from the faith that sees the unseen and knows we belong to an unshakable kingdom. When we have this kind of faith, the things of this world hold little power or influence over us, because we know that it is all going to pass away. We develop this kind of faith by setting our mind on the clear message of the Gospel, what Jesus has done for us to bring us into His kingdom and into a moment Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship… Tim Dunham 2298 https://ccf.sermon.net/21254568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifeofworship/id/3161257.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21254568 Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-12:29, Series: Hebrews Part#33 Sun, 07 Oct 2018 07:54:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship to God? A life of worship is the result of a heart that is truly thankful. A heart that is truly thankful comes from the faith that sees the unseen and knows we belong to an unshakable kingdom. When we have this kind of faith, the things of this world hold little power or influence over us, because we know that it is all going to pass away. We develop this kind of faith by setting our mind on the clear message of the Gospel, what Jesus has done for us to bring us into His kingdom and into a moment Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship to God? A life of worship is the result of a heart that is truly thankful. A heart that is truly thankful comes from the faith that sees the unseen and knows we belong to an unshakable kingdom. When we have this kind of faith, the things of this world hold little power or influence over us, because we know that it is all going to pass away. We develop this kind of faith by setting our mind on the clear message of the Gospel, what Jesus has done for us to bring us into His kingdom and into a moment Big Idea We are called to a life of worship, but worship is not actually the starting point, it is really the result of a life that is in order. So, how are we to order our lives in such a way that all that we say, think, and do are acts of worship… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21254568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_alifeofworship/id/370199 https://ccf.sermon.net/21254568 Scripture: Hebrews 12:25-12:29, Series: Hebrews Part#33 Sun, 30 Sep 2018 06:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home should be a place where we celebrate life together and where we experience great joy because it is a place where we are loved and cared for. Home should be a place where we go at Christmas and we join together in joyous and happy celebration! Of course, the home you lived in as a child may not have been such a place. For some people, home was anything but a happy place. And no earthly home can fulfill or live up to all of our longings for what home should be! Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home should be a place where we celebrate life together and where we experience great joy because it is a place where we are loved and cared for. Home should be a place where we go at Christmas and we join together in joyous and happy celebration! Of course, the home you lived in as a child may not have been such a place. For some people, home was anything but a happy place. And no earthly home can fulfill or live up to all of our longings for what home should be! Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home… Tim Dunham 2782 https://ccf.sermon.net/21251061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theplacewecallhome/id/3158005.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21251061 Home, Heaven, Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-12:24, Series: Hebrews Part#32 Sun, 30 Sep 2018 06:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home should be a place where we celebrate life together and where we experience great joy because it is a place where we are loved and cared for. Home should be a place where we go at Christmas and we join together in joyous and happy celebration! Of course, the home you lived in as a child may not have been such a place. For some people, home was anything but a happy place. And no earthly home can fulfill or live up to all of our longings for what home should be! Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home should be a place where we celebrate life together and where we experience great joy because it is a place where we are loved and cared for. Home should be a place where we go at Christmas and we join together in joyous and happy celebration! Of course, the home you lived in as a child may not have been such a place. For some people, home was anything but a happy place. And no earthly home can fulfill or live up to all of our longings for what home should be! Where do you call home? What exactly is “home?” It is so much more than just a house or a place. I think home is place where we know we belong. A place where we are welcome no matter what, and they have to let us in no matter how messed up we are! Home… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21251061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theplacewecallhome/id/369930 https://ccf.sermon.net/21251061 Home, Heaven, Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-12:24, Series: Hebrews Part#32 Sun, 23 Sep 2018 07:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened by the sin of unbelief, and fail to press on to maturity, finish the race and receive the eternal reward. How can we help those who are struggling in the race and are in danger of dropping out? How can we build them up so they can run with endurance? IN the life of faith no one gets left behind. It is not enough to focus on me and my race! We must also strive to make sure the whole team finishes well! We do this first, by making sure we are seeking wholeheartedly the transforming work of grace in our own life, and then watching out for community of faith by making sure: 1) no one is left behind, 2) no destructive root of bitterness is allowed to grow, 3) no one loses sight of the finish line and the prize. The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened by the sin of unbelief, and fail to press on to maturity, finish the race and receive the eternal reward. How can we help those who are struggling in the race and are in danger of dropping out? How can we build them up so they can run with endurance? IN the life of faith no one gets left behind. It is not enough to focus on me and my race! We must also strive to make sure the whole team finishes well! We do this first, by making sure we are seeking wholeheartedly the transforming work of grace in our own life, and then watching out for community of faith by making sure: 1) no one is left behind, 2) no destructive root of bitterness is allowed to grow, 3) no one loses sight of the finish line and the prize. The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened … Tim Dunham 2818 https://ccf.sermon.net/21246237/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theweaklink/id/3153433.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21246237 PEACE, HOLINESS, , Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-12:17, Series: Hebrews Part#31 Sun, 23 Sep 2018 07:47:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened by the sin of unbelief, and fail to press on to maturity, finish the race and receive the eternal reward. How can we help those who are struggling in the race and are in danger of dropping out? How can we build them up so they can run with endurance? IN the life of faith no one gets left behind. It is not enough to focus on me and my race! We must also strive to make sure the whole team finishes well! We do this first, by making sure we are seeking wholeheartedly the transforming work of grace in our own life, and then watching out for community of faith by making sure: 1) no one is left behind, 2) no destructive root of bitterness is allowed to grow, 3) no one loses sight of the finish line and the prize. The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened by the sin of unbelief, and fail to press on to maturity, finish the race and receive the eternal reward. How can we help those who are struggling in the race and are in danger of dropping out? How can we build them up so they can run with endurance? IN the life of faith no one gets left behind. It is not enough to focus on me and my race! We must also strive to make sure the whole team finishes well! We do this first, by making sure we are seeking wholeheartedly the transforming work of grace in our own life, and then watching out for community of faith by making sure: 1) no one is left behind, 2) no destructive root of bitterness is allowed to grow, 3) no one loses sight of the finish line and the prize. The warning of the books of Hebrews is that people would not trust God as He has revealed Himself, specifically in the Gospel of Christ - the Cross and the sustaining ministry of our great High Priest, with the result that they fall away, are hardened … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21246237/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theweaklink/id/369542 https://ccf.sermon.net/21246237 PEACE, HOLINESS, , Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-12:17, Series: Hebrews Part#31 Sun, 16 Sep 2018 08:09:00 +0000 Tim Dunham If God really loves us, then why does He allow us to suffer and experience so much pain and trouble? If He was truly a loving, caring, and all-powerful God, wouldn't He protect us and take better care of us? It is exactly because God loves us that we face trials and suffering. As a loving Father, He disciplines us by means of pain, suffering, and the difficult things that come into our life. Just as earthly parents discipline out of love and a desire to see their child grow to be all they can be, even more so, God desires the very best for us and He only allows what will help us grow. His discipline is in fact a proof of His love and of our relationship with Him as His dearly loved child. The goal of His discipline is that we would be able to participate in His holiness, and enjoy the fruit of joy, peace, and righteousness. We should, therefore, look not at the short-term sorrow that suffering may bring, but focus on the eternal benefits that this present suffering will produce in us. If God really loves us, then why does He allow us to suffer and experience so much pain and trouble? If He was truly a loving, caring, and all-powerful God, wouldn't He protect us and take better care of us? It is exactly because God loves us that we face trials and suffering. As a loving Father, He disciplines us by means of pain, suffering, and the difficult things that come into our life. Just as earthly parents discipline out of love and a desire to see their child grow to be all they can be, even more so, God desires the very best for us and He only allows what will help us grow. His discipline is in fact a proof of His love and of our relationship with Him as His dearly loved child. The goal of His discipline is that we would be able to participate in His holiness, and enjoy the fruit of joy, peace, and righteousness. We should, therefore, look not at the short-term sorrow that suffering may bring, but focus on the eternal benefits that this present suffering will produce in us. If God really loves us, then why does He allow us to suffer and experience so much pain and trouble? If He was truly a loving, caring, and all-powerful God, wouldn't He protect us and take better care of us? It is exactly because God loves us that we f… Tim Dunham 2632 https://ccf.sermon.net/21241764/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefatherslovingdiscipline/id/3149535.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21241764 Love, Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-12:11, Series: Hebrews Part#30 Sun, 02 Sep 2018 08:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying with sincere faith, and believing with all our might that God would answer our prayer, only to be greatly disappointed when our prayer was never answered. We wrongly think that the problem is that we did not have enough faith. There can be many reasons why God does not answer our prayers the way we think He should, and lack of faith can be one cause of the failure. But, part of the problem is that we do not really understand what faith is. Faith always overcomes, but perhaps not the way we think it does. Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying with sincere faith, and believing with all our might that God would answer our prayer, only to be greatly disappointed when our prayer was never answered. We wrongly think that the problem is that we did not have enough faith. There can be many reasons why God does not answer our prayers the way we think He should, and lack of faith can be one cause of the failure. But, part of the problem is that we do not really understand what faith is. Faith always overcomes, but perhaps not the way we think it does. Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying wit… Tim Dunham 2912 https://ccf.sermon.net/21232892/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faiththatovercomes/id/3141365.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21232892 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:28-11:40, Series: Hebrews Part#28 Sun, 02 Sep 2018 08:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying with sincere faith, and believing with all our might that God would answer our prayer, only to be greatly disappointed when our prayer was never answered. We wrongly think that the problem is that we did not have enough faith. There can be many reasons why God does not answer our prayers the way we think He should, and lack of faith can be one cause of the failure. But, part of the problem is that we do not really understand what faith is. Faith always overcomes, but perhaps not the way we think it does. Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying with sincere faith, and believing with all our might that God would answer our prayer, only to be greatly disappointed when our prayer was never answered. We wrongly think that the problem is that we did not have enough faith. There can be many reasons why God does not answer our prayers the way we think He should, and lack of faith can be one cause of the failure. But, part of the problem is that we do not really understand what faith is. Faith always overcomes, but perhaps not the way we think it does. Does faith always conquer, always overcome, always win? If God has not answered our prayer of faith, does it mean our faith was not strong enough - we did not have the kind of faith that overcomes? We have probably all had the experience of praying wit… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21232892/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_faiththatovercomes/id/368489 https://ccf.sermon.net/21232892 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:28-11:40, Series: Hebrews Part#28 Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:03:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Everyone has faith in something and our faith touches every part of life. One of the most significant ways that faith impacts our life is that it determines how we make choices. How then, does faith in God, faith that sees the unseen, causes us to make very different choices in life? True faith is seeing the invisible God all around us, near us, and with us in every part of life. When we come to know that God is with us and that He truly is for us for His own glory, it will radically impact how we make every decision and choice in life, big and small. We will make very different choices from those around us because we see what the world cannot see. We will: 1) choose to defy kings and death to do what is right, 2) choose eternal reward over earthly treasure, 3) choose the great unknown with God, over the comfort and safety of the familiar, 4) choose to do crazy and impossible things in obedience to God. It is this kind of faith that ends in salvation, but for those who do not walk in faith their end is destruction. Big Idea - Everyone has faith in something and our faith touches every part of life. One of the most significant ways that faith impacts our life is that it determines how we make choices. How then, does faith in God, faith that sees the unseen, causes us to make very different choices in life? True faith is seeing the invisible God all around us, near us, and with us in every part of life. When we come to know that God is with us and that He truly is for us for His own glory, it will radically impact how we make every decision and choice in life, big and small. We will make very different choices from those around us because we see what the world cannot see. We will: 1) choose to defy kings and death to do what is right, 2) choose eternal reward over earthly treasure, 3) choose the great unknown with God, over the comfort and safety of the familiar, 4) choose to do crazy and impossible things in obedience to God. It is this kind of faith that ends in salvation, but for those who do not walk in faith their end is destruction. Big Idea - Everyone has faith in something and our faith touches every part of life. One of the most significant ways that faith impacts our life is that it determines how we make choices. How then, does faith in God, faith that sees the unseen, causes… Tim Dunham 2711 https://ccf.sermon.net/21228886/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithchoices/id/3137522.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21228886 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-11:31, Series: Hebrews Part#27 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 08:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. … Tim Dunham 2563 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetestoffaith/id/3133587.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224708 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-11:22, Series: Hebrews Part#26 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 08:07:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. Faith might be a somewhat abstract and vague concept by definition, but it can, nonetheless, be measured. It can be put to the test and God does just that in the lives who are seeking Him by faith. … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21224708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_thetestoffaith/id/367847 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224708 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-11:22, Series: Hebrews Part#26 Sun, 12 Aug 2018 09:50:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Hebrews 11 starts of with the profound but somewhat description of faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” But, what exactly is the hope that we are so convinced of, and what the things not seen that faith enables us to see and to seek? Big Idea - Hebrews 11 starts of with the profound but somewhat description of faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” But, what exactly is the hope that we are so convinced of, and what the things not seen that faith enables us to see and to seek? Big Idea - Hebrews 11 starts of with the profound but somewhat description of faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” But, what exactly is the hope that we are so convinced of, and what the things not seen that … Tim Dunham 2551 https://ccf.sermon.net/21221357/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_afaiththatworks/id/3130500.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21221357 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:7-11:16, Series: Hebrews Part#25 Sun, 05 Aug 2018 07:14:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2727 https://ccf.sermon.net/21216619/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pleasinggod/id/3125993.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21216619 Pleasing God , Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:6, Series: Hebrews Part#24 Sun, 29 Jul 2018 09:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises … Tim Dunham 2725 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224719/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_withoutfaith/id/3133595.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224719 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:16, Series: Hebrews Part#23 Sun, 29 Jul 2018 09:48:00 +0000 Tim Dunham By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises By faith we live a life pleasing to God and thus escape the judgment of death By faith we seek God and all that He promises … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21224719/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_withoutfaith/id/367851 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224719 Faith, Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-11:16, Series: Hebrews Part#23 Sun, 22 Jul 2018 09:33:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3011 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224717/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_remember/id/3133593.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224717 Scripture: Hebrews 10:32-10:39, Series: Hebrews Part#22 Sun, 15 Jul 2018 08:36:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - In recent times we have come to place a high value on genuineness, and transparency, and being real. This is a good thing no doubt. But it has an interesting side effect in that Christians, now, become almost proud of their sin and brokenness. In fact, if one speaks of pursuing a life of Holiness in Christ likeness, they are looked at as being in genuine or hypocritical. The assumption is that sin is just part of life even for a Christian, and that a life of Holiness in Christ likeness is unattainable. It would seem that the goal of the Christian life now is simply to be forgiven over and over rather than be changed and transformed. Praise God that his grace is sufficient to cover all of our sin and we do find abundant forgiveness where we have failed. But the goal of the Christian life is not simply to receive forgiveness but rather to be transformed and made into the image and likeness of Christ. If we are simply settling for a life of sinful brokenness and the experience of forgiveness we are following far short of what the Cross has accomplished for us, but God promises to do for us see the work Jesus’ blood. Summary - In recent times we have come to place a high value on genuineness, and transparency, and being real. This is a good thing no doubt. But it has an interesting side effect in that Christians, now, become almost proud of their sin and brokenness. In fact, if one speaks of pursuing a life of Holiness in Christ likeness, they are looked at as being in genuine or hypocritical. The assumption is that sin is just part of life even for a Christian, and that a life of Holiness in Christ likeness is unattainable. It would seem that the goal of the Christian life now is simply to be forgiven over and over rather than be changed and transformed. Praise God that his grace is sufficient to cover all of our sin and we do find abundant forgiveness where we have failed. But the goal of the Christian life is not simply to receive forgiveness but rather to be transformed and made into the image and likeness of Christ. If we are simply settling for a life of sinful brokenness and the experience of forgiveness we are following far short of what the Cross has accomplished for us, but God promises to do for us see the work Jesus’ blood. Summary - In recent times we have come to place a high value on genuineness, and transparency, and being real. This is a good thing no doubt. But it has an interesting side effect in that Christians, now, become almost proud of their sin and brokenne… Tim Dunham 2749 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deliberatesin/id/3133588.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21224709 Sin, Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-10:31, Series: Hebrews Part#21 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 09:55:36 +0000 Tim Dunham How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. So, how do we measure or think about maturity? Are you mature in Christ? Are you still needing milk? Or are you feasting daily on the meat of the Word? How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. So, how do we measure or think about maturity? Are you mature in Christ? Are you still needing milk? Or are you feasting daily on the meat of the Word? How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. S… Tim Dunham 2799 https://ccf.sermon.net/21200589/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_marksofmaturity/id/3110972.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21200589 Maturity, Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-10:25, Series: Hebrews Part#20 Sun, 08 Jul 2018 09:55:36 +0000 Tim Dunham How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. So, how do we measure or think about maturity? Are you mature in Christ? Are you still needing milk? Or are you feasting daily on the meat of the Word? How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. So, how do we measure or think about maturity? Are you mature in Christ? Are you still needing milk? Or are you feasting daily on the meat of the Word? How should we measure maturity? The letter of Hebrews was written because the author felt his readers were immature - still needing milk, when they should be eating the meat of the Word! Thus, the book is about how to grow up and be mature in Christ. S… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21200589/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_marksofmaturity/id/365943 https://ccf.sermon.net/21200589 Maturity, Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-10:25, Series: Hebrews Part#20 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 07:22:59 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer, which really is perhaps the main point of the entire sermon is that we are to draw near to God by understanding what God has done to make it possible for us to draw near, and then taking intentional steps to appropriate what is our right and privilege. Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer, which really is perhaps the main point of the entire sermon is that we are to draw near to God by understanding what God has done to make it possible for us to draw near, and then taking intentional steps to appropriate what is our right and privilege. Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer… Tim Dunham 2748 https://ccf.sermon.net/21197781/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_letusdrawnear/id/3108589.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21197781 True heart, Faith, , Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-10:22, Series: Hebrews Part#19 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 07:22:59 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer, which really is perhaps the main point of the entire sermon is that we are to draw near to God by understanding what God has done to make it possible for us to draw near, and then taking intentional steps to appropriate what is our right and privilege. Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer, which really is perhaps the main point of the entire sermon is that we are to draw near to God by understanding what God has done to make it possible for us to draw near, and then taking intentional steps to appropriate what is our right and privilege. Big Idea - So what are we to do with all this great theology about Jesus and His blood? The profound teaching on who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us that we have been surveying for the past few weeks. The first, and most significant answer… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21197781/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_letusdrawnear/id/365689 https://ccf.sermon.net/21197781 True heart, Faith, , Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-10:22, Series: Hebrews Part#19 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 08:24:25 +0000 Tim Dunham The sacrificial system had been a part of the worship of the Jews since the time of Moses, and was given to him by the very word of God. How could Christians claim that essentially everything about the worship in the temple was no longer necessary, and in fact had come to an end? Such a radical change in worship! The writer of Hebrews argues that the law was only a hint of the real thing, but Jesus was the reality that the law suggested. The failure of the sacrificial system to remove sin completely was evident in the fact that the sacrifices had to be offered over an over. Most importantly, the blood of bulls and goats failed because they could not silence the accusing voice of the conscience. The blood of Jesus, on the other hand, was able to accomplish perfectly God’s complete and full salvation because 1) the Son came in a human body, 2) He perfectly carried out the will of God, 3) it was God’s will to offerthat body as the supreme substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin. So perfect is its working in heaven and earth that we stand blameless before God, and without guilt or blame in our on conscience. The result is radically liberating, as a condemning conscience is at the root of all kinds of human dysfunction. We break free from our human dysfunction as we come to understand how complete and perfect the work of Jesus is, and as His life which is resident in His shed blood operates in us so that we also do God’s will in all of life. The sacrificial system had been a part of the worship of the Jews since the time of Moses, and was given to him by the very word of God. How could Christians claim that essentially everything about the worship in the temple was no longer necessary, and in fact had come to an end? Such a radical change in worship! The writer of Hebrews argues that the law was only a hint of the real thing, but Jesus was the reality that the law suggested. The failure of the sacrificial system to remove sin completely was evident in the fact that the sacrifices had to be offered over an over. Most importantly, the blood of bulls and goats failed because they could not silence the accusing voice of the conscience. The blood of Jesus, on the other hand, was able to accomplish perfectly God’s complete and full salvation because 1) the Son came in a human body, 2) He perfectly carried out the will of God, 3) it was God’s will to offerthat body as the supreme substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin. So perfect is its working in heaven and earth that we stand blameless before God, and without guilt or blame in our on conscience. The result is radically liberating, as a condemning conscience is at the root of all kinds of human dysfunction. We break free from our human dysfunction as we come to understand how complete and perfect the work of Jesus is, and as His life which is resident in His shed blood operates in us so that we also do God’s will in all of life. The sacrificial system had been a part of the worship of the Jews since the time of Moses, and was given to him by the very word of God. How could Christians claim that essentially everything about the worship in the temple was no longer necessary, and… Tim Dunham 2914 https://ccf.sermon.net/21188893/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_rememberinggrace/id/3100346.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21188893 Grace, Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-10:10, Series: Hebrews Part#18 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 09:34:25 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as it is applied to our life? Truly, we think too little of the blood and understand too little of why it is effective and what it can accomplish in our life. Hebrews 9:11-14 tells us that His blood is perfectly effective in bringing about eternal redemption because of who Jesus is, and how He lived His life, and where executed His High Priestly Ministry - the Incarnate Son who lived in perfect obedience to the Father who entered the tabernacle in heaven. What it accomplishes for us is full cleansing from sin, and opening up before us full access to God, to live in his presence. The final result of Jesus blood as it is applied to our life is that we receive cleansing in the very depths of our conscience so that nothing would hinder us from standing before God’s presence, and so that we might worship Him by serving Him. Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as it is applied to our life? Truly, we think too little of the blood and understand too little of why it is effective and what it can accomplish in our life. Hebrews 9:11-14 tells us that His blood is perfectly effective in bringing about eternal redemption because of who Jesus is, and how He lived His life, and where executed His High Priestly Ministry - the Incarnate Son who lived in perfect obedience to the Father who entered the tabernacle in heaven. What it accomplishes for us is full cleansing from sin, and opening up before us full access to God, to live in his presence. The final result of Jesus blood as it is applied to our life is that we receive cleansing in the very depths of our conscience so that nothing would hinder us from standing before God’s presence, and so that we might worship Him by serving Him. Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as i… Tim Dunham 2913 https://ccf.sermon.net/21180194/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_byhisownblood/id/3092103.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21180194 Jesus blood, Redemption , Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-9:14, Series: Hebrews Part#17 Sun, 03 Jun 2018 09:34:25 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as it is applied to our life? Truly, we think too little of the blood and understand too little of why it is effective and what it can accomplish in our life. Hebrews 9:11-14 tells us that His blood is perfectly effective in bringing about eternal redemption because of who Jesus is, and how He lived His life, and where executed His High Priestly Ministry - the Incarnate Son who lived in perfect obedience to the Father who entered the tabernacle in heaven. What it accomplishes for us is full cleansing from sin, and opening up before us full access to God, to live in his presence. The final result of Jesus blood as it is applied to our life is that we receive cleansing in the very depths of our conscience so that nothing would hinder us from standing before God’s presence, and so that we might worship Him by serving Him. Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as it is applied to our life? Truly, we think too little of the blood and understand too little of why it is effective and what it can accomplish in our life. Hebrews 9:11-14 tells us that His blood is perfectly effective in bringing about eternal redemption because of who Jesus is, and how He lived His life, and where executed His High Priestly Ministry - the Incarnate Son who lived in perfect obedience to the Father who entered the tabernacle in heaven. What it accomplishes for us is full cleansing from sin, and opening up before us full access to God, to live in his presence. The final result of Jesus blood as it is applied to our life is that we receive cleansing in the very depths of our conscience so that nothing would hinder us from standing before God’s presence, and so that we might worship Him by serving Him. Big Idea - We often sing songs about the blood of Jesus and we know His blood shed on the cross is vital for our salvation, but how does it work? What makes Jesus blood so effective in cleansing us from sin? And to what end is His blood effective as i… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21180194/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_byhisownblood/id/364272 https://ccf.sermon.net/21180194 Jesus blood, Redemption , Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-9:14, Series: Hebrews Part#17 Sun, 06 May 2018 05:00:12 +0000 Tim Dunham How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. … Tim Dunham 3103 https://ccf.sermon.net/21162950/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abettercovenant/id/3076349.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21162950 Covenant,, Scripture: Hebrews 2:20-2:28, Series: Hebrews Part#16 Sun, 06 May 2018 05:00:12 +0000 Tim Dunham How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. How is the New Covenant better than the old? It is better because it has a better guarantee, and results in a better salvation, because it is implemented by the perfect son who is a better priest that offered a better sacrifice. … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21162950/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_abettercovenant/id/363264 https://ccf.sermon.net/21162950 Covenant,, Scripture: Hebrews 2:20-2:28, Series: Hebrews Part#16 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 09:41:40 +0000 Tim Dunham What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if there is any reason to worry it is not because God has not done everything possible to ensure that we can live our life with complete confidence of our salvation. But what it means to be saved must be fully understood - it is those who only see it impart who are in danger of missing all that God has. First we have a better hope - through Him we draw near to God and live in His presence, and second, we enter into a better covenant that Jesus guarantees by His indestructible life. Jesus did not come simply to remove our sin and quilt, as important as that is. There is a much higher and greater goal, that of removing the barrier that kept every worshipper at a distance from God, so that we can enter into His very presence unhindered and without restriction through His blood and by His High Priestly service. This is all made possible by the very oath and promise of God. It is by God's oath that Jesus is our high Priest based on his indestructible life, not based on lineage or law. He Himself is the guarantee of a new covenant relationship with God where He makes certain both sides of the agreement are fully met and cannot fail! What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if there is any reason to worry it is not because God has not done everything possible to ensure that we can live our life with complete confidence of our salvation. But what it means to be saved must be fully understood - it is those who only see it impart who are in danger of missing all that God has. First we have a better hope - through Him we draw near to God and live in His presence, and second, we enter into a better covenant that Jesus guarantees by His indestructible life. Jesus did not come simply to remove our sin and quilt, as important as that is. There is a much higher and greater goal, that of removing the barrier that kept every worshipper at a distance from God, so that we can enter into His very presence unhindered and without restriction through His blood and by His High Priestly service. This is all made possible by the very oath and promise of God. It is by God's oath that Jesus is our high Priest based on his indestructible life, not based on lineage or law. He Himself is the guarantee of a new covenant relationship with God where He makes certain both sides of the agreement are fully met and cannot fail! What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if ther… Tim Dunham 2711 https://ccf.sermon.net/21159973/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theguaranteeofsomethingbetter/id/3073580.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21159973 Guarantee, Promise , Scripture: Hebrews 7:16-7:22, Series: Hebrews Part#15 Sun, 29 Apr 2018 09:41:40 +0000 Tim Dunham What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if there is any reason to worry it is not because God has not done everything possible to ensure that we can live our life with complete confidence of our salvation. But what it means to be saved must be fully understood - it is those who only see it impart who are in danger of missing all that God has. First we have a better hope - through Him we draw near to God and live in His presence, and second, we enter into a better covenant that Jesus guarantees by His indestructible life. Jesus did not come simply to remove our sin and quilt, as important as that is. There is a much higher and greater goal, that of removing the barrier that kept every worshipper at a distance from God, so that we can enter into His very presence unhindered and without restriction through His blood and by His High Priestly service. This is all made possible by the very oath and promise of God. It is by God's oath that Jesus is our high Priest based on his indestructible life, not based on lineage or law. He Himself is the guarantee of a new covenant relationship with God where He makes certain both sides of the agreement are fully met and cannot fail! What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if there is any reason to worry it is not because God has not done everything possible to ensure that we can live our life with complete confidence of our salvation. But what it means to be saved must be fully understood - it is those who only see it impart who are in danger of missing all that God has. First we have a better hope - through Him we draw near to God and live in His presence, and second, we enter into a better covenant that Jesus guarantees by His indestructible life. Jesus did not come simply to remove our sin and quilt, as important as that is. There is a much higher and greater goal, that of removing the barrier that kept every worshipper at a distance from God, so that we can enter into His very presence unhindered and without restriction through His blood and by His High Priestly service. This is all made possible by the very oath and promise of God. It is by God's oath that Jesus is our high Priest based on his indestructible life, not based on lineage or law. He Himself is the guarantee of a new covenant relationship with God where He makes certain both sides of the agreement are fully met and cannot fail! What are the benefits of an eternal High priest based on an indestructible life? What does Jesus high priesthood accomplish for us, make available for us? The last warning passage, may make us feel that we are on very shaky ground with God, but if ther… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21159973/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_theguaranteeofsomethingbetter/id/363265 https://ccf.sermon.net/21159973 Guarantee, Promise , Scripture: Hebrews 7:16-7:22, Series: Hebrews Part#15 Sun, 22 Apr 2018 09:47:16 +0000 Tim Dunham Why is there a need for a new kind of priest? Since Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the Levitical priesthood once and for all, do we really need a priest at all? The Levitical priesthood and the law of Moses could not make anyone prefect - they were only a picture of what the true sacrifice would accomplish for us. It all pointed to what Jesus would accomplish on the Cross. Jesus did fulfill all that the OT priesthood pictured, once and for all. But, we still need a Great High Priest - not to keep making sacrifices for sin, but to apply all its benefits to our life here and on an ongoing basis. The work of redemption was accomplished on the cross once and for all. A priest after the order of Melchizedek, is an eternal priesthood - an ever present help for us here and now. The ministry of the cross was a one time and final act of saving already accomplished. The ministry of the High Priest, is an ongoing present ministry of all the blessings and benefits made possible by His death. Why is there a need for a new kind of priest? Since Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the Levitical priesthood once and for all, do we really need a priest at all? The Levitical priesthood and the law of Moses could not make anyone prefect - they were only a picture of what the true sacrifice would accomplish for us. It all pointed to what Jesus would accomplish on the Cross. Jesus did fulfill all that the OT priesthood pictured, once and for all. But, we still need a Great High Priest - not to keep making sacrifices for sin, but to apply all its benefits to our life here and on an ongoing basis. The work of redemption was accomplished on the cross once and for all. A priest after the order of Melchizedek, is an eternal priesthood - an ever present help for us here and now. The ministry of the cross was a one time and final act of saving already accomplished. The ministry of the High Priest, is an ongoing present ministry of all the blessings and benefits made possible by His death. Why is there a need for a new kind of priest? Since Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the Levitical priesthood once and for all, do we really need a priest at all? The Levitical priesthood and the law of Moses could not make anyone prefect - they… Tim Dunham 3155 https://ccf.sermon.net/21155088/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adifferentkindofpriest/id/3069171.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21155088 Priest, God's representative, ultimate Great High Priest, Jesus, Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-7:17, Series: Hebrews Part#14 Sun, 15 Apr 2018 04:44:44 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2624 https://ccf.sermon.net/21151672/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inheritthepromisethroughfaith/id/3065984.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21151672 Scripture: Hebrews 6:9-6:20, Series: Hebrews Part#13 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 08:56:06 +0000 Tim Dunham In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon to believers. He is deeply concerned about them, not because they are not saved, rather, because they have actually been Christians a long time but are not at the level of maturity that one would expect. This lack of maturity puts them at great risk of “falling away.” The language he uses is very strong. In fact he says that it is impossible for those who have tasted “the goodness of the Word” and then “fallen away” to be “restored again to repentance.” It seems that what he is saying is that there is a danger of losing your salvation. To sum the problem - He is writing to believers; they seem to be in danger of apostasy, that is turning away from God and rejecting the faith; with the result that they lose their salvation. In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon to believers. He is deeply concerned about them, not because they are not saved, rather, because they have actually been Christians a long time but are not at the level of maturity that one would expect. This lack of maturity puts them at great risk of “falling away.” The language he uses is very strong. In fact he says that it is impossible for those who have tasted “the goodness of the Word” and then “fallen away” to be “restored again to repentance.” It seems that what he is saying is that there is a danger of losing your salvation. To sum the problem - He is writing to believers; they seem to be in danger of apostasy, that is turning away from God and rejecting the faith; with the result that they lose their salvation. In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon … Tim Dunham 3281 https://ccf.sermon.net/21151165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_presson/id/3065537.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21151165 Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-6:12, Series: Hebrews Part#12 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 08:56:06 +0000 Tim Dunham In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon to believers. He is deeply concerned about them, not because they are not saved, rather, because they have actually been Christians a long time but are not at the level of maturity that one would expect. This lack of maturity puts them at great risk of “falling away.” The language he uses is very strong. In fact he says that it is impossible for those who have tasted “the goodness of the Word” and then “fallen away” to be “restored again to repentance.” It seems that what he is saying is that there is a danger of losing your salvation. To sum the problem - He is writing to believers; they seem to be in danger of apostasy, that is turning away from God and rejecting the faith; with the result that they lose their salvation. In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon to believers. He is deeply concerned about them, not because they are not saved, rather, because they have actually been Christians a long time but are not at the level of maturity that one would expect. This lack of maturity puts them at great risk of “falling away.” The language he uses is very strong. In fact he says that it is impossible for those who have tasted “the goodness of the Word” and then “fallen away” to be “restored again to repentance.” It seems that what he is saying is that there is a danger of losing your salvation. To sum the problem - He is writing to believers; they seem to be in danger of apostasy, that is turning away from God and rejecting the faith; with the result that they lose their salvation. In our journey through the book of Hebrews we come now to the most challenging passage in the entire book. Some claim that it is the most difficult passage in all the New Testament. Here is the main difficulty. The author is clearly writing his sermon … Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21151165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_presson/id/363266 https://ccf.sermon.net/21151165 Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-6:12, Series: Hebrews Part#12 Sun, 01 Apr 2018 08:10:20 +0000 Tim Dunham What will happen when we experience the resurrection? On that day when we are raised from the dead and given a whole new body? Or, if we should be so lucky as to skip death altogether and just go straight to the rapture and a new body? How will the resurrection change us, or will it? How we answer that question is extremely important, because it tells us how we are to relate to Jesus! Who is Jesus to you, and how do you think about Him as the resurrected lord of all creation? What will happen when we experience the resurrection? On that day when we are raised from the dead and given a whole new body? Or, if we should be so lucky as to skip death altogether and just go straight to the rapture and a new body? How will the resurrection change us, or will it? How we answer that question is extremely important, because it tells us how we are to relate to Jesus! Who is Jesus to you, and how do you think about Him as the resurrected lord of all creation? What will happen when we experience the resurrection? On that day when we are raised from the dead and given a whole new body? Or, if we should be so lucky as to skip death altogether and just go straight to the rapture and a new body? How will the res… Tim Dunham 2460 https://ccf.sermon.net/21142496/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sunrisebreakfast/id/3057390.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21142496 Resurrection, Scripture: John 21:1-21:14, Series: Easter Sun, 25 Mar 2018 04:20:53 +0000 Tim Dunham What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were the requirements of every high priest, and Jesus takes both to a whole new level! God appointed Him as High Priest, as His Son. Jesus did not seek this role of His own will, but by the Father’s divine appointment. In addition, He understands our struggle, and identifies with our pain and weakness as much as is humanly possible, and in ways that are only possible as a human being. He came in human flesh and experienced fully all that we go through. He was made perfect for the job by learning obedience through all that He suffered, and by that He became the way of salvation for all who obey Him. What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were the requirements of every high priest, and Jesus takes both to a whole new level! God appointed Him as High Priest, as His Son. Jesus did not seek this role of His own will, but by the Father’s divine appointment. In addition, He understands our struggle, and identifies with our pain and weakness as much as is humanly possible, and in ways that are only possible as a human being. He came in human flesh and experienced fully all that we go through. He was made perfect for the job by learning obedience through all that He suffered, and by that He became the way of salvation for all who obey Him. What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were… Tim Dunham 2155 https://ccf.sermon.net/21137762/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourgentlehighpriest/id/3052971.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21137762 Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-5:10, Series: Hebrews Part#11 Sun, 25 Mar 2018 04:20:53 +0000 Tim Dunham What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were the requirements of every high priest, and Jesus takes both to a whole new level! God appointed Him as High Priest, as His Son. Jesus did not seek this role of His own will, but by the Father’s divine appointment. In addition, He understands our struggle, and identifies with our pain and weakness as much as is humanly possible, and in ways that are only possible as a human being. He came in human flesh and experienced fully all that we go through. He was made perfect for the job by learning obedience through all that He suffered, and by that He became the way of salvation for all who obey Him. What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were the requirements of every high priest, and Jesus takes both to a whole new level! God appointed Him as High Priest, as His Son. Jesus did not seek this role of His own will, but by the Father’s divine appointment. In addition, He understands our struggle, and identifies with our pain and weakness as much as is humanly possible, and in ways that are only possible as a human being. He came in human flesh and experienced fully all that we go through. He was made perfect for the job by learning obedience through all that He suffered, and by that He became the way of salvation for all who obey Him. What are the Qualifications of A Great High Priest, more importantly, what qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? Jesus is qualified to be our Great High Priest because He was appointed by God, and because He understands our struggle - these were… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/21137762/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_ourgentlehighpriest/id/363267 https://ccf.sermon.net/21137762 Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-5:10, Series: Hebrews Part#11 Sun, 18 Mar 2018 10:42:57 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2818 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131942/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourgreathighpriest/id/3047206.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131942 Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-4:16, Series: Hebrews Part#10 Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:30:59 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2700 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131941/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_restforthefaithful/id/3047209.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131941 Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-4:13, Series: Hebrews Part#9 Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:18:15 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3097 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131940/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_seriouslyconsideresus/id/3047204.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21131940 Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-3:19, Series: Hebrews Part#8 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:38:57 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2789 https://ccf.sermon.net/21111428/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_championofsalvation/id/3028193.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21111428 Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-2:10, Series: Hebrews Part#7 Sun, 11 Feb 2018 13:30:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2914 https://ccf.sermon.net/21111426/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_payattention/id/3028188.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21111426 Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-2:4, Series: Hebrews Part#6 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 08:41:03 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - Jesus is God's supreme and ultimate revelation, better than the prophets, better than the Angels. So does that mean we throw away the former revelation? What do we do with the message of the prophets and the angels, now that the ultimate revelation is here? The former revelation of prophets and angels now find their completed meaning and purpose because Jesus is the ultimate message. He is the ultimate revelation because of who He is - The Only Son who is the Divine Davidic King. He makes all the other revelation (OT) make sense, as he is the one who fulfills completely all that the former revelation pointed to. Since Jesus is the ultimate revelation, the Gospel becomes the lens through which can really understand all of Scripture. At the same time, when rightly understood, all of the OT revelation helps us understand Jesus and the Gospel. Big Idea - Jesus is God's supreme and ultimate revelation, better than the prophets, better than the Angels. So does that mean we throw away the former revelation? What do we do with the message of the prophets and the angels, now that the ultimate revelation is here? The former revelation of prophets and angels now find their completed meaning and purpose because Jesus is the ultimate message. He is the ultimate revelation because of who He is - The Only Son who is the Divine Davidic King. He makes all the other revelation (OT) make sense, as he is the one who fulfills completely all that the former revelation pointed to. Since Jesus is the ultimate revelation, the Gospel becomes the lens through which can really understand all of Scripture. At the same time, when rightly understood, all of the OT revelation helps us understand Jesus and the Gospel. Big Idea - Jesus is God's supreme and ultimate revelation, better than the prophets, better than the Angels. So does that mean we throw away the former revelation? What do we do with the message of the prophets and the angels, now that the ultimate rev… Tim Dunham 2716 https://ccf.sermon.net/21104883/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betterthanangels/id/3021934.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21104883 Scripture: Hebrews 1:5-1:14, Series: Hebrews Part#5 Sun, 28 Jan 2018 07:52:38 +0000 Tim Dunham We are invited into relationship with God, but how is tis possible and what does it really mean to be in a relationship with an invisible God? It is God’s heart and desire for us to know Him. What the prophets revealed was good, but God’s revelation in His Son is infinitely better. There are many reasons why this revelation is so much better, but most of all it because this revelation is personal. In Jesus, the person is the message. So, we want to answer a couple of questions - who is Jesus and how does He reveal God in His being - who He is as a person? And, how is this revelation more personal - how does Jesus bring God to us in a way we can know and relate to in a real and intimate way? We are invited into relationship with God, but how is tis possible and what does it really mean to be in a relationship with an invisible God? It is God’s heart and desire for us to know Him. What the prophets revealed was good, but God’s revelation in His Son is infinitely better. There are many reasons why this revelation is so much better, but most of all it because this revelation is personal. In Jesus, the person is the message. So, we want to answer a couple of questions - who is Jesus and how does He reveal God in His being - who He is as a person? And, how is this revelation more personal - how does Jesus bring God to us in a way we can know and relate to in a real and intimate way? We are invited into relationship with God, but how is tis possible and what does it really mean to be in a relationship with an invisible God? It is God’s heart and desire for us to know Him. What the prophets revealed was good, but God’s revelation in… Tim Dunham 2732 https://ccf.sermon.net/21095134/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_speakinginperson/id/3012663.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21095134 Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4, Series: Hebrews Part#4 Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:31:48 +0000 Tim Dunham Something almost every human being shares in common is that people everywhere value being clean. If we run across a person who is not clean it is likely a sign of extreme poverty, or extreme laziness. Hebrews 1:3 speaks of Jesus work as our great HIgh Priest who makes purification for sins. It does not call Jesus a High Priest here, but the comparison is made later in the book. But, the language of making purification very much comes from the Old Testament and was something done by the priests. This OT language had to do with being ceremonially unclean which disqualified you from worship in the Temple. A person had to be clean in order to draw near to God’s presence. What is interesting, is that any number of things could make you unclean, or defiled (dirty). Touching any dead body, human or animal, made you unclean. Touching a leper (or being one) made you unclean. Of course, sin left a deep stain that made you unclean as well. The idea was that any contact with sin or its consequences (sickness and death), left a stain upon your life. This stain is not just on your clothing or skin, but goes much deeper into the very heart and soul of the person. Before you could come into God’s presence and worship Him, you had to be made pure. This involved very processes, depending on the cause of being made unclean. But, in every case, there was a sacrifice, the shedding of blood, and either the blood of the sacrifice, or the ashes of the animal mixed with water were sprinkled on the person to “wash” them and make them clean. Something almost every human being shares in common is that people everywhere value being clean. If we run across a person who is not clean it is likely a sign of extreme poverty, or extreme laziness. Hebrews 1:3 speaks of Jesus work as our great HIgh Priest who makes purification for sins. It does not call Jesus a High Priest here, but the comparison is made later in the book. But, the language of making purification very much comes from the Old Testament and was something done by the priests. This OT language had to do with being ceremonially unclean which disqualified you from worship in the Temple. A person had to be clean in order to draw near to God’s presence. What is interesting, is that any number of things could make you unclean, or defiled (dirty). Touching any dead body, human or animal, made you unclean. Touching a leper (or being one) made you unclean. Of course, sin left a deep stain that made you unclean as well. The idea was that any contact with sin or its consequences (sickness and death), left a stain upon your life. This stain is not just on your clothing or skin, but goes much deeper into the very heart and soul of the person. Before you could come into God’s presence and worship Him, you had to be made pure. This involved very processes, depending on the cause of being made unclean. But, in every case, there was a sacrifice, the shedding of blood, and either the blood of the sacrifice, or the ashes of the animal mixed with water were sprinkled on the person to “wash” them and make them clean. Something almost every human being shares in common is that people everywhere value being clean. If we run across a person who is not clean it is likely a sign of extreme poverty, or extreme laziness. Hebrews 1:3 speaks of Jesus work as our great HIgh … Tim Dunham 3000 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090418/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingusclean/id/3008002.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090418 Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4, Series: God Has Spoken by His Son Part#3 Sun, 14 Jan 2018 00:45:54 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2855 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090058/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_speakinginallhedoes/id/3007757.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090058 Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4, Series: Hebrews Part#2 Sun, 07 Jan 2018 00:34:19 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2956 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090053/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godspeaks/id/3007754.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090053 Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4, Series: Hebrews Part#1 Sun, 31 Dec 2017 00:54:26 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3121 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abidinghudsontaylorsspirituals/id/3007764.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21090061 Scripture: John 15:4-15:11 Sun, 24 Dec 2017 06:00:40 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2858 https://ccf.sermon.net/21075770/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_christmasoy/id/2993929.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21075770 Joy Sun, 17 Dec 2017 08:32:40 +0000 Tim Dunham One cannot help but ask, in light of such an extraordinary event as the incarnation, what was the point of it? What was the end our purpose that God had in mind? The obvious answer and the one that is most commonly given, is that God the Son came to earth, and became a man in order to save us from our sins. But, this is not the great purpose or end goal of the incarnation! Jesus’ death was necessary, but it was only a means not the end. To really understand the incarnation, we must be clear about its great purpose. What was the end goal of the incarnation which his death was the means? The chief end of the incarnation was so that God could be with us, and so that could know Him and see His glory. One cannot help but ask, in light of such an extraordinary event as the incarnation, what was the point of it? What was the end our purpose that God had in mind? The obvious answer and the one that is most commonly given, is that God the Son came to earth, and became a man in order to save us from our sins. But, this is not the great purpose or end goal of the incarnation! Jesus’ death was necessary, but it was only a means not the end. To really understand the incarnation, we must be clear about its great purpose. What was the end goal of the incarnation which his death was the means? The chief end of the incarnation was so that God could be with us, and so that could know Him and see His glory. One cannot help but ask, in light of such an extraordinary event as the incarnation, what was the point of it? What was the end our purpose that God had in mind? The obvious answer and the one that is most commonly given, is that God the Son came to ea… Tim Dunham 3026 https://ccf.sermon.net/21075769/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thewordbecameflesh/id/2993928.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21075769 Christmas, Words became flesh,, Scripture: Matthew 1:18-1:25, Series: Christmas Part#4 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 08:34:40 +0000 Tim Dunham Celebrating the faith - At Easter, we celebrate the death of Jesus as the once for all, completely sufficient sacrifice for our sin, and the resurrection by which He proved He has overcome death. At Pentecost, which we actually don’t celebrate, but we should be celebrating the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit who brings to us the promised blessings and benefits of salvation. But, what exactly do we celebrate at Christmas. The obvious answer would be the birth of Jesus, but if that is all we are celebrating we are missing the real point of Christmas! Christmas is more than just Jesus birth, although the is a huge part of it! We call it Advent, because we also celebrate not only His birth, but His coming, His arrival on earth. That get’s closer, but still falls short of the full glory of Christmas. What we are ultimately celebrating at Christmas time is the Incarnation - the glorious wonder of eternal God becoming flesh and blood! That is the fullest and deepest wonder of Christmas Celebrating the faith - At Easter, we celebrate the death of Jesus as the once for all, completely sufficient sacrifice for our sin, and the resurrection by which He proved He has overcome death. At Pentecost, which we actually don’t celebrate, but we should be celebrating the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit who brings to us the promised blessings and benefits of salvation. But, what exactly do we celebrate at Christmas. The obvious answer would be the birth of Jesus, but if that is all we are celebrating we are missing the real point of Christmas! Christmas is more than just Jesus birth, although the is a huge part of it! We call it Advent, because we also celebrate not only His birth, but His coming, His arrival on earth. That get’s closer, but still falls short of the full glory of Christmas. What we are ultimately celebrating at Christmas time is the Incarnation - the glorious wonder of eternal God becoming flesh and blood! That is the fullest and deepest wonder of Christmas Celebrating the faith - At Easter, we celebrate the death of Jesus as the once for all, completely sufficient sacrifice for our sin, and the resurrection by which He proved He has overcome death. At Pentecost, which we actually don’t celebrate, but we … Tim Dunham 2375 https://ccf.sermon.net/21067814/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthebeginning/id/2986567.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21067814 Christmas, Scripture: John 1:1-1:16, Series: John Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:36:36 +0000 Tim Dunham In 1 Cor 3, Paul describes those who have dedicated their life to ministry, full-time or part time. He says they are building on the foundation which is Jesus. In other words, people are saved by the work of Christ alone, and Churches come into existence as the collection of those who have been saved. But, it is the task of God’s servants to build on that foundation - to help those who have been saved by the Gospel message, to grow into mature and Christ honoring disciples. But then he makes the startling conclusion that just because people are building, that is doing ministry, does not mean they are really accomplishing anything eternal! He says that everything we have “built” will be tested by fire, and that some will prove to be of an eternal and lasting quality, and some will go up in smoke! In other words, we can be doing all kinds of ministry for God - telling people about Jesus, making disciples, helping those in need. But, just because we are serving God, doing ministry stuff does not mean we are making an eternal impact! Paul says - the works of many will burn like straw!! In 1 Cor 3, Paul describes those who have dedicated their life to ministry, full-time or part time. He says they are building on the foundation which is Jesus. In other words, people are saved by the work of Christ alone, and Churches come into existence as the collection of those who have been saved. But, it is the task of God’s servants to build on that foundation - to help those who have been saved by the Gospel message, to grow into mature and Christ honoring disciples. But then he makes the startling conclusion that just because people are building, that is doing ministry, does not mean they are really accomplishing anything eternal! He says that everything we have “built” will be tested by fire, and that some will prove to be of an eternal and lasting quality, and some will go up in smoke! In other words, we can be doing all kinds of ministry for God - telling people about Jesus, making disciples, helping those in need. But, just because we are serving God, doing ministry stuff does not mean we are making an eternal impact! Paul says - the works of many will burn like straw!! In 1 Cor 3, Paul describes those who have dedicated their life to ministry, full-time or part time. He says they are building on the foundation which is Jesus. In other words, people are saved by the work of Christ alone, and Churches come into existen… Tim Dunham 3071 https://ccf.sermon.net/21067803/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_spiritpoweredministry/id/2986553.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21067803 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2:13, Series: Holy Spirit Sun, 19 Nov 2017 08:38:29 +0000 Tim Dunham In Galatians 5 Paul uses several word pictures to describe a way of life that is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. First he gives the command to “walk by the Spirit” in verse 16. Then he says we are to be “led by the Spirit” in verse 18, and again in verse 25 he talks about “living by the Spirit” and “keeping in step with the Spirit.” These phrases all describe the same thing - doing life by the Holy Spirit’ direction and enabling power. Verse 13-15 help understand the big picture from which this concept comes. In the book of Galatians, Paul is writing to convince the Galatians that they do not need to follow the Law of Moses if they are in Christ. In fact, he makes it clear that the work of Jesus on the cross has set us free from the law! But, he also makes clear that being set free from the law does not mean we should then become enslaved to the “flesh.” In order to fully grasp what Paul is talking about here we need to explore three concepts - freedom, the flesh, and the law. In Galatians 5 Paul uses several word pictures to describe a way of life that is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. First he gives the command to “walk by the Spirit” in verse 16. Then he says we are to be “led by the Spirit” in verse 18, and again in verse 25 he talks about “living by the Spirit” and “keeping in step with the Spirit.” These phrases all describe the same thing - doing life by the Holy Spirit’ direction and enabling power. Verse 13-15 help understand the big picture from which this concept comes. In the book of Galatians, Paul is writing to convince the Galatians that they do not need to follow the Law of Moses if they are in Christ. In fact, he makes it clear that the work of Jesus on the cross has set us free from the law! But, he also makes clear that being set free from the law does not mean we should then become enslaved to the “flesh.” In order to fully grasp what Paul is talking about here we need to explore three concepts - freedom, the flesh, and the law. In Galatians 5 Paul uses several word pictures to describe a way of life that is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. First he gives the command to “walk by the Spirit” in verse 16. Then he says we are to be “led by the Spirit” in verse 18, and a… Tim Dunham 3216 https://ccf.sermon.net/21066437/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_spiritled/id/2985149.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21066437 Scripture: Galatians 5:13-5:25, Series: Holy Spirit Part#3 Sun, 12 Nov 2017 08:43:12 +0000 Tim Dunham Big Idea - What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit and how can we come to have more of the Spirit in our life to overcome sin, and fulfill God’s purpose and mission in our life? Being “filled with the Spirit” is used in Scripture primarily to speak of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. But, Paul speaks of being filled by the Spirit in Ephesians to describe an active partnership with the Holy Spirit where He gives us what we need to do what is right and pleasing to the Father. Being filled is not something we do, but something that is done to us, but we are commanded to be filled, so we do have a part. Our part is to come under the power and influence of the Spirit, so that He can do His part which is to give us the understanding and power to do what is pleasing to God. Big Idea - What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit and how can we come to have more of the Spirit in our life to overcome sin, and fulfill God’s purpose and mission in our life? Being “filled with the Spirit” is used in Scripture primarily to speak of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. But, Paul speaks of being filled by the Spirit in Ephesians to describe an active partnership with the Holy Spirit where He gives us what we need to do what is right and pleasing to the Father. Being filled is not something we do, but something that is done to us, but we are commanded to be filled, so we do have a part. Our part is to come under the power and influence of the Spirit, so that He can do His part which is to give us the understanding and power to do what is pleasing to God. Big Idea - What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit and how can we come to have more of the Spirit in our life to overcome sin, and fulfill God’s purpose and mission in our life? Being “filled with the Spirit” is used in Scripture primarily to sp… Tim Dunham 3175 https://ccf.sermon.net/21050308/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_spiritfilled/id/2969846.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21050308 Scripture: Ephesians 5:17-5:21, Series: Holy Spirit Part#2 Sun, 05 Nov 2017 12:06:39 +0000 Tim Dunham Do we live as if we believe in Pentecost? Is the truth that God has poured out His Holy Spirit upon us a reality that impacts us every day? Or, do we live with hardly a thought of the indwelling Spirit? Do we live as though it never happened? If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Do you live with the constant realization that God lives in you by His Spirit? What difference is it making in your life? What difference should it make in your life? If this truth is not making any real impact in our daily life, what can we do about it? The wonderful truth is that 1) Jesus promised that He would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit, 2) when He did it was unmistakable, and 3) those who received the Spirit were never the same. Finally, 4) It happened in a dramatic, "Pentecostal" way so that we would know the reality of His presence and have faith to experience His power in our lives today. Do we live as if we believe in Pentecost? Is the truth that God has poured out His Holy Spirit upon us a reality that impacts us every day? Or, do we live with hardly a thought of the indwelling Spirit? Do we live as though it never happened? If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Do you live with the constant realization that God lives in you by His Spirit? What difference is it making in your life? What difference should it make in your life? If this truth is not making any real impact in our daily life, what can we do about it? The wonderful truth is that 1) Jesus promised that He would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit, 2) when He did it was unmistakable, and 3) those who received the Spirit were never the same. Finally, 4) It happened in a dramatic, "Pentecostal" way so that we would know the reality of His presence and have faith to experience His power in our lives today. Do we live as if we believe in Pentecost? Is the truth that God has poured out His Holy Spirit upon us a reality that impacts us every day? Or, do we live with hardly a thought of the indwelling Spirit? Do we live as though it never happened? If you ar… Tim Dunham 2642 https://ccf.sermon.net/21043301/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theindwellingspirit/id/2963093.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21043301 Scripture: Acts 4:1-4:8, Series: Holy Spirit Part#1 Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:58:17 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2438 https://ccf.sermon.net/21043299/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howthetabernacleoperates/id/2963090.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21043299 How the Tabernacle Operates Sun, 22 Oct 2017 12:52:43 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2511 https://ccf.sermon.net/21038199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetabernacle/id/2958207.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21038199 Scripture: Exodus 40:1-40:38, Series: Exodus Part#49 Sun, 15 Oct 2017 12:59:43 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2289 https://ccf.sermon.net/21031010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_welldone/id/2951305.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21031010 Scripture: Exodus 39:1-39:30, Series: Exodus Part#48 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 13:45:30 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 1205 https://ccf.sermon.net/21028755/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giftedforobedientservice/id/2949196.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21028755 Scripture: Exodus 36:8-36:31, Series: Exodus Part#47 Sun, 01 Oct 2017 13:38:27 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2474 https://ccf.sermon.net/21028754/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giftsandthegifted/id/2949195.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21028754 gifts, Scripture: Exodus 35:30-35:35, Exodus 36:1-36:7, Series: Exodus Part#46 Sun, 24 Sep 2017 12:21:11 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2740 https://ccf.sermon.net/21018955/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makeasignificantcontribution/id/2939847.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21018955 Scripture: Exodus 35:1-35:29, Series: Exodus Part#45 Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:38:10 +0000 Tim Dunham In this two part series we are looking at the plan to implement Covenant Community at CCF. In part 1 we examined what it mean for the Church to be a community. The Church is, by definition and by its very nature, a community of those who are followers of Christ. Salvation comes by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ, apart from the Church. But, our spiritual growth and maturity cannot happen to the full extent apart from the Church. We need the ministry of the Body of Christ to help us grow, and we all have a part to play in growing each other up into maturity in Christ. In part 2 we are going to look at Covenant, specifically “what does covenant have to do with community?” In this two part series we are looking at the plan to implement Covenant Community at CCF. In part 1 we examined what it mean for the Church to be a community. The Church is, by definition and by its very nature, a community of those who are followers of Christ. Salvation comes by grace, through faith in the finished work of Christ, apart from the Church. But, our spiritual growth and maturity cannot happen to the full extent apart from the Church. We need the ministry of the Body of Christ to help us grow, and we all have a part to play in growing each other up into maturity in Christ. In part 2 we are going to look at Covenant, specifically “what does covenant have to do with community?” In this two part series we are looking at the plan to implement Covenant Community at CCF. In part 1 we examined what it mean for the Church to be a community. The Church is, by definition and by its very nature, a community of those who are followers … Tim Dunham 3142 https://ccf.sermon.net/21011314/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_covenantcommunitypart2covenant/id/2932388.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21011314 Covenant Community, Scripture: James 5:1-5:20, Series: Church Part#2 Sun, 10 Sep 2017 13:14:51 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiang Mai is a very unique and strategic place for an International Church like CCF. It is also a rather complex context in which to “do Church.” I have been here for over 15 years, and as the founding Pastor of CCF, I have been wrestling with how to lead CCF in a way that is Christ honoring, and effective in serving the community here for the past 14 years. I am still learning, and still trying to figure it out! There are many issues that make our context challenging, but one of the most difficult has been how to shepherd well such a highly transient group of people who do not consider Chiang Mai their permanent home. Chiang Mai is a very unique and strategic place for an International Church like CCF. It is also a rather complex context in which to “do Church.” I have been here for over 15 years, and as the founding Pastor of CCF, I have been wrestling with how to lead CCF in a way that is Christ honoring, and effective in serving the community here for the past 14 years. I am still learning, and still trying to figure it out! There are many issues that make our context challenging, but one of the most difficult has been how to shepherd well such a highly transient group of people who do not consider Chiang Mai their permanent home. Chiang Mai is a very unique and strategic place for an International Church like CCF. It is also a rather complex context in which to “do Church.” I have been here for over 15 years, and as the founding Pastor of CCF, I have been wrestling with how to … Tim Dunham 3017 https://ccf.sermon.net/21006856/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_covenantcommunity/id/2928208.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/21006856 Scripture: 2 Peter 2:4-2:9, Series: Church Part#1 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 09:46:26 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the great truths of the Christian faith is that there is forgiveness for our sins, and that by God’s grace. But, it is very possible to greatly misunderstand this truth in one of two ways. First, we reduce God into some kind of vending machine who dispenses forgiveness without any personal interest: we sin, we deserve His wrath, we push the “ask forgiveness” button, and grace falls from heaven. The other problem is that we seek forgiveness for all the wrong reasons, and miss the real goal or point of God’s grace. In Exodus 32-34 God does not easily or quickly forgive their sin. Moses prays repeatedly for God’s mercy and forgiveness was very slow in coming. This is not because God is reluctant or unwilling to forgive, or that He needs to be convinced by Moses about what is the right thing to do!  The truth is, it is not difficult for God to forgive! But, God is teaching them that He is not just a vending machine dispensing grace as a cheap trinket. He is teaching them the true goal and purpose of forgiveness. So what is the goal of forgiveness? Exodus 33 teaches us that the ultimate goal of grace is to live in God’s presence! Grace is more than simply receiving His blessings and benefits. Grace means the way is open for us to live with God and be in intimate personal relationship with Him! We have all disqualified ourselves from such a gift, so the only way to live in His presence is by grace. Through God’s grace He shows the world HIs glory by demonstrating that even though we absolutely do not deserve anything from Him, by His great grace He makes us His own. One of the great truths of the Christian faith is that there is forgiveness for our sins, and that by God’s grace. But, it is very possible to greatly misunderstand this truth in one of two ways. First, we reduce God into some kind of vending machine who dispenses forgiveness without any personal interest: we sin, we deserve His wrath, we push the “ask forgiveness” button, and grace falls from heaven. The other problem is that we seek forgiveness for all the wrong reasons, and miss the real goal or point of God’s grace. In Exodus 32-34 God does not easily or quickly forgive their sin. Moses prays repeatedly for God’s mercy and forgiveness was very slow in coming. This is not because God is reluctant or unwilling to forgive, or that He needs to be convinced by Moses about what is the right thing to do!  The truth is, it is not difficult for God to forgive! But, God is teaching them that He is not just a vending machine dispensing grace as a cheap trinket. He is teaching them the true goal and purpose of forgiveness. So what is the goal of forgiveness? Exodus 33 teaches us that the ultimate goal of grace is to live in God’s presence! Grace is more than simply receiving His blessings and benefits. Grace means the way is open for us to live with God and be in intimate personal relationship with Him! We have all disqualified ourselves from such a gift, so the only way to live in His presence is by grace. Through God’s grace He shows the world HIs glory by demonstrating that even though we absolutely do not deserve anything from Him, by His great grace He makes us His own. One of the great truths of the Christian faith is that there is forgiveness for our sins, and that by God’s grace. But, it is very possible to greatly misunderstand this truth in one of two ways. First, we reduce God into some kind of vending machine w… Tim Dunham 2669 https://ccf.sermon.net/20997734/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fallingintohispresence/id/2919761.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20997734 Scripture: Exodus 33:1-33:17, Series: Exodus Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:20:14 +0000 Tim Dunham Evan as Yahweh is giving Moses the details of the covenant - how they are to worship Him, the people break the covenant by worshipping an idol image. God’s right and just response is to destroy Israel, but Moses intercedes on behalf of the people and turns away God’s wrath. But, that does not fix everything. They may yet live to see another day, but the covenant relationship is broken, the people are out of control, sin is running rampant in the camp, and God’s Name and Glory is being damaged. It is God’s grace that He does not destroy them, and it is by God’s grace that he will forgive and restore. Evan as Yahweh is giving Moses the details of the covenant - how they are to worship Him, the people break the covenant by worshipping an idol image. God’s right and just response is to destroy Israel, but Moses intercedes on behalf of the people and turns away God’s wrath. But, that does not fix everything. They may yet live to see another day, but the covenant relationship is broken, the people are out of control, sin is running rampant in the camp, and God’s Name and Glory is being damaged. It is God’s grace that He does not destroy them, and it is by God’s grace that he will forgive and restore. Evan as Yahweh is giving Moses the details of the covenant - how they are to worship Him, the people break the covenant by worshipping an idol image. God’s right and just response is to destroy Israel, but Moses intercedes on behalf of the people and t… Tim Dunham 3226 https://ccf.sermon.net/20991183/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_breakingthecovenant/id/2913463.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20991183 Scripture: Exodus 32:15-32:35, Series: Exodus Part#42 Sun, 30 Jul 2017 05:09:08 +0000 Tim Dunham The blueprint for worship, the plans for the Tabernacle, and all its furnishings, as well as the process for anointing the priests and offering sacrifices, has been given in detail to Moses. Every part and function of the Tabernacle is a picture or “copy” of the heavenly temple, and points to the ultimate worship of God’s people who draw near to Him by the blood and High Priesthood of Jesus, and by faith in Him live forever in God’s presence. But, before God hands over the covenant (the stone tablets) to Moses, there are two final instructions. The first regards the expert craftsmen God has called and appointed for the work of constructing the tabernacle, and the second is a reminder of the great priority of keeping the Sabbath. The first point has to do with how the tabernacle can be constructed according to the incredible design God gave Moses. The second has to do with making worship at the Tabernacle a regular and high priority in the life of the covenant community. The blueprint for worship, the plans for the Tabernacle, and all its furnishings, as well as the process for anointing the priests and offering sacrifices, has been given in detail to Moses. Every part and function of the Tabernacle is a picture or “copy” of the heavenly temple, and points to the ultimate worship of God’s people who draw near to Him by the blood and High Priesthood of Jesus, and by faith in Him live forever in God’s presence. But, before God hands over the covenant (the stone tablets) to Moses, there are two final instructions. The first regards the expert craftsmen God has called and appointed for the work of constructing the tabernacle, and the second is a reminder of the great priority of keeping the Sabbath. The first point has to do with how the tabernacle can be constructed according to the incredible design God gave Moses. The second has to do with making worship at the Tabernacle a regular and high priority in the life of the covenant community. The blueprint for worship, the plans for the Tabernacle, and all its furnishings, as well as the process for anointing the priests and offering sacrifices, has been given in detail to Moses. Every part and function of the Tabernacle is a picture or “co… Tim Dunham 2948 https://ccf.sermon.net/20983249/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_workandrest/id/2905905.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20983249 Work and Rest, Scripture: Exodus 31:1-31, Series: Exodus Part#40 Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:38:01 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2668 https://ccf.sermon.net/20979306/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_templateforworship/id/2902069.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20979306 Scripture: Exodus 30:1-30:38, Series: Exodus Part#39 Sun, 16 Jul 2017 01:01:41 +0000 Tim Dunham In an era when everyone can serve God, either on a part time, volunteer basis, or in full time vocational ministry, it is probably hard for us to appreciate the unique role of a Priest or Levite in the OT. They were essentially the only ones permitted to serve God in any capacity. Consequently, they formed a very exclusive group among the Israelites. What exactly was the role of the priest, and given that they so often abused the office, why did God institute the Aaronic priesthood? Like everything else in the Tabernacle, the function of the priest points directly to the work and ministry of Jesus, who is our Great High Priest. But, it also teaches us important lessons about our own efforts to serve God. Every follower of Christ is a part of a holy priesthood according to 1 Peter 2:5. What does Exodus 29 teach us about Jesus role as the Great High Priest, and how can it help us be better servants of God as part of His holy priesthood? In an era when everyone can serve God, either on a part time, volunteer basis, or in full time vocational ministry, it is probably hard for us to appreciate the unique role of a Priest or Levite in the OT. They were essentially the only ones permitted to serve God in any capacity. Consequently, they formed a very exclusive group among the Israelites. What exactly was the role of the priest, and given that they so often abused the office, why did God institute the Aaronic priesthood? Like everything else in the Tabernacle, the function of the priest points directly to the work and ministry of Jesus, who is our Great High Priest. But, it also teaches us important lessons about our own efforts to serve God. Every follower of Christ is a part of a holy priesthood according to 1 Peter 2:5. What does Exodus 29 teach us about Jesus role as the Great High Priest, and how can it help us be better servants of God as part of His holy priesthood? In an era when everyone can serve God, either on a part time, volunteer basis, or in full time vocational ministry, it is probably hard for us to appreciate the unique role of a Priest or Levite in the OT. They were essentially the only ones permitted … Tim Dunham 2837 https://ccf.sermon.net/20973231/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_setaparttoserve/id/2896167.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20973231 Scripture: Exodus 29:1-29:46, Series: Exodus Part#38 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 16:50:46 +0000 Tim Miskimen Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Miskimen 2619 https://ccf.sermon.net/20968063/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comeasyouareordressforsuccess/id/2891459.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20968063 Scripture: Exodus 28:1-28:43, Series: Exodus Part#37 Sun, 02 Jul 2017 11:14:33 +0000 Tim Dunham In chapter 27 all the pieces of the Tabernacle come together and we can get a more comprehensive view of what worship is to look like for Israel. Since it is a copy of things in heaven, it is not only a model for the worship of the Jews, it is a pattern of worship for all who seek God. So, what do these details about furniture, curtains, and an oversized BBQ grill tell us about what worship is and how we are to come before God to worship Him? This passage brings together all the pieces of the Tabernacle and gives us four truths about worship: 1) we worship by faith not sight, 2) we worship through the sacrifice of a substitute, 3) worship is bringing an offering to God, and 4) our worship is a sacred space - without distraction or division. In chapter 27 all the pieces of the Tabernacle come together and we can get a more comprehensive view of what worship is to look like for Israel. Since it is a copy of things in heaven, it is not only a model for the worship of the Jews, it is a pattern of worship for all who seek God. So, what do these details about furniture, curtains, and an oversized BBQ grill tell us about what worship is and how we are to come before God to worship Him? This passage brings together all the pieces of the Tabernacle and gives us four truths about worship: 1) we worship by faith not sight, 2) we worship through the sacrifice of a substitute, 3) worship is bringing an offering to God, and 4) our worship is a sacred space - without distraction or division. In chapter 27 all the pieces of the Tabernacle come together and we can get a more comprehensive view of what worship is to look like for Israel. Since it is a copy of things in heaven, it is not only a model for the worship of the Jews, it is a patter… Tim Dunham 2876 https://ccf.sermon.net/20961565/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sacredspace/id/2885123.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20961565 Blueprint for worship, Scripture: Exodus 27:1-27:21, Series: Exodus Part#36 Sun, 25 Jun 2017 05:36:02 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 1784 https://ccf.sermon.net/20960317/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godispresent/id/2883941.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20960317 Tabernacle, Scripture: Exodus 26:1-26:37, Series: Exodus Part#35 Sun, 18 Jun 2017 05:14:02 +0000 Tim Dunham Now that the Israelites have been saved by God, by His might and grace, and as they have entered into a Covenant relationship with Him and have sealed the Covenant agreement through sacrifices and a fellowship meal in His presence, the last thing to be discussed is how they as a community are to worship Him. What was worship to look like for them? What was to be the point or goal of worship? How were they to think about worshipping this God who is the I AM? Now that the Israelites have been saved by God, by His might and grace, and as they have entered into a Covenant relationship with Him and have sealed the Covenant agreement through sacrifices and a fellowship meal in His presence, the last thing to be discussed is how they as a community are to worship Him. What was worship to look like for them? What was to be the point or goal of worship? How were they to think about worshipping this God who is the I AM? Now that the Israelites have been saved by God, by His might and grace, and as they have entered into a Covenant relationship with Him and have sealed the Covenant agreement through sacrifices and a fellowship meal in His presence, the last thing to be… Tim Dunham 2896 https://ccf.sermon.net/20954403/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theaimofworship/id/2878311.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20954403 Scripture: Exodus 25:23-25:40, Series: Exodus Part#34 Sun, 11 Jun 2017 05:01:02 +0000 Tim Dunham In Exodus 24:12­25:22 God gives instruction to Moses on how he is to receive donations for the temple and build the ark that is intended to hold the “testimony” or commandments given to the people from God. This document’s purpose was to define the relationship and it was to be carried with the people in the ark wherever they would go. These instructions begin to lay out a blueprint for worship within the context of the covenant relationship. Through these passages we explore 3 key concepts that help to give value to the concept of worship: God is Real, God is Holy, God is Present In Exodus 24:12­25:22 God gives instruction to Moses on how he is to receive donations for the temple and build the ark that is intended to hold the “testimony” or commandments given to the people from God. This document’s purpose was to define the relationship and it was to be carried with the people in the ark wherever they would go. These instructions begin to lay out a blueprint for worship within the context of the covenant relationship. Through these passages we explore 3 key concepts that help to give value to the concept of worship: God is Real, God is Holy, God is Present In Exodus 24:12­25:22 God gives instruction to Moses on how he is to receive donations for the temple and build the ark that is intended to hold the “testimony” or commandments given to the people from God. This document’s purpose was to define t… Tim Dunham 3073 https://ccf.sermon.net/20954401/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ablueprintforworship/id/2878308.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20954401 Scripture: Exodus 2:12-25:22, Series: Exodus Part#33 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 07:07:34 +0000 Tim Dunham The Israelites had experienced God’s mighty salvation from slavery in Egypt, and His glorious power in bringing them to Himself at the Mountain of God. They had really done nothing on their side, it was all God’s doing. They had been saved by grace. But, there is so much more that God intends to do for the nation, for His people. His plan is to bring them into the Promised Land, to conquer all their enemies, and to make their lives prosperous and blessed in every way! Most significantly, His plan is to be in their midst, not merely working from the distant realms of heaven, but to be near to them and accessible. This too, would be a matter of grace in that Israel had not done anything, nor could they ever do anything to earn or deserve these blessings from God, or His presence among them. The Israelites had experienced God’s mighty salvation from slavery in Egypt, and His glorious power in bringing them to Himself at the Mountain of God. They had really done nothing on their side, it was all God’s doing. They had been saved by grace. But, there is so much more that God intends to do for the nation, for His people. His plan is to bring them into the Promised Land, to conquer all their enemies, and to make their lives prosperous and blessed in every way! Most significantly, His plan is to be in their midst, not merely working from the distant realms of heaven, but to be near to them and accessible. This too, would be a matter of grace in that Israel had not done anything, nor could they ever do anything to earn or deserve these blessings from God, or His presence among them. The Israelites had experienced God’s mighty salvation from slavery in Egypt, and His glorious power in bringing them to Himself at the Mountain of God. They had really done nothing on their side, it was all God’s doing. They had been saved by grace. Bu… Tim Dunham 2858 https://ccf.sermon.net/20945665/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_conquestandcovenant/id/2869919.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20945665 Scripture: Exodus 2:20-24:11, Series: Exodus Part#32 Sun, 28 May 2017 08:06:46 +0000 Tim Dunham This passage is a typical OT sandwich pattern where one key truth is sandwiched between two others. The are all important, but the one in the middle is central and key. In this case, the central idea is verse 13 - “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips." In short, it means worship God alone, without exception! A recurring theme all through the Covenant, and a restatement of the very first commandments in the 10 Words. This passage is a typical OT sandwich pattern where one key truth is sandwiched between two others. The are all important, but the one in the middle is central and key. In this case, the central idea is verse 13 - “Pay attention to all that I have said to you, and make no mention of the names of other gods, nor let it be heard on your lips." In short, it means worship God alone, without exception! A recurring theme all through the Covenant, and a restatement of the very first commandments in the 10 Words. This passage is a typical OT sandwich pattern where one key truth is sandwiched between two others. The are all important, but the one in the middle is central and key. In this case, the central idea is verse 13 - “Pay attention to all that I have said… Tim Dunham 1896 https://ccf.sermon.net/20940134/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethingtocelebrate/id/2865287.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20940134 Scripture: Exodus 23:10-23:19, Series: Exodus Part#31 Sun, 21 May 2017 07:46:07 +0000 Tim Dunham What is justice? Where does it come from and what is its end goal and purpose?  Justice is both getting and giving what is deserve based on God’s standard of right and wrong. This is very different from the modern definition of Justice as the “theory by which fairness is administered.” A standard based on who God is, His very heart and character. In this passage justice is described in four different relationships: 1) in relation to other people’s stuff we are to restore what you damaged, 2) in relationship to God we are to worship God exclusively and freely give Him what He is due, 3) in relation to people, specifically those in need, we are to have compassion on the marginalized, and help those who hate us, and 4) in relation to justice itself, we are to truthfully defend the innocent and condemn the guilty.   But, is justice the same as fairness? “Fair” has come to mean getting my individual rights and equality (social justice) which may actually have very little to do with what is right in God’s eyes. If fair means getting what you deserve based on His standard of right and wrong, then fairness and justice are in harmony. What is justice? Where does it come from and what is its end goal and purpose?  Justice is both getting and giving what is deserve based on God’s standard of right and wrong. This is very different from the modern definition of Justice as the “theory by which fairness is administered.” A standard based on who God is, His very heart and character. In this passage justice is described in four different relationships: 1) in relation to other people’s stuff we are to restore what you damaged, 2) in relationship to God we are to worship God exclusively and freely give Him what He is due, 3) in relation to people, specifically those in need, we are to have compassion on the marginalized, and help those who hate us, and 4) in relation to justice itself, we are to truthfully defend the innocent and condemn the guilty.   But, is justice the same as fairness? “Fair” has come to mean getting my individual rights and equality (social justice) which may actually have very little to do with what is right in God’s eyes. If fair means getting what you deserve based on His standard of right and wrong, then fairness and justice are in harmony. What is justice? Where does it come from and what is its end goal and purpose?  Justice is both getting and giving what is deserve based on God’s standard of right and wrong. This is very different from the modern definition of Justice as the “theory b… Tim Dunham 3115 https://ccf.sermon.net/20940132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_usticeforall/id/2865284.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20940132 Scripture: Exodus 21:33-23:9, Series: Exodus Part#30 Sun, 14 May 2017 04:23:12 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the amazing realities of being human is that we are able to contemplate and ponder our own value and worth. But, it is not simply an idle curiosity with us, for not only can we ponder our worth, but we need to feel that our worth is significant. Our sense of who we are, our identity, our ability to find joy and happiness are all tied up the question of our own worth. But, this is presenting an increasingly difficult problem in the modern world that has come to believe that human beings are merely the result of a cosmic accident and billions of years of evolutionary processes. The painfully obvious conclusion for anyone who believes that man is nothing more than the product of evolution is that there is nothing special about human beings. Humans are simply animals, perhaps higher up on the evolutionary scale than most, but in the end, still just a biological sack of chemical reactions. But everything in us screams out that our life has value, that we must be more than merely strings of DNA and ongoing chemical reactions! One of the amazing realities of being human is that we are able to contemplate and ponder our own value and worth. But, it is not simply an idle curiosity with us, for not only can we ponder our worth, but we need to feel that our worth is significant. Our sense of who we are, our identity, our ability to find joy and happiness are all tied up the question of our own worth. But, this is presenting an increasingly difficult problem in the modern world that has come to believe that human beings are merely the result of a cosmic accident and billions of years of evolutionary processes. The painfully obvious conclusion for anyone who believes that man is nothing more than the product of evolution is that there is nothing special about human beings. Humans are simply animals, perhaps higher up on the evolutionary scale than most, but in the end, still just a biological sack of chemical reactions. But everything in us screams out that our life has value, that we must be more than merely strings of DNA and ongoing chemical reactions! One of the amazing realities of being human is that we are able to contemplate and ponder our own value and worth. But, it is not simply an idle curiosity with us, for not only can we ponder our worth, but we need to feel that our worth is significant.… Tim Dunham 2691 https://ccf.sermon.net/20930675/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ourincredibleworth/id/2856192.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20930675 Scripture: Exodus 21:1-21:32, Series: Exodus Part#29 Sun, 07 May 2017 03:24:25 +0000 Tim Dunham In the time of the exile, the only form of religion involved the worship of idols. People worshipped local gods with power over specific forces of nature by creating an image to represent that god and then by performing the right ritual or ceremony, something of that god came into the image. By offering sacrifices to the image they hoped to get the god to help them. Yahweh, the Great I am, rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and from a world of idol worship, so that they could worship Him - "let my people go so that they may worship me in the wilderness." God has brought them to Himself at the mountain of God, but how are they to worship Him? In the time of the exile, the only form of religion involved the worship of idols. People worshipped local gods with power over specific forces of nature by creating an image to represent that god and then by performing the right ritual or ceremony, something of that god came into the image. By offering sacrifices to the image they hoped to get the god to help them. Yahweh, the Great I am, rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and from a world of idol worship, so that they could worship Him - "let my people go so that they may worship me in the wilderness." God has brought them to Himself at the mountain of God, but how are they to worship Him? In the time of the exile, the only form of religion involved the worship of idols. People worshipped local gods with power over specific forces of nature by creating an image to represent that god and then by performing the right ritual or ceremony, so… Tim Dunham 2224 https://ccf.sermon.net/20926142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_realworship/id/2851940.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20926142 Encounter, Response, Heart, and Communion, Scripture: Exodus 20:18-20:26, Series: Exodus Part#28 Sun, 30 Apr 2017 04:18:48 +0000 Tim Dunham What are the 10 commandments and how do we 'use' them? They are most commonly  understood as a moral code, as a way to determine if you are good enough. But, If that is the case, it is a very faulty moral code! The problem is that we have failed to understand their intended purpose and design. The 10 commands were not given as a standard for evaluating one's individual goodness! Instead, the 10 commands are 10 principles explaining how the covenant community of God's people must live in order to show a watching world what Yahweh is like. The first 4 commands focus on who makes up the community of faith - namely those who have experienced His saving grace and consequently love God and seek to do what is pleasing to Him. The remaining commands/words are to be viewed as foundational principles that form the core values of their life together as God's people. These core values flow out of God’s very heart and character. Consequently, a community built on these values will display to the world the glory and character of God. What are the 10 commandments and how do we 'use' them? They are most commonly  understood as a moral code, as a way to determine if you are good enough. But, If that is the case, it is a very faulty moral code! The problem is that we have failed to understand their intended purpose and design. The 10 commands were not given as a standard for evaluating one's individual goodness! Instead, the 10 commands are 10 principles explaining how the covenant community of God's people must live in order to show a watching world what Yahweh is like. The first 4 commands focus on who makes up the community of faith - namely those who have experienced His saving grace and consequently love God and seek to do what is pleasing to Him. The remaining commands/words are to be viewed as foundational principles that form the core values of their life together as God's people. These core values flow out of God’s very heart and character. Consequently, a community built on these values will display to the world the glory and character of God. What are the 10 commandments and how do we 'use' them? They are most commonly  understood as a moral code, as a way to determine if you are good enough. But, If that is the case, it is a very faulty moral code! The problem is that we have failed to und… Tim Dunham 3162 https://ccf.sermon.net/20923144/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_covenantcommunity/id/2849062.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20923144 exodus, the law, community, covenant, Scripture: Exodus 20:12-20:17, Series: Exodus Part#27 Sun, 23 Apr 2017 12:52:04 +0000 Tim Dunham At Mt Sinai God's spells out the promises, claims, and obligations of His covenant with Israel. The requirements are summed up in the great command to love God with all your heart and soul, and loving your neighbors as yourself.  They are explained with more specific detail here in the Ten “Words” (commandments). These principles are then applied to a wide variety of life situations in the 601 laws that make up the rest of the covenant. If we want to walk in fellowship and communion with God, then we must learn what it means to live out these principles in everyday life, just like the Israelites. At Mt Sinai God's spells out the promises, claims, and obligations of His covenant with Israel. The requirements are summed up in the great command to love God with all your heart and soul, and loving your neighbors as yourself.  They are explained with more specific detail here in the Ten “Words” (commandments). These principles are then applied to a wide variety of life situations in the 601 laws that make up the rest of the covenant. If we want to walk in fellowship and communion with God, then we must learn what it means to live out these principles in everyday life, just like the Israelites. At Mt Sinai God's spells out the promises, claims, and obligations of His covenant with Israel. The requirements are summed up in the great command to love God with all your heart and soul, and loving your neighbors as yourself.  They are explained wit… Tim Dunham 2240 https://ccf.sermon.net/20917331/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lovegod/id/2843561.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20917331 Ten commandments, love, Scripture: Exodus 20:1-20:11, Series: Exodus Part#26 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 04:17:13 +0000 Tim Dunham The story of the skeptic Thomas illustrates what an elusive thing faith is. Can a person simply decide to believe something? Is it possible to 'will' faith into being? How is it that we come to accept something as true, when it seems impossible or highly unlikely? Thomas could not believe that Jesus was alive unless he could actually touch the scars in His hands and side. Jesus granted his wish, but what about us? We do not get the same opportunity to examine the resurrected body of Jesus. Is our faith, then, just a blind leap? The account of Thomas help us understand the nature of faith and what is required for our faith to exist and grow stronger. We learn that faith is both a process and a pursuit. The story of the skeptic Thomas illustrates what an elusive thing faith is. Can a person simply decide to believe something? Is it possible to 'will' faith into being? How is it that we come to accept something as true, when it seems impossible or highly unlikely? Thomas could not believe that Jesus was alive unless he could actually touch the scars in His hands and side. Jesus granted his wish, but what about us? We do not get the same opportunity to examine the resurrected body of Jesus. Is our faith, then, just a blind leap? The account of Thomas help us understand the nature of faith and what is required for our faith to exist and grow stronger. We learn that faith is both a process and a pursuit. The story of the skeptic Thomas illustrates what an elusive thing faith is. Can a person simply decide to believe something? Is it possible to 'will' faith into being? How is it that we come to accept something as true, when it seems impossible or high… Tim Dunham 2429 https://ccf.sermon.net/20912246/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_resurrectionfaith/id/2838730.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20912246 Faith, Scripture: John 20:24-20:31, Series: Easter Part#1 Sun, 02 Apr 2017 04:06:30 +0000 Tim Dunham In Exodus chapter 19 the Israelites arrive at Mt Sinai, the Mt of God, just two months after being set free from slavery in Egypt. Upon arriving, it becomes clear that this has been their destination from the beginning, and God now reveals clearly what has been His purpose all along - to invite them into a covenant relationship with Him, where they would be His special, treasured people, and He would be their God. He has redeemed them and carried them to this place as on eagles wings by His great kindness and grace. Now He invites them into something so much more. The people accept the invitation, and now God reveals Himself to the people much as He did to Moses at the burning  bush, only this time in a way much more spectacular - by a burning Mountain! Through this revelation, God will speak to them the Ten Commandments which begins the unfolding of all the covenant requirements that are spelled out in the rest of Exodus and Leviticus. In Exodus chapter 19 the Israelites arrive at Mt Sinai, the Mt of God, just two months after being set free from slavery in Egypt. Upon arriving, it becomes clear that this has been their destination from the beginning, and God now reveals clearly what has been His purpose all along - to invite them into a covenant relationship with Him, where they would be His special, treasured people, and He would be their God. He has redeemed them and carried them to this place as on eagles wings by His great kindness and grace. Now He invites them into something so much more. The people accept the invitation, and now God reveals Himself to the people much as He did to Moses at the burning  bush, only this time in a way much more spectacular - by a burning Mountain! Through this revelation, God will speak to them the Ten Commandments which begins the unfolding of all the covenant requirements that are spelled out in the rest of Exodus and Leviticus. In Exodus chapter 19 the Israelites arrive at Mt Sinai, the Mt of God, just two months after being set free from slavery in Egypt. Upon arriving, it becomes clear that this has been their destination from the beginning, and God now reveals clearly what… Tim Dunham 2684 https://ccf.sermon.net/20912243/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aconsumingfire/id/2838728.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20912243 Scripture: Exodus 19:9-19:25, Exodus 20:18-20:21, Series: Exodus Part#25 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:43:43 +0000 Tim Dunham We all want to feel that our life matters to somebody, that there is some purpose to our existence, and that we are special to at least one person who matters to us. This is why meaningful human relationships are so vital to us. Everyone needs friends and "loved ones" who value them. On the other hand, the people who make us feel the most valued can also cause us the most hurt. If they fail us in some way it can be very painful and leave us feeling anything but special. This creates a dilemma - do we get close to people with the hope of being valued, or do we stay safe by keeping our distance. Getting close to people can be an emotional roller coaster of feeling special one day and crushed the next. But, keeping a safe distance from people may protect us from being crushed, but robs us of the joy of being valued by someone we love. Thankfully, God invites us into a relationship with Him where we are valued beyond what we would ever dream was possible! He will never fail us, or let us down. We all want to feel that our life matters to somebody, that there is some purpose to our existence, and that we are special to at least one person who matters to us. This is why meaningful human relationships are so vital to us. Everyone needs friends and "loved ones" who value them. On the other hand, the people who make us feel the most valued can also cause us the most hurt. If they fail us in some way it can be very painful and leave us feeling anything but special. This creates a dilemma - do we get close to people with the hope of being valued, or do we stay safe by keeping our distance. Getting close to people can be an emotional roller coaster of feeling special one day and crushed the next. But, keeping a safe distance from people may protect us from being crushed, but robs us of the joy of being valued by someone we love. Thankfully, God invites us into a relationship with Him where we are valued beyond what we would ever dream was possible! He will never fail us, or let us down. We all want to feel that our life matters to somebody, that there is some purpose to our existence, and that we are special to at least one person who matters to us. This is why meaningful human relationships are so vital to us. Everyone needs friends … Tim Dunham 2939 https://ccf.sermon.net/20896091/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatmakesyousospecial/id/2823271.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20896091 Scripture: Exodus 19:1-19:8, Series: Exodus Part#24 Sun, 19 Mar 2017 09:59:50 +0000 Tim Dunham There are many reasons why people burnout in life. Bad habits, working too much, and trying too hard to live up to everyone’s expectations are all factors contributing to burnout. But, for people serving God and involved in ministry a risk factor that can lead to burnout is that we love people and want to help them. This is exactly what happened to Moses. He was a leader who cared deeply for his people and wanted to help them solve the problems in their everyday life. As a godly leader he did not solve their problems out of his own ideas, but earnestly sought to find God’s answers for the issues they were facing. This is commendable, but as Moses’ father-in-law Jethro watched how Moses was caring for people, it was very evident to him that the way Moses was caring for people was too much for one person! Jethro’s advice to Moses is very applicable to anyone who is seeking to help and serve others - organizational leaders, parents, teachers, pastors, counselors and member care professionals, and even with our friends. There are many reasons why people burnout in life. Bad habits, working too much, and trying too hard to live up to everyone’s expectations are all factors contributing to burnout. But, for people serving God and involved in ministry a risk factor that can lead to burnout is that we love people and want to help them. This is exactly what happened to Moses. He was a leader who cared deeply for his people and wanted to help them solve the problems in their everyday life. As a godly leader he did not solve their problems out of his own ideas, but earnestly sought to find God’s answers for the issues they were facing. This is commendable, but as Moses’ father-in-law Jethro watched how Moses was caring for people, it was very evident to him that the way Moses was caring for people was too much for one person! Jethro’s advice to Moses is very applicable to anyone who is seeking to help and serve others - organizational leaders, parents, teachers, pastors, counselors and member care professionals, and even with our friends. There are many reasons why people burnout in life. Bad habits, working too much, and trying too hard to live up to everyone’s expectations are all factors contributing to burnout. But, for people serving God and involved in ministry a risk factor that … Tim Dunham 2916 https://ccf.sermon.net/20888785/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sharetheload/id/2816435.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20888785 Scripture: Exodus 18:13-18:27, Series: Exodus Part#23 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 12:42:39 +0000 Tim Dunham As followers of Christ we are called to be His witnesses, meaning that we are to tell others the Good News about Jesus and what He has done for us. But, is it really possible to convince another person that their ideas about God are wrong, and that the Bible is right? The growing resistance in the modern world to the exclusive message of the Gospel and the threat of the Gospel in Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim cultures may make us feel that it is a hopeless and impossible task. But, the story in Exodus 18 of Moses bearing witness to his father-in-law Jethro is a great encouragement to us as we seek to be a light in the darkness! As followers of Christ we are called to be His witnesses, meaning that we are to tell others the Good News about Jesus and what He has done for us. But, is it really possible to convince another person that their ideas about God are wrong, and that the Bible is right? The growing resistance in the modern world to the exclusive message of the Gospel and the threat of the Gospel in Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim cultures may make us feel that it is a hopeless and impossible task. But, the story in Exodus 18 of Moses bearing witness to his father-in-law Jethro is a great encouragement to us as we seek to be a light in the darkness! As followers of Christ we are called to be His witnesses, meaning that we are to tell others the Good News about Jesus and what He has done for us. But, is it really possible to convince another person that their ideas about God are wrong, and that the… Tim Dunham 2485 https://ccf.sermon.net/20893290/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepowerofourstory/id/2820785.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20893290 Scripture: Exodus 18:1-18:12, Series: Exodus Part#22 Sun, 05 Mar 2017 08:20:18 +0000 Tim Dunham Most of us do not like to fight and we probably work pretty hard to keep the peace. Certainly no one want wants to see their home country go to war! But no matter how peace loving the nation is there are enemies out there seeking to attack and destroy. The same is true in the Christian life. We may seek peace and avoid conflict, but we have enemies out there that seek to attack and destroy us. The Bible names three enemies - worldly thinking, sin, and the devil. Like it or not, they intend to destroy us. Most of us do not like to fight and we probably work pretty hard to keep the peace. Certainly no one want wants to see their home country go to war! But no matter how peace loving the nation is there are enemies out there seeking to attack and destroy. The same is true in the Christian life. We may seek peace and avoid conflict, but we have enemies out there that seek to attack and destroy us. The Bible names three enemies - worldly thinking, sin, and the devil. Like it or not, they intend to destroy us. Most of us do not like to fight and we probably work pretty hard to keep the peace. Certainly no one want wants to see their home country go to war! But no matter how peace loving the nation is there are enemies out there seeking to attack and destroy.… Tim Dunham 2525 https://ccf.sermon.net/20881659/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godismystandard/id/2809761.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20881659 Banner, Standard, Scripture: Exodus 17:8-17:16, Series: Exodus Part#21 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:16:30 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2226 https://ccf.sermon.net/20881658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingwater/id/2809763.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20881658 Doubt, Scripture: Exodus 17:1-17:7, Series: Exodus Part#20 Sun, 19 Feb 2017 06:26:20 +0000 Tim Dunham Exodus 16 describes how God provided the manna to sustain the Israelites during all of their 40 years of wilderness wandering. This is the second of three consecutive accounts of the people grumbling because they lacked the basics of life. All three times, God responds by graciously and abundantly supplying exactly what they need. But more than that, the way He provides is intended to develop in them a greater trust in Yahweh as their God who will care for them and accomplish all that He has promised. While everything in the OT points to Jesus, this is one of the accounts that Jesus explicitly names when He identifies Himself as the true Bread of Heaven! What did Jesus mean when He called Himself the Bread of Heaven? What does the experience of the Israelites teach us about God’s provision for us in Jesus? Exodus 16 describes how God provided the manna to sustain the Israelites during all of their 40 years of wilderness wandering. This is the second of three consecutive accounts of the people grumbling because they lacked the basics of life. All three times, God responds by graciously and abundantly supplying exactly what they need. But more than that, the way He provides is intended to develop in them a greater trust in Yahweh as their God who will care for them and accomplish all that He has promised. While everything in the OT points to Jesus, this is one of the accounts that Jesus explicitly names when He identifies Himself as the true Bread of Heaven! What did Jesus mean when He called Himself the Bread of Heaven? What does the experience of the Israelites teach us about God’s provision for us in Jesus? Exodus 16 describes how God provided the manna to sustain the Israelites during all of their 40 years of wilderness wandering. This is the second of three consecutive accounts of the people grumbling because they lacked the basics of life. All three ti… Tim Dunham 2884 https://ccf.sermon.net/20870843/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dailybread/id/2799262.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20870843 Scripture: Exodus 16:1-16:36, Series: Exodus Part#19, Custom categories: Pastor: Tim Dunham Sun, 05 Feb 2017 15:10:15 +0000 Tim Dunham Exodus 15 is the first written record of Song in the Bible and the first time we see an event that inspires singing. The first mention of music goes all the way back to Genesis 4, so music has always been a part of life, but this passage is significant because it is the first time a song was worthy to include in the story of the Bible. So what is there to sing about now? It should be no surprise that this song celebrates one of God's most incredible rescues in the Old Testament. This is only the first of many such songs of praise in the Bible. It is obvious in Scripture that the joyful singing of praise to God is vital and a significant component of our faith. The study of this song and the story surrounding it, gives us important insight into where praise and joyful singing comes from, and what praise leads to. Exodus 15 is the first written record of Song in the Bible and the first time we see an event that inspires singing. The first mention of music goes all the way back to Genesis 4, so music has always been a part of life, but this passage is significant because it is the first time a song was worthy to include in the story of the Bible. So what is there to sing about now? It should be no surprise that this song celebrates one of God's most incredible rescues in the Old Testament. This is only the first of many such songs of praise in the Bible. It is obvious in Scripture that the joyful singing of praise to God is vital and a significant component of our faith. The study of this song and the story surrounding it, gives us important insight into where praise and joyful singing comes from, and what praise leads to. Exodus 15 is the first written record of Song in the Bible and the first time we see an event that inspires singing. The first mention of music goes all the way back to Genesis 4, so music has always been a part of life, but this passage is significant… Tim Dunham 2330 https://ccf.sermon.net/20859641/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_somethingtocelebrate/id/2788197.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20859641 Scripture: Exodus 15:1-15:21, Series: Exodus Part#18 Sat, 28 Jan 2017 17:14:57 +0000 Tim Dunham We learned in the beginning of chapter 14 that God did not lead the Israelites along the shortest and easiest route to Canaan, because they were not ready to face the enemies they must conquer there. Instead, He leads them on a much more 'scenic' route, so that He can show them the landscape of His incredible power and glory, and so build up their faith. His plan was not to train them up in the skill of warfare, but to prepare them to trust Him to fight the battles for them. This path led them to the Red Sea, where they found themselves at a dead end with the armies of Pharaoh bearing down on them. They do not respond with faith, but with fear. Moses encourages them to be still and see what God is about to do to save them. We learned in the beginning of chapter 14 that God did not lead the Israelites along the shortest and easiest route to Canaan, because they were not ready to face the enemies they must conquer there. Instead, He leads them on a much more 'scenic' route, so that He can show them the landscape of His incredible power and glory, and so build up their faith. His plan was not to train them up in the skill of warfare, but to prepare them to trust Him to fight the battles for them. This path led them to the Red Sea, where they found themselves at a dead end with the armies of Pharaoh bearing down on them. They do not respond with faith, but with fear. Moses encourages them to be still and see what God is about to do to save them. We learned in the beginning of chapter 14 that God did not lead the Israelites along the shortest and easiest route to Canaan, because they were not ready to face the enemies they must conquer there. Instead, He leads them on a much more 'scenic' route… Tim Dunham 3055 https://ccf.sermon.net/20858163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mightytosave/id/2786691.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20858163 Mighty, Scripture: Exodus 14:15-14:31, Series: Exodus Part#17 Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:10:58 +0000 Tim Dunham The most vital part of the Christian life, as much as our part is concerned, is our faith. Jesus has done all the work in restoring to a right relationship with God so we can be His children, but for our part we must have faith to appropriate this marvelous gift! We are saved by faith alone through the finished work of Christ alone. Not only that, but the way we grow and obtain the power of God to live a Christ honoring life is to live by faith. But, faith is not easy or automatic. What is it that can keeps the lost from believing, and keeps Christ's followers from living all out by faith? The most vital part of the Christian life, as much as our part is concerned, is our faith. Jesus has done all the work in restoring to a right relationship with God so we can be His children, but for our part we must have faith to appropriate this marvelous gift! We are saved by faith alone through the finished work of Christ alone. Not only that, but the way we grow and obtain the power of God to live a Christ honoring life is to live by faith. But, faith is not easy or automatic. What is it that can keeps the lost from believing, and keeps Christ's followers from living all out by faith? The most vital part of the Christian life, as much as our part is concerned, is our faith. Jesus has done all the work in restoring to a right relationship with God so we can be His children, but for our part we must have faith to appropriate this marv… Tim Dunham 3115 https://ccf.sermon.net/20850888/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_battlingfear/id/2779981.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20850888 Faith, Fear, Scripture: Exodus 1:17-14:14, Series: Exodus Part#16 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 16:57:12 +0000 Tim Dunham Before the final plague and the Exodus, God instructed the people to eat the Passover meal on the night He would kill the firstborn of Egypt. This was not only for that night, but it was to be an annual celebration that started their year from that time forward. The people did as God instructed. Their firstborn lived but the firstborn of Egypt died and Pharaoh cast them out of Egypt. As they were going, God reminds them again to observe the Passover, giving further instructions about who was allowed to participate in the celebration. Then, immediately after they have left Egypt, for the third time, God reminds them to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and adds to it instructions regarding consecrating the firstborn. One cannot help but escape the urgency and great emphasis that is placed on remembering what God did for them in bringing them out of Egypt! So, the obvious question -  why was it so important for the people to remember the Exodus? An important follow up question for us, is - How important is it for us to remember our salvation, should remembering be as urgent a matter for us, and why? There are three answers to the first question, and each answer can be easily applied to us as those who are likewise saved "by God's mighty hand." Before the final plague and the Exodus, God instructed the people to eat the Passover meal on the night He would kill the firstborn of Egypt. This was not only for that night, but it was to be an annual celebration that started their year from that time forward. The people did as God instructed. Their firstborn lived but the firstborn of Egypt died and Pharaoh cast them out of Egypt. As they were going, God reminds them again to observe the Passover, giving further instructions about who was allowed to participate in the celebration. Then, immediately after they have left Egypt, for the third time, God reminds them to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and adds to it instructions regarding consecrating the firstborn. One cannot help but escape the urgency and great emphasis that is placed on remembering what God did for them in bringing them out of Egypt! So, the obvious question -  why was it so important for the people to remember the Exodus? An important follow up question for us, is - How important is it for us to remember our salvation, should remembering be as urgent a matter for us, and why? There are three answers to the first question, and each answer can be easily applied to us as those who are likewise saved "by God's mighty hand." Before the final plague and the Exodus, God instructed the people to eat the Passover meal on the night He would kill the firstborn of Egypt. This was not only for that night, but it was to be an annual celebration that started their year from that tim… Tim Dunham 3008 https://ccf.sermon.net/20858144/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unforgettable/id/2786618.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20858144 Unforgettable, Scripture: Exodus 13:1-13:16, Series: Exodus Part#15 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 10:54:26 +0000 Tim Dunham After eleven signs and wonders God have hardened Pharaoh's heart while dividing his people and strengthening the will of the Israelites, we are brought to the climax of the story when Israel is finally forced out of Egypt upon Pharaoh’s demand. This week we pick up the story on the night that the death angel visits Egypt and kills all of the first born males (both human and livestock) in the land. This pushes Pharaoh over the edge and he forces the Israelites out of egypt (confirming God’s prediction that Egypt will force Israel out). We are then given further instructions on the passover including that it should only be taken by the circumcised. As a reflection on this passage I would like to break up its contents into four headings and discuss the life applications of each: After eleven signs and wonders God have hardened Pharaoh's heart while dividing his people and strengthening the will of the Israelites, we are brought to the climax of the story when Israel is finally forced out of Egypt upon Pharaoh’s demand. This week we pick up the story on the night that the death angel visits Egypt and kills all of the first born males (both human and livestock) in the land. This pushes Pharaoh over the edge and he forces the Israelites out of egypt (confirming God’s prediction that Egypt will force Israel out). We are then given further instructions on the passover including that it should only be taken by the circumcised. As a reflection on this passage I would like to break up its contents into four headings and discuss the life applications of each: After eleven signs and wonders God have hardened Pharaoh's heart while dividing his people and strengthening the will of the Israelites, we are brought to the climax of the story when Israel is finally forced out of Egypt upon Pharaoh’s demand. This we… Tim Dunham 2745 https://ccf.sermon.net/20841569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_offtoagoodstartpart2/id/2770871.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20841569 Loved us First, Scripture: Exodus 12:28-12:51, Series: Exodus Part#14 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 10:44:11 +0000 Tim Dunham Exodus 12 brings us right to the very edge of God's final act of judgment that will bring about the freedom of His people - at long last! But, right before unleashing the grand climax of His mighty acts, the story pauses so that God can tell them how to fix dinner!! Wouldn't it make more sense to have a feast to celebrate after it's all done? It is almost as if the celebration of Passover has more significance than the actual rescue? What's more, this festival is to become their annual New Year's celebration, from this point forward and forever. Is remembering the oppression of Egypt and the plagues that brought about their freedom really the best way to start off a new year? Exodus 12 brings us right to the very edge of God's final act of judgment that will bring about the freedom of His people - at long last! But, right before unleashing the grand climax of His mighty acts, the story pauses so that God can tell them how to fix dinner!! Wouldn't it make more sense to have a feast to celebrate after it's all done? It is almost as if the celebration of Passover has more significance than the actual rescue? What's more, this festival is to become their annual New Year's celebration, from this point forward and forever. Is remembering the oppression of Egypt and the plagues that brought about their freedom really the best way to start off a new year? Exodus 12 brings us right to the very edge of God's final act of judgment that will bring about the freedom of His people - at long last! But, right before unleashing the grand climax of His mighty acts, the story pauses so that God can tell them how t… Tim Dunham 2904 https://ccf.sermon.net/20841568/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_offtoagoodstart/id/2770870.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20841568 Passover, Scripture: Exodus 12:1-12:28, Series: Exodus Part#13 Sun, 18 Dec 2016 14:14:02 +0000 Tim Dunham Hebrews 1:2 tells us that in these last days God has spoken to us through His Son. This passage demonstrates how God’s speaking and revealing Himself through the Son is a proclamation, is personal (being), and is event (what He does). To put it another way, Jesus is something God speaks, something God is, and something God does. We have looked at Jesus as proclamation and as being, this week we turn to Jesus revelation as something God does. We see the Son doing four things in this passage and each reveals something extraordinary about the character and nature of God. What these great acts reveal about God can be seen by examining what is required for the Son to do what He has done. In other words, what does it take to pull of any one of these great acts of the Son? First, He created all that fills time and space, in the physical and nonphysical realms. What does it take to pull off creating the time-space continuum of the universe? It requires the wisdom and intellect to create the very laws of physics that govern and operate the ordered universe. That is, the ability to conceive of the very dimensions that all the laws of physics seek to unravel! But, even beyond this uinimaginable brain power, it also requires the capacity to bring into very existence what does not exist. This would require a source of power and ability that is inconceivable. Man has been able to make great strides in understanding the intelligence and vast brain power behind the order of the universe, we don’t even have a category, or field of study to examine or explain how the material universe came into existence!  Thus, the creation of all things reveals a wisdom, power, and pure ability that goes vastly beyond our ability to comprehend! Second, the Son sustains all that He has made. The universe is not simply a machine that God created, and is now able to run all by itself. The Son is actively carrying it along toward a clear goal and purpose. Any machine requires energy to run. The energy required to run the universe is immense to say the least, but it can and has been measured. At one time, scientists were convinced that since the expanding universe is using up energy, the expansion of the universe must certainly be slowing down (like a ball hit with a bat gradually slows down and eventually falls to the ground). But in 1998 the discovery was made that the expansion of the universe is actually accelerating! How is that possible? Scientists have no idea, but they have given it a name, dark energy, and dark matter, to describe a phenomenon they cannot see or account for. But the writer of Hebrews knew how it is possible - the eternal Son is sustaining it, bearing it along to its final goal,. And that simply by His unlimited energy! This reveals the incredible and endless power of God, and that He is a God who acts and works with great purpose, not randomly. Thirdly, the Son makes purification for sin. What is noteworthy here, is that the work of creating and sustaining the entire universe is accomplished by the Son effortlessly as He simply speaks and it is done. But, that is not the case in the work of dealing with sin. In making purification for sins, the eternal Son must become the incarnate Jesus. God must unite His infinite, divine nature with a human nature in the physical body of a baby in Bethlehem. This was required because the only way for a just and holy God to deal with the penalty and consequences of sin was to become a man and take upon Himself the full judgment of sin, which is death. If creation shows the incredible wisdom and power of God, His work of redemption shows both is unswerving justice and commitment to do what is right, and His infinite love for the people He created in His image! Lastly, Jesus the incarnate Son, after dying for sins, rose again and sat down at the right hand of majesty. He sits on the throne of God - a place of highest authority and honor next to the Father. What is required to rule over all of heaven and earth? Nothing less than one who is supreme in wisdom, power, righteousness, love, and the very glory of God! The universe needs a King, and who else would anyone want to rule over all things?. Jesus alone, is worthy to sit on that throne - the one who made all things, sustains all things, became one of us so He could suffer and die in our place - that is the one who reigns and before whom we worship! Hebrews 1:2 tells us that in these last days God has spoken to us through His Son. This passage demonstrates how God’s speaking and revealing Himself through the Son is a proclamation, is personal (being), and is event (what He does). To put it another way, Jesus is something God speaks, something God is, and something God does. We have looked at Jesus as proclamation and as being, this week we turn to Jesus revelation as something God does. We see the Son doing four things in this passage and each reveals something extraordinary about the character and nature of God. What these great acts reveal about God can be seen by examining what is required for the Son to do what He has done. In other words, what does it take to pull of any one of these great acts of the Son? First, He created all that fills time and space, in the physical and nonphysical realms. What does it take to pull off creating the time-space continuum of the universe? It requires the wisdom and intellect to create the very laws of physics that govern and operate the ordered universe. That is, the ability to conceive of the very dimensions that all the laws of physics seek to unravel! But, even beyond this uinimaginable brain power, it also requires the capacity to bring into very existence what does not exist. This would require a source of power and ability that is inconceivable. Man has been able to make great strides in understanding the intelligence and vast brain power behind the order of the universe, we don’t even have a category, or field of study to examine or explain how the material universe came into existence!  Thus, the creation of all things reveals a wisdom, power, and pure ability that goes vastly beyond our ability to comprehend! Second, the Son sustains all that He has made. The universe is not simply a machine that God created, and is now able to run all by itself. The Son is actively carrying it along toward a clear goal and purpose. Any machine requires energy to run. The energy required to run the universe is immense to say the least, but it can and has been measured. At one time, scientists were convinced that since the expanding universe is using up energy, the expansion of the universe must certainly be slowing down (like a ball hit with a bat gradually slows down and eventually falls to the ground). But in 1998 the discovery was made that the expansion of the universe is actually accelerating! How is that possible? Scientists have no idea, but they have given it a name, dark energy, and dark matter, to describe a phenomenon they cannot see or account for. But the writer of Hebrews knew how it is possible - the eternal Son is sustaining it, bearing it along to its final goal,. And that simply by His unlimited energy! This reveals the incredible and endless power of God, and that He is a God who acts and works with great purpose, not randomly. Thirdly, the Son makes purification for sin. What is noteworthy here, is that the work of creating and sustaining the entire universe is accomplished by the Son effortlessly as He simply speaks and it is done. But, that is not the case in the work of dealing with sin. In making purification for sins, the eternal Son must become the incarnate Jesus. God must unite His infinite, divine nature with a human nature in the physical body of a baby in Bethlehem. This was required because the only way for a just and holy God to deal with the penalty and consequences of sin was to become a man and take upon Himself the full judgment of sin, which is death. If creation shows the incredible wisdom and power of God, His work of redemption shows both is unswerving justice and commitment to do what is right, and His infinite love for the people He created in His image! Lastly, Jesus the incarnate Son, after dying for sins, rose again and sat down at the right hand of majesty. He sits on the throne of God - a place of highest authority and honor next to the Father. What is required to rule over all of heaven and earth? Nothing less than one who is supreme in wisdom, power, righteousness, love, and the very glory of God! The universe needs a King, and who else would anyone want to rule over all things?. Jesus alone, is worthy to sit on that throne - the one who made all things, sustains all things, became one of us so He could suffer and die in our place - that is the one who reigns and before whom we worship! Hebrews 1:2 tells us that in these last days God has spoken to us through His Son. This passage demonstrates how God’s speaking and revealing Himself through the Son is a proclamation, is personal (being), and is event (what He does). To put it another… Tim Dunham 2336 https://ccf.sermon.net/20828244/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_actionsspeaklouder/id/2758192.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20828244 Jesus, Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4, Series: Hebrews Part#2 Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:05:44 +0000 Tim Dunham How is Jesus the supreme revelation of who God is in His very being? God reveals Himself is what He speaks and in what He does, but, the ultimate revelation is about who God is - what is the essence of His nature and being. The incarnation of Jesus the Son, as fully God and fully man, shows us who God really is at the center of His being, by showing us how God lives among people, doing real life, and in face to face confrontations and relationships with real people, in the person of Jesus the Son. How is Jesus the supreme revelation of who God is in His very being? God reveals Himself is what He speaks and in what He does, but, the ultimate revelation is about who God is - what is the essence of His nature and being. The incarnation of Jesus the Son, as fully God and fully man, shows us who God really is at the center of His being, by showing us how God lives among people, doing real life, and in face to face confrontations and relationships with real people, in the person of Jesus the Son. How is Jesus the supreme revelation of who God is in His very being? God reveals Himself is what He speaks and in what He does, but, the ultimate revelation is about who God is - what is the essence of His nature and being. The incarnation of Jesus the… Tim Dunham 2568 https://ccf.sermon.net/20824053/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_upcloseandpersonal/id/2754138.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20824053 Incarnation, Christmas, Advent, Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-1:4 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 09:14:23 +0000 Tim Dunham How will God bring about the deliverance of Israel if Pharaoh will not let them go? It seems that nothing will move Pharaoh and God is working to make sure he will not change his mind! God works this way to show that He is indeed Sovereign - the true only only power that rules over all the earth. He appoints rulers, and He accomplishes His plans through them, regardless of their level of willingness. God does not need Pharaoh's cooperation to deliver Israel - He will make it happen. In this case God does not change Pharaoh’s heart or mind, but by stripping him of his power to rule. By bringing judgment upon Pharaoh and all Egypt by the death of the firstborn of Egypt, God turned the people away from Pharaoh, instead favoring and yielding to Moses. With no one willing to support Pharaoh’s wishes, there is no one to stop Israel from leaving. So, God delivers the people through death and judgment on the Egyptians, and by reducing Pharaoh to nothing. How will God bring about the deliverance of Israel if Pharaoh will not let them go? It seems that nothing will move Pharaoh and God is working to make sure he will not change his mind! God works this way to show that He is indeed Sovereign - the true only only power that rules over all the earth. He appoints rulers, and He accomplishes His plans through them, regardless of their level of willingness. God does not need Pharaoh's cooperation to deliver Israel - He will make it happen. In this case God does not change Pharaoh’s heart or mind, but by stripping him of his power to rule. By bringing judgment upon Pharaoh and all Egypt by the death of the firstborn of Egypt, God turned the people away from Pharaoh, instead favoring and yielding to Moses. With no one willing to support Pharaoh’s wishes, there is no one to stop Israel from leaving. So, God delivers the people through death and judgment on the Egyptians, and by reducing Pharaoh to nothing. How will God bring about the deliverance of Israel if Pharaoh will not let them go? It seems that nothing will move Pharaoh and God is working to make sure he will not change his mind! God works this way to show that He is indeed Sovereign - the true o… Tim Dunham 2911 https://ccf.sermon.net/20812362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefinalblow/id/2743055.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20812362 Sovereign, Scripture: Exodus 11:1-11:10, Series: Exodus Part#12 Sun, 13 Nov 2016 11:17:19 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3251 https://ccf.sermon.net/20812366/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bythisyouwillknow/id/2743059.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20812366 Scripture: Exodus 1:14-10:29, Series: Exodus Part#11 Sun, 06 Nov 2016 09:20:45 +0000 Tim Dunham When we come to the end of Ch 6 of Exodus, it seems that everything that could be said about situation of the Israelites in Egypt has been said - their slavery and suffering,   the call of a deliverer and his reluctance, the stubbornness of Pharaoh, and the commitment of God to save. It seems that all that is left is to do it! But, instead of plunging into the account of the 'plagues' the author gives us one more summary. We might rightly ask, "is this really necessary - can't we just get on with it!" What is the purpose in this retelling of the main points of the story we have already heard repeatedly? While most of the information in this section is not new, there are two new details that bring into focus the point of restating the facts one more time. First of all, we are given a very selective genealogy from Abraham to Phineas, and the point of the genealogy is to state clearly that it is this Moses and this Aaron who were God's agents, His tools, in bringing about the Exodus. The second addition to the story is that God tells Moses He is going to cause him to be God to Pharaoh. That is, God will accomplish His deliverance through Moses as he is obedient to do all that God commands in Word and deed - telling Pharaoh what God says, and doing mighty signs and wonders in Pharaoh's presence. So what does this add to our understanding of the Exodus? Bringing the people of Israel out from under the oppression of Egypt, the most powerful nation in the World, was an extraordinary and unparalleled event in history. It would be natural to view Moses as a superhuman legend who so manipulated Pharaoh to bring it all about. Maybe he wasn't even human, but an angel or a god! But, this review of the facts reminds us that Moses was very human - not a god or an angel. Thus, the family tree. It also reminds us that Moses was a very normal person, who was reluctant to even talk to Pharaoh and had no reason to believe that Pharaoh would listen to him. And God reminds Moses, that Pharaoh won't listen to him! That is because it is not Moses who will deliver Israel, but God Himself, by mighty wonders and great acts of judgment he will unleash on Egypt. The astonishing thing in this story is that God chooses to accomplish His greatest work of deliverance in the OT by great and mighty power, through a very real and common human being. Yahweh made Moses God to Pharaoh. Moses was God to Pharaoh as he spoke words and did mighty deeds that all came from God. In this way, did Egypt come to KNOW Yahweh! Moses wasn't much, really, but he was obedient. God did it all, but He chose to work and to make Himself known, through Moses. Thus, Moses is a wonderful picture of Jesus and the way God would work to bring about an even greater Exodus. It was by means of the incarnation, the embodiment of God's Word and God's Power in Jesus, that God would save the world. Moses was a prototype, but Jesus was the complete and perfect version. He was fully man, with his own family tree and a body that had all the limitations of humanity. But, he was also fully God. By His obedience He was the very embodiment of God’s Word and saving Works. God used Moses to deliver Israel through acts of judgment upon Egypt. But Jesus brought about our deliverance by taking our judgment on Himself. Moses the deliverer brought judgment on Egypt, but Jesus the deliverer bore the judgement of all mankind upon Himself. He is the Word incarnate who demonstrates the power of God through the saving event of the Cross and the power of the resurrection. Those who are saved by His redeeming work are transformed into the Body of Christ.  Like Moses, we too are made to be like God to the age of skepticism we live in. The life of Moses teaches us, that to be the Body of Christ, to be God to the world, is to embody the Word of God and the Works of God in human flesh, as we do all that He commands us to do and say. We, in our broken humanity, may not be much. But when God transforms us from the inside out, we become an unstoppable force that overcomes the enemy, and through whom God will accomplish His saving work in the world! When we come to the end of Ch 6 of Exodus, it seems that everything that could be said about situation of the Israelites in Egypt has been said - their slavery and suffering,   the call of a deliverer and his reluctance, the stubbornness of Pharaoh, and the commitment of God to save. It seems that all that is left is to do it! But, instead of plunging into the account of the 'plagues' the author gives us one more summary. We might rightly ask, "is this really necessary - can't we just get on with it!" What is the purpose in this retelling of the main points of the story we have already heard repeatedly? While most of the information in this section is not new, there are two new details that bring into focus the point of restating the facts one more time. First of all, we are given a very selective genealogy from Abraham to Phineas, and the point of the genealogy is to state clearly that it is this Moses and this Aaron who were God's agents, His tools, in bringing about the Exodus. The second addition to the story is that God tells Moses He is going to cause him to be God to Pharaoh. That is, God will accomplish His deliverance through Moses as he is obedient to do all that God commands in Word and deed - telling Pharaoh what God says, and doing mighty signs and wonders in Pharaoh's presence. So what does this add to our understanding of the Exodus? Bringing the people of Israel out from under the oppression of Egypt, the most powerful nation in the World, was an extraordinary and unparalleled event in history. It would be natural to view Moses as a superhuman legend who so manipulated Pharaoh to bring it all about. Maybe he wasn't even human, but an angel or a god! But, this review of the facts reminds us that Moses was very human - not a god or an angel. Thus, the family tree. It also reminds us that Moses was a very normal person, who was reluctant to even talk to Pharaoh and had no reason to believe that Pharaoh would listen to him. And God reminds Moses, that Pharaoh won't listen to him! That is because it is not Moses who will deliver Israel, but God Himself, by mighty wonders and great acts of judgment he will unleash on Egypt. The astonishing thing in this story is that God chooses to accomplish His greatest work of deliverance in the OT by great and mighty power, through a very real and common human being. Yahweh made Moses God to Pharaoh. Moses was God to Pharaoh as he spoke words and did mighty deeds that all came from God. In this way, did Egypt come to KNOW Yahweh! Moses wasn't much, really, but he was obedient. God did it all, but He chose to work and to make Himself known, through Moses. Thus, Moses is a wonderful picture of Jesus and the way God would work to bring about an even greater Exodus. It was by means of the incarnation, the embodiment of God's Word and God's Power in Jesus, that God would save the world. Moses was a prototype, but Jesus was the complete and perfect version. He was fully man, with his own family tree and a body that had all the limitations of humanity. But, he was also fully God. By His obedience He was the very embodiment of God’s Word and saving Works. God used Moses to deliver Israel through acts of judgment upon Egypt. But Jesus brought about our deliverance by taking our judgment on Himself. Moses the deliverer brought judgment on Egypt, but Jesus the deliverer bore the judgement of all mankind upon Himself. He is the Word incarnate who demonstrates the power of God through the saving event of the Cross and the power of the resurrection. Those who are saved by His redeeming work are transformed into the Body of Christ.  Like Moses, we too are made to be like God to the age of skepticism we live in. The life of Moses teaches us, that to be the Body of Christ, to be God to the world, is to embody the Word of God and the Works of God in human flesh, as we do all that He commands us to do and say. We, in our broken humanity, may not be much. But when God transforms us from the inside out, we become an unstoppable force that overcomes the enemy, and through whom God will accomplish His saving work in the world! When we come to the end of Ch 6 of Exodus, it seems that everything that could be said about situation of the Israelites in Egypt has been said - their slavery and suffering,   the call of a deliverer and his reluctance, the stubbornness of Pharaoh, an… Tim Dunham 2357 https://ccf.sermon.net/20803011/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumanelement/id/2734254.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20803011 Scripture: Exodus 6:14-7:13, Series: Exodus Part#10 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 09:16:12 +0000 Tim Dunham Moses’ first meeting with Pharaoh did not go well at all. Pharaoh not only ignored what Yahweh had to say, but took the opportunity to teach the Israelites a lesson by giving them more work to do than they could possibly accomplish. His purpose was to show them the serious consequences of acknowledging Yahweh as a sovereign above Pharaoh! Pharaoh's plan worked and in the end, the Israelites did not believe God was going to deliver them (at least not the way Moses was going about it) and they blamed Moses for all their troubles. Moses also feels that God has failed to do what He said, so Moses turns to God and blames God for failing to deliver on His word. Even though Moses’ prayer was far from a humble petition to God, it was none-the-less the right starting place. Moses turned toward God rather than away from God, and God would meet Him there, even in his frustration born out of a huge lack of faith.  God answers Moses by assuring him that Pharaoh will absolutely drive the Israelites out of Egypt by the time God is finished dealing with Pharaoh. God then gives Moses a message for Israel to encourage them as well. God makes seven claims of what He will do for Israel which can be summarized as follows - I will save you; I will adopt you; I will give you a glorious inheritance. What is remarkable about these promises is that these are the exact themes of the Gospel, promised to all who put their faith in Christ! The people are struggling to believe God, and to endure patiently for the fulfillment of these promises. Moses 'sermon' is intended to deepen their faith so they can wait for God to act and to do what He has said He will do. But, the people cannot hear it! The text says there are two reasons why they are unable to hear and believe Moses' message: First, they are "short of spirit", that is spiritually lacking, or impatient; second, they are overwhelmed by their outward circumstances which has become the sole focus of their attention. What they need in order to endure is to hold on to the words of the promises Moses delivered, but they are unable to hear the words because of their impatience (inability to endure) and because they are consumed by their problems. So, what is to be done? How can they get the help they need and is being offered to them, when they are unable and unwilling to receive it. Humanly speaking it seems hopeless, but it is not hopeless with God. He is going to show them who He is, and what the I AM can do, even if they have no faith to believe it. God's saving work is not dependent on their faith or their response. God will save them on the basis of His will and power alone. But, as the Israelites encounter God in His mighty saving acts, and experience the power of His deliverance, they will then come to know that He is the I AM and that they must listen to and hold on to His promises. What they are unable to know at first through His Word alone, they will come to know and understand by experience. Then, they will have a greater capacity to hear 'preaching' of the Word, and have the faith to hold on to its promises. Like the Israelites, we can get very discouraged in life, and at times we may feel that God does not care about us. When we feel that God does not care, and is not going to help us, we will turn to other gods to give us what we think we need to be happy. The only medicine to combat this doubt and despondency, and the sin that naturally flows out of this thinking, is to build into our life a solid foundation of faith based on the Gospel Promises clearly and firmly proclaimed throughout all of Scripture. But, this is not simply a matter of deciding by our own will that we are going to trust God more. It must begin by a personal encounter with the power of God as He saves us, by His hand - and this is not in any way dependent on us, at first we do not even have the faith to believe it possible! Faith itself is a gift of God produced by His saving grace. But, for those who have an experiential knowledge of God through salvation, as the bedrock of their life, they can build on that, a solid foundation of faith by a number of daily practices. Three are obvious from this passage: 1) by 'preaching' these promises to ourselves and others, 2)  by focusing on the Gospel promises, rather than our current circumstances, 3) walking in the promises by doing what they require (that is, by living as if they are true, regardless of how we feel) Moses’ first meeting with Pharaoh did not go well at all. Pharaoh not only ignored what Yahweh had to say, but took the opportunity to teach the Israelites a lesson by giving them more work to do than they could possibly accomplish. His purpose was to show them the serious consequences of acknowledging Yahweh as a sovereign above Pharaoh! Pharaoh's plan worked and in the end, the Israelites did not believe God was going to deliver them (at least not the way Moses was going about it) and they blamed Moses for all their troubles. Moses also feels that God has failed to do what He said, so Moses turns to God and blames God for failing to deliver on His word. Even though Moses’ prayer was far from a humble petition to God, it was none-the-less the right starting place. Moses turned toward God rather than away from God, and God would meet Him there, even in his frustration born out of a huge lack of faith.  God answers Moses by assuring him that Pharaoh will absolutely drive the Israelites out of Egypt by the time God is finished dealing with Pharaoh. God then gives Moses a message for Israel to encourage them as well. God makes seven claims of what He will do for Israel which can be summarized as follows - I will save you; I will adopt you; I will give you a glorious inheritance. What is remarkable about these promises is that these are the exact themes of the Gospel, promised to all who put their faith in Christ! The people are struggling to believe God, and to endure patiently for the fulfillment of these promises. Moses 'sermon' is intended to deepen their faith so they can wait for God to act and to do what He has said He will do. But, the people cannot hear it! The text says there are two reasons why they are unable to hear and believe Moses' message: First, they are "short of spirit", that is spiritually lacking, or impatient; second, they are overwhelmed by their outward circumstances which has become the sole focus of their attention. What they need in order to endure is to hold on to the words of the promises Moses delivered, but they are unable to hear the words because of their impatience (inability to endure) and because they are consumed by their problems. So, what is to be done? How can they get the help they need and is being offered to them, when they are unable and unwilling to receive it. Humanly speaking it seems hopeless, but it is not hopeless with God. He is going to show them who He is, and what the I AM can do, even if they have no faith to believe it. God's saving work is not dependent on their faith or their response. God will save them on the basis of His will and power alone. But, as the Israelites encounter God in His mighty saving acts, and experience the power of His deliverance, they will then come to know that He is the I AM and that they must listen to and hold on to His promises. What they are unable to know at first through His Word alone, they will come to know and understand by experience. Then, they will have a greater capacity to hear 'preaching' of the Word, and have the faith to hold on to its promises. Like the Israelites, we can get very discouraged in life, and at times we may feel that God does not care about us. When we feel that God does not care, and is not going to help us, we will turn to other gods to give us what we think we need to be happy. The only medicine to combat this doubt and despondency, and the sin that naturally flows out of this thinking, is to build into our life a solid foundation of faith based on the Gospel Promises clearly and firmly proclaimed throughout all of Scripture. But, this is not simply a matter of deciding by our own will that we are going to trust God more. It must begin by a personal encounter with the power of God as He saves us, by His hand - and this is not in any way dependent on us, at first we do not even have the faith to believe it possible! Faith itself is a gift of God produced by His saving grace. But, for those who have an experiential knowledge of God through salvation, as the bedrock of their life, they can build on that, a solid foundation of faith by a number of daily practices. Three are obvious from this passage: 1) by 'preaching' these promises to ourselves and others, 2)  by focusing on the Gospel promises, rather than our current circumstances, 3) walking in the promises by doing what they require (that is, by living as if they are true, regardless of how we feel) Moses’ first meeting with Pharaoh did not go well at all. Pharaoh not only ignored what Yahweh had to say, but took the opportunity to teach the Israelites a lesson by giving them more work to do than they could possibly accomplish. His purpose was to … Tim Dunham 2891 https://ccf.sermon.net/20796421/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenextstep/id/2728035.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20796421 Scripture: Exodus 6:1-6:13, Series: Exodus Part#9 Sun, 23 Oct 2016 04:53:40 +0000 Tim Dunham Moses and Aaron when to Pharaoh and spoke to Pharaoh the exact words God had given them. They were obedient and faithful to carry out God's instructions. But, instead of alleviating the suffering of the Israelites, it ended up only make things worse - much worse. It was hard enough to make the quota of bricks that was required. Now, it was impossible. When the foremen approached Pharaoh about the impossibility of what he had asked, he accused them of being lazy and having way too much time on their hands. Pharaoh's tactics were clearly to turn the people against Moses and Aaron, whom he saw as being nothing but trouble makers. His plan works, and the Foremen turn on Moses and Aaron with angry accusations. They are convinced this cannot be from God - because things have gotten worse not better. This is a common theme all throughout Scripture - why does obedience and faithful service often end in troubles and increased suffering, instead of the promised blessing? From Job to Stephan and John the Apostle, lots of very faithful and godly people received far more grief for their efforts than comfort and blessing. We may encounter very similar experiences in our efforts to follow God and serve Him. Like the Israelites we may cry out - Why is this happening to me, and what can I do to avoid it? Doesn't God promise to protect and to take care of those who seek Him and follow Him? If God really loves us, why does He meet our efforts to serve Him with hardship and suffering? What is the point of following God, if we are better off NOT following Him? This is a complex problem and there are many issues that could be discussed, but in the context of this passage there are two important truths that stand out. The first is that God has indeed promised to deliver Israel and bring them to the land of promise and blessing. But, He never promised that the path from bondage to blessing would be easy or without suffering and difficulty. The problem with the "prosperity Gospel" is not that they teach that God wants to bless all those who follow Him, the problem is that they assume the path to blessing can only be one of absolute comfort and ease of life! God promises ULTIMATE and FINAL blessing, but He also promises that the road to His final blessing will be one of struggle and hardship. The Second principle, is that this is not about us - it is about God and His glory and reputation in heaven and earth. If the main concern was that of Israel's deliverance and blessing, then God could have affected that by means of a much more direct route. But, that was not His primary goal. His greater goal was to display to the World that He is infinitely more power than all the gods of Egypt combined. He was the supreme ruler who was Sovereign over Egypt and all the earth, not Pharaoh or the any of Egypt's gods. Because that was His greater purpose, the road to rescue would be a much more dramatic, albeit slower process! If our greatest goal and desire is to see God's fame and glory increase and spread throughout the earth, then we will endure suffering and hardship with patience as a natural part of what God is doing in us and through us to make His name great. But, if our greatest desire and chief goal is our own safety and comfort in the world, then we can easily fall into the deception of serving God if it works out to our liking, but feel bitter and resentful toward God if our efforts  to follow Him result in difficulty and hardship. Moses and Aaron when to Pharaoh and spoke to Pharaoh the exact words God had given them. They were obedient and faithful to carry out God's instructions. But, instead of alleviating the suffering of the Israelites, it ended up only make things worse - much worse. It was hard enough to make the quota of bricks that was required. Now, it was impossible. When the foremen approached Pharaoh about the impossibility of what he had asked, he accused them of being lazy and having way too much time on their hands. Pharaoh's tactics were clearly to turn the people against Moses and Aaron, whom he saw as being nothing but trouble makers. His plan works, and the Foremen turn on Moses and Aaron with angry accusations. They are convinced this cannot be from God - because things have gotten worse not better. This is a common theme all throughout Scripture - why does obedience and faithful service often end in troubles and increased suffering, instead of the promised blessing? From Job to Stephan and John the Apostle, lots of very faithful and godly people received far more grief for their efforts than comfort and blessing. We may encounter very similar experiences in our efforts to follow God and serve Him. Like the Israelites we may cry out - Why is this happening to me, and what can I do to avoid it? Doesn't God promise to protect and to take care of those who seek Him and follow Him? If God really loves us, why does He meet our efforts to serve Him with hardship and suffering? What is the point of following God, if we are better off NOT following Him? This is a complex problem and there are many issues that could be discussed, but in the context of this passage there are two important truths that stand out. The first is that God has indeed promised to deliver Israel and bring them to the land of promise and blessing. But, He never promised that the path from bondage to blessing would be easy or without suffering and difficulty. The problem with the "prosperity Gospel" is not that they teach that God wants to bless all those who follow Him, the problem is that they assume the path to blessing can only be one of absolute comfort and ease of life! God promises ULTIMATE and FINAL blessing, but He also promises that the road to His final blessing will be one of struggle and hardship. The Second principle, is that this is not about us - it is about God and His glory and reputation in heaven and earth. If the main concern was that of Israel's deliverance and blessing, then God could have affected that by means of a much more direct route. But, that was not His primary goal. His greater goal was to display to the World that He is infinitely more power than all the gods of Egypt combined. He was the supreme ruler who was Sovereign over Egypt and all the earth, not Pharaoh or the any of Egypt's gods. Because that was His greater purpose, the road to rescue would be a much more dramatic, albeit slower process! If our greatest goal and desire is to see God's fame and glory increase and spread throughout the earth, then we will endure suffering and hardship with patience as a natural part of what God is doing in us and through us to make His name great. But, if our greatest desire and chief goal is our own safety and comfort in the world, then we can easily fall into the deception of serving God if it works out to our liking, but feel bitter and resentful toward God if our efforts  to follow Him result in difficulty and hardship. Moses and Aaron when to Pharaoh and spoke to Pharaoh the exact words God had given them. They were obedient and faithful to carry out God's instructions. But, instead of alleviating the suffering of the Israelites, it ended up only make things worse - … Tim Dunham 2629 https://ccf.sermon.net/20792189/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agiantstepbackwards/id/2724018.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20792189 Exodus, Scripture: Exodus 5:1-5:21, Series: Exodus Part#8 Mon, 17 Oct 2016 08:28:13 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - At the Burning Bush, God revealed Himself to Moses and called Moses to the task of speaking to Pharaoh and then leading the people to freedom, and ultimately to the land of promise. Moses was not willing at first, but in this section of Scripture we see Moses take the first steps of obedience to do what God has called him to do. By the time he returns home to Midian, his heart has changed and he starts taking the first steps to do what God has commanded. He obtains permission to leave, and also finds he now has freedom to re-enter Egypt. He takes his family, and the Rod of God - both are evidence that Moses has yielded his life to God's plan and has let go of what was his and placed is all in the hand of God to direct and control. As Moses takes his first steps, God meets him and gives more instructions - further revelation of what Moses must do, what God will do, and how Pharaoh will respond. In the end, it will be Pharaoh's firstborn son, or God's firstborn - Israel. God will prevail, and Pharaoh will pay a heavy price for his stubbornness. But, Moses first steps are not all easy. When we make the commitment to follow God and surrender all to Him, it is then that God will often confront us with sin in our life - things we have ignored, or not dealt with. Here God confronts Moses with his failure to keep the one mark of the covenant that had been given to the Children of Abraham - circumcision. Moses had failed responsibility to circumcise his firstborn, and God was about to kill him as a result. Quick thinking on the part of Zipporah resolves the situation.  But it is clear that God holds one standard - the same for Moses and for Pharaoh. Stubbornness and disobedience will end in judgment, unless there is repentance and redemption. Finally, Moses is united with his brother Aaron as a mark of God keeping His promise to Moses. Moses shows, and tells all that God revealed to him. Then, the two of them meet with the leaders of Israel and share with them all that God has said regarding His love, care, and concern for them. They accept the words with faith - believing all that was told them. Their response to the revelation of God's care is that they bow in worship! Moses takes his first step in obedience to God, and he meets with success and results far beyond what he had expected! God is at work, and He is working in the hearts of His people! God is calling us to follow and serve Him, just as He called Moses. And, like Moses, we may feel completely overwhelmed at the task! But, what is important is that we surrender to God and just take the first step, or steps. We do not need to accomplish everything today. All God is asking is that we follow Him today and walk in obedience to the things He is calling us to right now. As we take even tiny baby steps in the right direction, God will meet us, give us greater wisdom and insight, deal with issues in our life that are holding us back, send help to encourage us, and as we are faithful, we will soon find that things begin to happen! God begins to work, and our life will bear fruit for Him! People will be moved to greater faith, and His name will be praised and worshipped in a greater way! All, because we took the first steps in obedience! Big Idea - Where do we start when we do not have great faith and the task before us seems so impossible? After all God's answers to Moses questions, Moses is still not convinced - not overflowing with faith and confidence this would work. So, how do you "step out in faith" when you just don’t have much faith? The only thing to be done is to just start - take the first step and God will meet you as you go! For Moses the taking the first steps meant - surrender, preparing and returning to Egypt, explaining everything to Aaron, and meeting with the Elders of Israel. As Moses took those steps, God met Him by giving assurance of a peaceful departure and safe return, gave him further details about how things would go with Pharaoh, confronted him about things in his life needed dealing with, sent Aaron to find him, gave the leaders faith and hope, and they in turn bow in worship. Summary - At the Burning Bush, God revealed Himself to Moses and called Moses to the task of speaking to Pharaoh and then leading the people to freedom, and ultimately to the land of promise. Moses was not willing at first, but in this section of Scripture we see Moses take the first steps of obedience to do what God has called him to do. By the time he returns home to Midian, his heart has changed and he starts taking the first steps to do what God has commanded. He obtains permission to leave, and also finds he now has freedom to re-enter Egypt. He takes his family, and the Rod of God - both are evidence that Moses has yielded his life to God's plan and has let go of what was his and placed is all in the hand of God to direct and control. As Moses takes his first steps, God meets him and gives more instructions - further revelation of what Moses must do, what God will do, and how Pharaoh will respond. In the end, it will be Pharaoh's firstborn son, or God's firstborn - Israel. God will prevail, and Pharaoh will pay a heavy price for his stubbornness. But, Moses first steps are not all easy. When we make the commitment to follow God and surrender all to Him, it is then that God will often confront us with sin in our life - things we have ignored, or not dealt with. Here God confronts Moses with his failure to keep the one mark of the covenant that had been given to the Children of Abraham - circumcision. Moses had failed responsibility to circumcise his firstborn, and God was about to kill him as a result. Quick thinking on the part of Zipporah resolves the situation.  But it is clear that God holds one standard - the same for Moses and for Pharaoh. Stubbornness and disobedience will end in judgment, unless there is repentance and redemption. Finally, Moses is united with his brother Aaron as a mark of God keeping His promise to Moses. Moses shows, and tells all that God revealed to him. Then, the two of them meet with the leaders of Israel and share with them all that God has said regarding His love, care, and concern for them. They accept the words with faith - believing all that was told them. Their response to the revelation of God's care is that they bow in worship! Moses takes his first step in obedience to God, and he meets with success and results far beyond what he had expected! God is at work, and He is working in the hearts of His people! God is calling us to follow and serve Him, just as He called Moses. And, like Moses, we may feel completely overwhelmed at the task! But, what is important is that we surrender to God and just take the first step, or steps. We do not need to accomplish everything today. All God is asking is that we follow Him today and walk in obedience to the things He is calling us to right now. As we take even tiny baby steps in the right direction, God will meet us, give us greater wisdom and insight, deal with issues in our life that are holding us back, send help to encourage us, and as we are faithful, we will soon find that things begin to happen! God begins to work, and our life will bear fruit for Him! People will be moved to greater faith, and His name will be praised and worshipped in a greater way! All, because we took the first steps in obedience! Big Idea - Where do we start when we do not have great faith and the task before us seems so impossible? After all God's answers to Moses questions, Moses is still not convinced - not overflowing with faith and confidence this would work. So, how do you "step out in faith" when you just don’t have much faith? The only thing to be done is to just start - take the first step and God will meet you as you go! For Moses the taking the first steps meant - surrender, preparing and returning to Egypt, explaining everything to Aaron, and meeting with the Elders of Israel. As Moses took those steps, God met Him by giving assurance of a peaceful departure and safe return, gave him further details about how things would go with Pharaoh, confronted him about things in his life needed dealing with, sent Aaron to find him, gave the leaders faith and hope, and they in turn bow in worship. Summary - At the Burning Bush, God revealed Himself to Moses and called Moses to the task of speaking to Pharaoh and then leading the people to freedom, and ultimately to the land of promise. Moses was not willing at first, but in this section of Scrip… Tim Dunham 3087 https://ccf.sermon.net/20785484/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takingthefirststep/id/2717641.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20785484 Scripture: Exodus 4:18-4:31, Series: Exodus Part#7 Sun, 09 Oct 2016 09:25:21 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - As Moses questions God at length about how God's plan can possibly work, and how he, as an exiled old man, can pull this off. Most of the questions center around the qualifications and ability of Moses. Yahweh is the answer to every question! Moses is not qualified, nor does he possess the skills that it will take, but that does not matter because Yahweh will do it through Moses. What is needed is not the right qualifications, but the powerful presence of God who can and will accomplish all His plans! Yahweh is the one who will do the convincing - both the Elders of Israel as well as Pharaoh himself - through powerful signs and wonders. In the same way, it is God who will put the words in Moses (and Aaron's) mouth, so that it does not require any eloquence or talent on Moses part. All that Moses needs is God. Everything that Moses lacks is supplied in the I AM, who has pledged His constant presence and help for Moses. Thus, God is not looking for someone with impressive skills and abilities, rather He is looking for one who is willing and available. When it comes down to it - that is the real issue facing Moses. Not - "Do I have what it takes," but rather, "Am I willing to trust God and laydown my life for Him and for His work?" The question is not "is Moses qualified," but rather "is he available!"  God can overcome all our shortcomings and lack of qualifications, but what is to be done when we are unwilling to surrender all to God and entrust Him with our life? When one will not yield his/her agenda to God's, to subject their Will to His purpose and plans? In the end, of course Moses does yield his life to God and does what God commands, but it is not easy. It is a struggle for Moses, and he does not yield immediately. The result of his reluctance is that he stirs up God's anger, which is never a good thing! When God's anger is kindled against someone it usually ends badly. But, we see here also a picture of the patience and grace of God, who does not destroy Moses, but sends him help and encouragement so that, in the end, he is able to trust God and lay down his life, just as he had laid down his staff. As we reflect on the meaning of this passage for our own life, four important questions come to mind 1) what is God calling me to do in service to Him? 2) Do I have absolute confidence that He is all I need to accomplish all that He has called me to do? 3) am I laying down my life, placing it all in His hands to use as He pleases, to control and direct according to His purpose and plans? 4) do I recognize how my reluctance to trust Him and to yield my life to His will is a serious sin that grieves the Spirit and results in His anger? Praise God that He is indeed a God of great patience and grace! He has indeed provided all that we need to serve Him, most importantly being the means to divert His wrath and obtain grace and forgiveness for our stubbornness and disobedience! Summary - As Moses questions God at length about how God's plan can possibly work, and how he, as an exiled old man, can pull this off. Most of the questions center around the qualifications and ability of Moses. Yahweh is the answer to every question! Moses is not qualified, nor does he possess the skills that it will take, but that does not matter because Yahweh will do it through Moses. What is needed is not the right qualifications, but the powerful presence of God who can and will accomplish all His plans! Yahweh is the one who will do the convincing - both the Elders of Israel as well as Pharaoh himself - through powerful signs and wonders. In the same way, it is God who will put the words in Moses (and Aaron's) mouth, so that it does not require any eloquence or talent on Moses part. All that Moses needs is God. Everything that Moses lacks is supplied in the I AM, who has pledged His constant presence and help for Moses. Thus, God is not looking for someone with impressive skills and abilities, rather He is looking for one who is willing and available. When it comes down to it - that is the real issue facing Moses. Not - "Do I have what it takes," but rather, "Am I willing to trust God and laydown my life for Him and for His work?" The question is not "is Moses qualified," but rather "is he available!"  God can overcome all our shortcomings and lack of qualifications, but what is to be done when we are unwilling to surrender all to God and entrust Him with our life? When one will not yield his/her agenda to God's, to subject their Will to His purpose and plans? In the end, of course Moses does yield his life to God and does what God commands, but it is not easy. It is a struggle for Moses, and he does not yield immediately. The result of his reluctance is that he stirs up God's anger, which is never a good thing! When God's anger is kindled against someone it usually ends badly. But, we see here also a picture of the patience and grace of God, who does not destroy Moses, but sends him help and encouragement so that, in the end, he is able to trust God and lay down his life, just as he had laid down his staff. As we reflect on the meaning of this passage for our own life, four important questions come to mind 1) what is God calling me to do in service to Him? 2) Do I have absolute confidence that He is all I need to accomplish all that He has called me to do? 3) am I laying down my life, placing it all in His hands to use as He pleases, to control and direct according to His purpose and plans? 4) do I recognize how my reluctance to trust Him and to yield my life to His will is a serious sin that grieves the Spirit and results in His anger? Praise God that He is indeed a God of great patience and grace! He has indeed provided all that we need to serve Him, most importantly being the means to divert His wrath and obtain grace and forgiveness for our stubbornness and disobedience! Summary - As Moses questions God at length about how God's plan can possibly work, and how he, as an exiled old man, can pull this off. Most of the questions center around the qualifications and ability of Moses. Yahweh is the answer to every question!… Tim Dunham 2869 https://ccf.sermon.net/20778335/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whogodcanuse/id/2710965.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20778335 Surrender, Scripture: Exodus 4:1-4:18, Series: Exodus Part#6 Sun, 02 Oct 2016 13:33:26 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - As God calls Moses at the Burning Bush, Moses asks God how a nobody like him could approach the King of Egypt and demand the release of all the Israelites! God assures Moses he will not accomplish this in his power, but that God will go with him. Moses follows up that answer with another question - Who are you? In other words, who is the God of Israel that He is able to overcome and defeat the gods and power of Egypt? Egypt is the greatest power on the planet - their gods have made it a great nation. The children of Abraham are slaves who don’t even have any land of their own, much less a glorious country like Egypt! What are they, and what is their god in comparison to Egypt? God’s answers Moses by giving His name. His name is more than just identifying which of the many possible gods is the god of the Jews. In ancient times, names did far more than identify a person or god. A name was a description of their character. As one commentator explains “the designation of God, specific of Yahweh = His reputation, fame; especially as embodying the revealed character of Yahweh" (Durham p 38). God answers “I AM who I AM,” and “Tell them, I AM has sent you.” Moses was no doubt hoping for a name that would give an image and designate a location where the God of Israel would have authority and power to operate. That is they way it worked with the pagan idols of Egypt - they had a sphere of influence - the sun, the Nile, the wind, and they could be easily “imaged” by their name. But, this is not the kind of name God gives to Moses. I AM is a description of present Summary - As God calls Moses at the Burning Bush, Moses asks God how a nobody like him could approach the King of Egypt and demand the release of all the Israelites! God assures Moses he will not accomplish this in his power, but that God will go with him. Moses follows up that answer with another question - Who are you? In other words, who is the God of Israel that He is able to overcome and defeat the gods and power of Egypt? Egypt is the greatest power on the planet - their gods have made it a great nation. The children of Abraham are slaves who don’t even have any land of their own, much less a glorious country like Egypt! What are they, and what is their god in comparison to Egypt? God’s answers Moses by giving His name. His name is more than just identifying which of the many possible gods is the god of the Jews. In ancient times, names did far more than identify a person or god. A name was a description of their character. As one commentator explains “the designation of God, specific of Yahweh = His reputation, fame; especially as embodying the revealed character of Yahweh" (Durham p 38). God answers “I AM who I AM,” and “Tell them, I AM has sent you.” Moses was no doubt hoping for a name that would give an image and designate a location where the God of Israel would have authority and power to operate. That is they way it worked with the pagan idols of Egypt - they had a sphere of influence - the sun, the Nile, the wind, and they could be easily “imaged” by their name. But, this is not the kind of name God gives to Moses. I AM is a description of present Summary - As God calls Moses at the Burning Bush, Moses asks God how a nobody like him could approach the King of Egypt and demand the release of all the Israelites! God assures Moses he will not accomplish this in his power, but that God will go with … Tim Dunham 2715 https://ccf.sermon.net/20773476/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatsinaname/id/2706335.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20773476 I am, LORD, Scripture: Exodus 3:13-3:22, Series: Exodus Part#5 Sun, 25 Sep 2016 14:22:29 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - Exodus chapter 2 ends with a summary statement of the ongoing suffering and oppression of the ISraelites. The king who knew Moses has died, but the situation for the Israelites is unchanged. For the first time in the text, we read that the Children of Israel are crying out to God because of their great suffering. How does God respond to suffering, oppressions, and the cries of those in bondage? Specifically, how does He respond when those who are groaning under oppressive burdens cry out to Him for help? The answer is simple - God hears, He sees, He knows all that is going on, and He responds by "Coming down" in person to do something about it! He remembers His covenant promises and at the right time, He steps in to save His people! Summary - Exodus chapter 2 ends with a summary statement of the ongoing suffering and oppression of the ISraelites. The king who knew Moses has died, but the situation for the Israelites is unchanged. For the first time in the text, we read that the Children of Israel are crying out to God because of their great suffering. How does God respond to suffering, oppressions, and the cries of those in bondage? Specifically, how does He respond when those who are groaning under oppressive burdens cry out to Him for help? The answer is simple - God hears, He sees, He knows all that is going on, and He responds by "Coming down" in person to do something about it! He remembers His covenant promises and at the right time, He steps in to save His people! Summary - Exodus chapter 2 ends with a summary statement of the ongoing suffering and oppression of the ISraelites. The king who knew Moses has died, but the situation for the Israelites is unchanged. For the first time in the text, we read that the Ch… Tim Dunham 2721 https://ccf.sermon.net/20771853/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theburningbush/id/2704907.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20771853 Scripture: Exodus 2:23-2:25, Exodus 3:1-3:12, Series: Exodus Part#4 Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:38:22 +0000 Tim Dunham If God was going to deliver Israel out of Egypt by the hand of Moses, sending him off to the land of Midian for 40 years seems like a bit of a detour! Moses clearly had a heart for his people, and wanted to help them. So, why did they not accept his help, and why did his efforts fail so miserably? Was it really necessary for Moses to spend the next 40 years of his life in Midian? While God is not mentioned in these verses, we know that He is Sovereign and is in control of the affairs and circumstances of men. It is no accident that Moses ends up living so long in a remote wilderness. In short, Moses had to get out of Egypt so that God could get Egypt out of Moses! Moses may have identified himself with the Israelites (his people/brothers), but everyone saw him as an Egyptian. He had been adopted and raised with the best of Egypt, and it was impossible for Egypt not imprint itself upon him. He could not help but be a product of Egyptian thought and culture. This would prove to be true of Israel as well, even though they lived more removed from Egypt. At the same time, Moses knew where he came from and he cared about his people. When he saw how they were being treated, it ignited a passion in him to set things right. But, he acted in the wisdom and passions of the flesh, not by the leading and empowering of the living God! God had to do a work of stripping away the self-reliant Moses who thought he knew how to rescue Israel, so that God could use him as a deliverer who would operate in the wisdom and power of God. What Moses could not learn growing up in Egypt, God would teach him as a stranger in a foreign land. In much the same way, we are deeply imprinted with the thinking, culture, and worldview of our own age. We cannot escape its influence because our nature, and our flesh are drawn to the ways of the world, not to the ways of God. It is comfortable and natural to go along with the world. But, like Moses, we cannot fulfill God’s purpose and calling on our life until we learn to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. We must not be conformed to the ways of this world, but must be transformed by the renewing of our minds! And, like Moses, having the right mission, does not mean we have the right method, or the right power. It is possible, and easy to do “ministry” in the weakness of our flesh, in our own wisdom, and by our own strength. As with Moses, this is sure to fail. It is only as we learn to lean on Him, understand His plan, and walk in His power that we will be successful in the mission He has called us to! Discussion/Reflection Questions In what ways can you see the mindset, values, and thinking of the world influencing how people understand what is important and direct how you live your life? How do you see these influences affecting your family and friends? How does it impact you? In the past week how have experienced living in the flesh, and are their specific times when you know you were living by the Spirit? How do these two experiences compare? What makes them distinctly different?   Are you spending sufficient time in the foreign soil of God’s Word? How is your time in the word transformational, that is how is your mind and thinking being changed by your interaction with the Bible? What is your specific plan to be in the Word - at what time, or times? How long? How do you make this time most life impacting? Read and reflect on Romans 8:3-4, 13-14. What does it mean to you to put to death the deeds of the flesh? How does the death of Jesus make this possible? When you find yourself living by the flesh, how can you switch gears and get back to walking in the Spirit? If God was going to deliver Israel out of Egypt by the hand of Moses, sending him off to the land of Midian for 40 years seems like a bit of a detour! Moses clearly had a heart for his people, and wanted to help them. So, why did they not accept his help, and why did his efforts fail so miserably? Was it really necessary for Moses to spend the next 40 years of his life in Midian? While God is not mentioned in these verses, we know that He is Sovereign and is in control of the affairs and circumstances of men. It is no accident that Moses ends up living so long in a remote wilderness. In short, Moses had to get out of Egypt so that God could get Egypt out of Moses! Moses may have identified himself with the Israelites (his people/brothers), but everyone saw him as an Egyptian. He had been adopted and raised with the best of Egypt, and it was impossible for Egypt not imprint itself upon him. He could not help but be a product of Egyptian thought and culture. This would prove to be true of Israel as well, even though they lived more removed from Egypt. At the same time, Moses knew where he came from and he cared about his people. When he saw how they were being treated, it ignited a passion in him to set things right. But, he acted in the wisdom and passions of the flesh, not by the leading and empowering of the living God! God had to do a work of stripping away the self-reliant Moses who thought he knew how to rescue Israel, so that God could use him as a deliverer who would operate in the wisdom and power of God. What Moses could not learn growing up in Egypt, God would teach him as a stranger in a foreign land. In much the same way, we are deeply imprinted with the thinking, culture, and worldview of our own age. We cannot escape its influence because our nature, and our flesh are drawn to the ways of the world, not to the ways of God. It is comfortable and natural to go along with the world. But, like Moses, we cannot fulfill God’s purpose and calling on our life until we learn to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. We must not be conformed to the ways of this world, but must be transformed by the renewing of our minds! And, like Moses, having the right mission, does not mean we have the right method, or the right power. It is possible, and easy to do “ministry” in the weakness of our flesh, in our own wisdom, and by our own strength. As with Moses, this is sure to fail. It is only as we learn to lean on Him, understand His plan, and walk in His power that we will be successful in the mission He has called us to! Discussion/Reflection Questions In what ways can you see the mindset, values, and thinking of the world influencing how people understand what is important and direct how you live your life? How do you see these influences affecting your family and friends? How does it impact you? In the past week how have experienced living in the flesh, and are their specific times when you know you were living by the Spirit? How do these two experiences compare? What makes them distinctly different?   Are you spending sufficient time in the foreign soil of God’s Word? How is your time in the word transformational, that is how is your mind and thinking being changed by your interaction with the Bible? What is your specific plan to be in the Word - at what time, or times? How long? How do you make this time most life impacting? Read and reflect on Romans 8:3-4, 13-14. What does it mean to you to put to death the deeds of the flesh? How does the death of Jesus make this possible? When you find yourself living by the flesh, how can you switch gears and get back to walking in the Spirit? If God was going to deliver Israel out of Egypt by the hand of Moses, sending him off to the land of Midian for 40 years seems like a bit of a detour! Moses clearly had a heart for his people, and wanted to help them. So, why did they not accept his he… Tim Dunham 2922 https://ccf.sermon.net/20773054/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anecessarydetour/id/2706002.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20773054 Exodus, detour, Scripture: Exodus 2:11-2:22, Series: Exodus Part#3, Custom categories: Pastor: Tim Dunham Sun, 11 Sep 2016 14:14:44 +0000 Tim Dunham Summary - God has been blessing Israel greatly by expanding their numbers into a nation just as He had promised Abraham. But that promise is in peril as Pharaoh is determined to reduce the number of Israelites by any means. This brings to the forefront the second part of God's promise which has not yet been fulfilled - that He would give them a land of their own so they could be an autonomous people, not an enslaved nation. The Israelites are in desperate need of rescue. They need a deliverer who will set them free from their current bondage and oppression, and bring them into the land of promise. Summary - God has been blessing Israel greatly by expanding their numbers into a nation just as He had promised Abraham. But that promise is in peril as Pharaoh is determined to reduce the number of Israelites by any means. This brings to the forefront the second part of God's promise which has not yet been fulfilled - that He would give them a land of their own so they could be an autonomous people, not an enslaved nation. The Israelites are in desperate need of rescue. They need a deliverer who will set them free from their current bondage and oppression, and bring them into the land of promise. Summary - God has been blessing Israel greatly by expanding their numbers into a nation just as He had promised Abraham. But that promise is in peril as Pharaoh is determined to reduce the number of Israelites by any means. This brings to the forefront… Tim Dunham 2769 https://ccf.sermon.net/20771846/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_slavetoson/id/2704903.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20771846 Slave, Son, Worth, Scripture: Exodus 2:1-2:10, Series: Exodus Part#2 Sat, 30 Jul 2016 21:32:58 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2184 https://ccf.sermon.net/20741245/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sufferingforbeingachristianpar/id/2675770.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20741245 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-4, Series: 1 Peter Part#13 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 20:37:47 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2956 https://ccf.sermon.net/20735785/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hescomingsoon/id/2675759.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20735785 He's Coming Soon Sun, 17 Jul 2016 05:52:02 +0000 Tim Dunham Arm yourselves Arm yourselves Arm yourselves… Tim Dunham 2036 https://ccf.sermon.net/20722914/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_callingfireonyourposition/id/2658449.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20722914 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-4:6, Series: 1 Peter Part#11 Sun, 10 Jul 2016 13:36:11 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2790 https://ccf.sermon.net/20714375/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sufferingfordoinggood/id/2650292.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20714375 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-3:22, Series: 1 Peter Part#10 Sun, 03 Jul 2016 13:11:49 +0000 Tim Dunham Be of one mind! Be of one mind! Be of one mind!… Tim Dunham 2631 https://ccf.sermon.net/20709757/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_acallingforallchristians/id/2645980.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20709757 unity, family, sympathy,, Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-3:12, Series: 1 Peter Part#9 Sun, 26 Jun 2016 03:43:57 +0000 Mike Sprenger Husbands love your wives...so your prayers won't be hindered. Husbands love your wives...so your prayers won't be hindered. Husbands love your wives...so your prayers won't be hindered.… Mike Sprenger 2273 https://ccf.sermon.net/20709362/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_causeandeffect/id/2645642.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20709362 Husbands, love, Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7-3:7, Series: 1 Peter Part#8 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 03:16:14 +0000 Shaun Futch We are asked to submit to people & authority that are, in many cases, unworthy of this respect. We did this to bring God glory. We are asked to submit to people & authority that are, in many cases, unworthy of this respect. We did this to bring God glory. We are asked to submit to people & authority that are, in many cases, unworthy of this respect. We did this to bring God glory.… Shaun Futch 2442 https://ccf.sermon.net/20702933/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_calledtosubmit/id/2639507.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20702933 Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-3:6, Series: 1 Peter Part#7 Sun, 12 Jun 2016 14:07:51 +0000 Shine Thomas Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Shine Thomas 3092 https://ccf.sermon.net/20702267/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heisourexample/id/2638842.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20702267 Slaves, Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-2:25, Series: 1 Peter Part#6 Sun, 05 Jun 2016 05:17:52 +0000 Shaun Futch Our honorable behavior gives glory to God. It is okay to honor dishonorable people. Our honorable behavior gives glory to God. It is okay to honor dishonorable people. Our honorable behavior gives glory to God. It is okay to honor dishonorable people.… Shaun Futch 2290 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692878/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_honorablebehavior/id/2629916.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692878 honor, love, respect human authority, Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-2:17, Series: 1 Peter Part#5 Sun, 29 May 2016 05:47:03 +0000 Tim Dunham Remember who you are. Remember who you are. Remember who you are.… Tim Dunham 2533 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692881/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livingstones/id/2629917.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692881 Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-2:12, Series: 1 Peter Part#4 Sun, 15 May 2016 14:18:11 +0000 Mike Sprenger A Call to Holy Living A Call to Holy Living A Call to Holy Living… Mike Sprenger 2378 https://ccf.sermon.net/20680477/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatweareshouldbe/id/2618076.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20680477 Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Series: 1 Peter Part#3 Sun, 08 May 2016 04:51:57 +0000 Tim Dunham The Hope of Eternal Life The Hope of Eternal Life The Hope of Eternal Life… Tim Dunham 2781 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692876/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_attitudesofendurance/id/2629912.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20692876 1 Peter, Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-1:12, Series: 1 Peter Part#2 Sun, 01 May 2016 09:35:06 +0000 Tim Dunham 1 Peter 1:1,2 Do we realize who we really are? We are God's chosen people! 1 Peter 1:1,2 Do we realize who we really are? We are God's chosen people! 1 Peter 1:1,2 Do we realize who we really are? We are God's chosen people!… Tim Dunham 2481 https://ccf.sermon.net/20679622/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoami/id/2617421.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20679622 1 Peter, Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-1:2, Series: 1 Peter Part#1 Sun, 13 Mar 2016 02:18:51 +0000 Tim Dunham Is there ever a time when it is appropriate start thinking about yourself? Is there ever a point in life when we can stop thinking of others and focus on me? Do what I need to do to take care of myself? Is there a point when life is just not fair, when we are not getting justice, not getting what I deserve that we can stand up for ourselves, think about what MY rights are and ignore the needs of others? Is there ever a time when it is appropriate start thinking about yourself? Is there ever a point in life when we can stop thinking of others and focus on me? Do what I need to do to take care of myself? Is there a point when life is just not fair, when we are not getting justice, not getting what I deserve that we can stand up for ourselves, think about what MY rights are and ignore the needs of others? Is there ever a time when it is appropriate start thinking about yourself? Is there ever a point in life when we can stop thinking of others and focus on me? Do what I need to do to take care of myself? Is there a point when life is just not fair, when… Tim Dunham 2470 https://ccf.sermon.net/20632251/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lovebeyondwords/id/2572424.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20632251 Cross, Crucifixion, Scripture: Luke 23:26-23:38, Series: Luke Sun, 06 Mar 2016 03:59:21 +0000 Tim Dunham How is it possible that an innocent man, much less a perfect man, could be sentenced to death by a legitimate government institution? Is this simply an example of man's hostility to God, or is there something more to it? We know that Jesus died and that His death brings us salvation, but does it matter how we think about Jesus' death, or does it only matter that He died? As Jesus draws nearer and nearer to the cross, the injustice of His trial and the animosity of the crowd make it clear that they are about to kill the wrong person. But, even in these events, the very meaning and purpose of Jesus death is graphically illustrated. The very trial and mistreatment, the fact that the crowd wants Barabbas released and Jesus put to death are vivid pictures that help us understand what Jesus death was all about! Jesus was accused with the crime of "misleading" the people - better put, he was charged with sedition and stirring up the Jewish crowds to insight a rebellion against Rome. Pilate, and Herod both put Jesus on the examination stand, but they can find absolutely no evidence to support these accusations. So, Pilate seeks to release Jesus, but the crowds demand His execution. Pilate affirms Jesus innocence two more times, but the crowds grow increasingly hostile in their demands. Ironically, they are being incited to riot and to rebellion against Rome, by the religious leaders who are accusing Jesus! How is it possible that an innocent man, much less a perfect man, could be sentenced to death by a legitimate government institution? Is this simply an example of man's hostility to God, or is there something more to it? We know that Jesus died and that His death brings us salvation, but does it matter how we think about Jesus' death, or does it only matter that He died? As Jesus draws nearer and nearer to the cross, the injustice of His trial and the animosity of the crowd make it clear that they are about to kill the wrong person. But, even in these events, the very meaning and purpose of Jesus death is graphically illustrated. The very trial and mistreatment, the fact that the crowd wants Barabbas released and Jesus put to death are vivid pictures that help us understand what Jesus death was all about! Jesus was accused with the crime of "misleading" the people - better put, he was charged with sedition and stirring up the Jewish crowds to insight a rebellion against Rome. Pilate, and Herod both put Jesus on the examination stand, but they can find absolutely no evidence to support these accusations. So, Pilate seeks to release Jesus, but the crowds demand His execution. Pilate affirms Jesus innocence two more times, but the crowds grow increasingly hostile in their demands. Ironically, they are being incited to riot and to rebellion against Rome, by the religious leaders who are accusing Jesus! How is it possible that an innocent man, much less a perfect man, could be sentenced to death by a legitimate government institution? Is this simply an example of man's hostility to God, or is there something more to it? We know that Jesus died and tha… Tim Dunham 2192 https://ccf.sermon.net/20626429/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatexchange/id/2566859.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20626429 Cross, Atonement, Scripture: Luke 23:13-23:25, Series: Luke Thu, 25 Feb 2016 06:15:18 +0000 Tim Dunham Peter’s failure as a friend and follower of Jesus by denying Jesus at the very moment Jesus was about to lay down His life for His friends, is one of the most painful moments in the Gospels. Peter's denial was a rejection of Jesus as Lord, and a serious betrayal of His friendship - he did not prove to be a faithful friend. Peter caved in to the temptation of caring too much about what people thought of him - caring more about the opinions of people than his loyalty to Jesus. Peter’s failure as a friend and follower of Jesus by denying Jesus at the very moment Jesus was about to lay down His life for His friends, is one of the most painful moments in the Gospels. Peter's denial was a rejection of Jesus as Lord, and a serious betrayal of His friendship - he did not prove to be a faithful friend. Peter caved in to the temptation of caring too much about what people thought of him - caring more about the opinions of people than his loyalty to Jesus. Peter’s failure as a friend and follower of Jesus by denying Jesus at the very moment Jesus was about to lay down His life for His friends, is one of the most painful moments in the Gospels. Peter's denial was a rejection of Jesus as Lord, and a seriou… Tim Dunham 2578 https://ccf.sermon.net/20615360/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_epicfailure/id/2556330.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20615360 Failure, Freind, Scripture: Luke 22:54-22:62, Series: Luke Sun, 21 Feb 2016 05:23:47 +0000 Tim Dunham So what does it mean that the One who has the right to rule the Universe, The God of heaven and earth, would go to the cross for me? It means He must be Worshipped and Served! This eternal God and King who would go to the cross for us! He rose again and He reigns now! We who know Him - who believe all that He fulfilled as Prophet, and King - Should bow before Him, worship Him with all our heart and life, and serve Him in everything we do!!! So what does it mean that the One who has the right to rule the Universe, The God of heaven and earth, would go to the cross for me? It means He must be Worshipped and Served! This eternal God and King who would go to the cross for us! He rose again and He reigns now! We who know Him - who believe all that He fulfilled as Prophet, and King - Should bow before Him, worship Him with all our heart and life, and serve Him in everything we do!!! So what does it mean that the One who has the right to rule the Universe, The God of heaven and earth, would go to the cross for me? It means He must be Worshipped and Served! This eternal God and King who would go to the cross for us! He rose again an… Tim Dunham 2241 https://ccf.sermon.net/20615349/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_guiltyascharged/id/2556325.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20615349 Cross,, Scripture: Luke 22:63-22:71, Series: Luke Sun, 07 Feb 2016 07:20:57 +0000 Tim Dunham Enemies, opposition, and persecution can come from many sides. How are we to deal with enemies and opposition? Jesus shows us how to face the most deceptive and violent enemies, as He willingly turned Himself over to the hands of the betrayer, His enemies, and the power of darkness. It was God's will that Jesus go to the cross, but it happened by the hands of His enemies. In the midst of it all, Jesus faces His enemies, betrayers, unhelpful friends, and the very power of darkness with control, compassion, and a firm commitment to God's plan. Such treatment by a so called friend, and by His own people had to make an emotional impact on Jesus. But, in the face of violent opposition and treachery He possessed an amazing calm and confidence, because He knew His Father was in control and His purpose would be accomplished through it all! Thus, He demonstrates great, patience, compassion, and self-control as He begins in earnest, the journey to the Cross. Enemies, opposition, and persecution can come from many sides. How are we to deal with enemies and opposition? Jesus shows us how to face the most deceptive and violent enemies, as He willingly turned Himself over to the hands of the betrayer, His enemies, and the power of darkness. It was God's will that Jesus go to the cross, but it happened by the hands of His enemies. In the midst of it all, Jesus faces His enemies, betrayers, unhelpful friends, and the very power of darkness with control, compassion, and a firm commitment to God's plan. Such treatment by a so called friend, and by His own people had to make an emotional impact on Jesus. But, in the face of violent opposition and treachery He possessed an amazing calm and confidence, because He knew His Father was in control and His purpose would be accomplished through it all! Thus, He demonstrates great, patience, compassion, and self-control as He begins in earnest, the journey to the Cross. Enemies, opposition, and persecution can come from many sides. How are we to deal with enemies and opposition? Jesus shows us how to face the most deceptive and violent enemies, as He willingly turned Himself over to the hands of the betrayer, His enem… Tim Dunham 2105 https://ccf.sermon.net/20602063/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_handedover/id/2543491.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20602063 Betrayed, Enemies, Scripture: Luke 22:47-22:53, Series: Luke Sun, 31 Jan 2016 04:43:24 +0000 Tim Dunham How are we to deal with the temptations that daily come into our life? Jesus, by both His command and by His example, shows that the way to overcome temptation is through serious battle in prayer. It is a battle that must be fought in advance, rather than waiting until temptation falls upon us. The secret is to prepare for temptation by coming to a firm resolve in prayer that we are fully committed and surrendered to God's will and purpose. It means we come to a place of surrendering our own will, desires, and agenda and give way to His purpose and plan for our life. Through prayer we also come to see our weakness and inadequacy in overcoming these tests on our own, and so we seek God's strength and help through prayer. This is one prayer we can be confident He will answer - not necessarily by changing the circumstances, but by giving His strength to face any circumstance or challenge with His overcoming strength. How are we to deal with the temptations that daily come into our life? Jesus, by both His command and by His example, shows that the way to overcome temptation is through serious battle in prayer. It is a battle that must be fought in advance, rather than waiting until temptation falls upon us. The secret is to prepare for temptation by coming to a firm resolve in prayer that we are fully committed and surrendered to God's will and purpose. It means we come to a place of surrendering our own will, desires, and agenda and give way to His purpose and plan for our life. Through prayer we also come to see our weakness and inadequacy in overcoming these tests on our own, and so we seek God's strength and help through prayer. This is one prayer we can be confident He will answer - not necessarily by changing the circumstances, but by giving His strength to face any circumstance or challenge with His overcoming strength. How are we to deal with the temptations that daily come into our life? Jesus, by both His command and by His example, shows that the way to overcome temptation is through serious battle in prayer. It is a battle that must be fought in advance, rather t… Tim Dunham 2361 https://ccf.sermon.net/20596566/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_facingtemptation/id/2538136.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20596566 Prayer, Temptation, Sin, Scripture: Luke 22:39-22:46, Series: Luke Sun, 24 Jan 2016 04:09:47 +0000 Tim Dunham We live in a world that is disinterested and even sometimes hostile to the Gospel. In the upper room, where Christ ate the last supper with his disciples, he warned that difficult times were coming. He told Peter that all of the disciples would be sifted, or tried, and that Peter would fall away and return. In fact, Peter would deny him three times before the day was to be finished. Jesus told the disciples that in contrast to the last times that he sent them out without necessities and they relied on the hospitality and goodness of others, they needed to be prepared this time. Things were going to be different. We live in a world that is disinterested and even sometimes hostile to the Gospel. In the upper room, where Christ ate the last supper with his disciples, he warned that difficult times were coming. He told Peter that all of the disciples would be sifted, or tried, and that Peter would fall away and return. In fact, Peter would deny him three times before the day was to be finished. Jesus told the disciples that in contrast to the last times that he sent them out without necessities and they relied on the hospitality and goodness of others, they needed to be prepared this time. Things were going to be different. We live in a world that is disinterested and even sometimes hostile to the Gospel. In the upper room, where Christ ate the last supper with his disciples, he warned that difficult times were coming. He told Peter that all of the disciples would be si… Tim Dunham 1722 https://ccf.sermon.net/20592658/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettinguncomfortable/id/2534213.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20592658 Trials, Hardship, Scripture: Luke 22:31-22:38, Series: Luke Sun, 17 Jan 2016 04:09:50 +0000 Tim Dunham Is it a sin to want to be great, to fill roles as leaders, or to do great things? How is it that we desire and long for a life of significance, worth, and meaning and what do we do with these urges - are they simply the sinful desires of the flesh that must be put to death, or is it part of how God has made us? And, how then are we to think about ourselves - what is to form the basis of our identity about how we view ourselves and what gives our life its ultimate meaning? Is it a sin to want to be great, to fill roles as leaders, or to do great things? How is it that we desire and long for a life of significance, worth, and meaning and what do we do with these urges - are they simply the sinful desires of the flesh that must be put to death, or is it part of how God has made us? And, how then are we to think about ourselves - what is to form the basis of our identity about how we view ourselves and what gives our life its ultimate meaning? Is it a sin to want to be great, to fill roles as leaders, or to do great things? How is it that we desire and long for a life of significance, worth, and meaning and what do we do with these urges - are they simply the sinful desires of the flesh that… Tim Dunham 2760 https://ccf.sermon.net/20585334/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatestamongyou/id/2526474.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20585334 Identity, Serving, Leadership, Greatness, Scripture: Luke 22:21-22:30, Series: Luke Sun, 10 Jan 2016 03:57:54 +0000 Tim Dunham Do this in remembrance of Me. What is it we are to "do" and what does it mean to "remember?" How does Jesus fulfill the Passover (and implied - all the OT stories and traditions), and how does His fulfilling the Old, bring changes and a new way of relating to God and celebrating His saving work? Jesus gives the true meaning to the Passover and the Exodus, which was God central redeeming work in the OT, but only a picture that pointed to a much greater salvation - the redemption from the slavery of sin and death itself. Jesus fulfills what the Exodus and Passover where only pictures of. He is the great and final Passover lamb who was slain for our redemption. Do this in remembrance of Me. What is it we are to "do" and what does it mean to "remember?" How does Jesus fulfill the Passover (and implied - all the OT stories and traditions), and how does His fulfilling the Old, bring changes and a new way of relating to God and celebrating His saving work? Jesus gives the true meaning to the Passover and the Exodus, which was God central redeeming work in the OT, but only a picture that pointed to a much greater salvation - the redemption from the slavery of sin and death itself. Jesus fulfills what the Exodus and Passover where only pictures of. He is the great and final Passover lamb who was slain for our redemption. Do this in remembrance of Me. What is it we are to "do" and what does it mean to "remember?" How does Jesus fulfill the Passover (and implied - all the OT stories and traditions), and how does His fulfilling the Old, bring changes and a new way of rela… Tim Dunham 2824 https://ccf.sermon.net/20585324/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dothistoremember/id/2526457.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20585324 Communion, Lord's Supper, Passover, Scripture: Luke 22:7-22:20, Series: Luke Sun, 03 Jan 2016 06:12:53 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2532 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574273/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_udasbetrayal/id/2516041.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574273 Scripture: Luke 22:1-22:6, Series: Luke Sun, 27 Dec 2015 06:01:28 +0000 Tim Dunham What Exactly does Paul have in mind when he encourages the believer to beat their body and making it their slave? And why should Christians be people who discipline their bodies - people who are diligent in practicing self-control? He urges us to develop the kind of self-control and self-discipline over our body and life, so that our whole being is obedient and surrendered to the work we require of it - in order to live fully for the sake of the Gospel! As those who live our life for the sake of the Gospel, and the eternal rewards that are promised to those who give themselves to the work of the Gospel, there is tremendous incentive to prepare our lives and discipline our bodies with the goal of obtaining the rewards of the Gospel. By faith we all obtain the salvation of the Gospel, but it is by obedience, hard work, and faithfulness that we obtain the rewards of the Gospel. What Exactly does Paul have in mind when he encourages the believer to beat their body and making it their slave? And why should Christians be people who discipline their bodies - people who are diligent in practicing self-control? He urges us to develop the kind of self-control and self-discipline over our body and life, so that our whole being is obedient and surrendered to the work we require of it - in order to live fully for the sake of the Gospel! As those who live our life for the sake of the Gospel, and the eternal rewards that are promised to those who give themselves to the work of the Gospel, there is tremendous incentive to prepare our lives and discipline our bodies with the goal of obtaining the rewards of the Gospel. By faith we all obtain the salvation of the Gospel, but it is by obedience, hard work, and faithfulness that we obtain the rewards of the Gospel. What Exactly does Paul have in mind when he encourages the believer to beat their body and making it their slave? And why should Christians be people who discipline their bodies - people who are diligent in practicing self-control? He urges us to deve… Tim Dunham 2821 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574272/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_runtowin/id/2516036.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574272 Resolutions, New Year, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:23-9:27 Sun, 20 Dec 2015 06:20:37 +0000 Tim Dunham What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Nativity and in the life of Jesus? And, what does that tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit in our own life and walk with God? Throughout the Christmas story we see the Holy Spirit at work. He is never the star. but working with great power in the background to equip Jesus and others for effective ministry and working to point people to Jesus. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Nativity and in the life of Jesus? And, what does that tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit in our own life and walk with God? Throughout the Christmas story we see the Holy Spirit at work. He is never the star. but working with great power in the background to equip Jesus and others for effective ministry and working to point people to Jesus. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Nativity and in the life of Jesus? And, what does that tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit in our own life and walk with God? Throughout the Christmas story we see the Holy Spirit at work. He is never th… Tim Dunham 2739 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574268/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thespiritofchristmas/id/2516034.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20574268 Holy Spirit, Advent, Scripture: Matthew 1:18-1:22, Series: Christmas Sun, 13 Dec 2015 02:59:35 +0000 Tim Dunham Why was it necessary for Jesus to become a man? The only way that Jesus could take our place in judgment was to take on human flesh, face all our temptations without giving into them, and take upon Himself the full fury of God's wrath toward sin through suffering and death. Why was it necessary for Jesus to become a man? The only way that Jesus could take our place in judgment was to take on human flesh, face all our temptations without giving into them, and take upon Himself the full fury of God's wrath toward sin through suffering and death. Why was it necessary for Jesus to become a man? The only way that Jesus could take our place in judgment was to take on human flesh, face all our temptations without giving into them, and take upon Himself the full fury of God's wrath toward sin throug… Tim Dunham 2364 https://ccf.sermon.net/20559352/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hecame/id/2502685.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20559352 Christmas, Incarnation, Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-2:18, Series: Christmas Sun, 06 Dec 2015 02:45:42 +0000 Tim Dunham What exactly is love, specifically God’s love? We are to love each other with this very same love - how is it possible for us to love others this way? Love seems to have all kinds of definitions and meanings in modern thought. John says that the only people who can love are those who know God (have been saved). So, Agape love that the Bible talks about is a very specific and narrowly defined kind of love. You could say it is “God love”. But, what exactly is “God love”? This kind of love is not natural, as it is only possible for those who know God, so How do we do what the Bible commands - love God and love our neighbor with this kind of love? What exactly is love, specifically God’s love? We are to love each other with this very same love - how is it possible for us to love others this way? Love seems to have all kinds of definitions and meanings in modern thought. John says that the only people who can love are those who know God (have been saved). So, Agape love that the Bible talks about is a very specific and narrowly defined kind of love. You could say it is “God love”. But, what exactly is “God love”? This kind of love is not natural, as it is only possible for those who know God, so How do we do what the Bible commands - love God and love our neighbor with this kind of love? What exactly is love, specifically God’s love? We are to love each other with this very same love - how is it possible for us to love others this way? Love seems to have all kinds of definitions and meanings in modern thought. John says that the only p… Tim Dunham 2548 https://ccf.sermon.net/20554135/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsolovedtheworld/id/2497639.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20554135 Christmas, Incarnation, Love, Scripture: 1 John 4:7-4:17, Series: Christmas Sun, 29 Nov 2015 04:30:17 +0000 Dave McMillan Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Dave McMillan 1760 https://ccf.sermon.net/20548943/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_oyinprayer/id/2492678.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20548943 Prayer, Adoration, Series: Prayer Sun, 22 Nov 2015 05:19:03 +0000 Tim Dunham In the age of consumerism the main question it seems we ask is “what can the Church do for me?” Certainly, the Church will hopefully do a great deal for us in helping us grow and keeping us strong in our faith and spiritually healthy! But the problem with this question, when asked from a consumer point of view, is that it gives the wrong impression that the Church is simply an institution that provides goods and services. If it provides what I need, then great, but if not I will just look elsewhere to get me needs met. But, this is a very faulty conception of what the Church is and how it works. It is so much more that an institution that dispenses goods. That makes the Church something that is separate from me - beyond me. Rather, the Church is “me” together with all the other Christians. The Church is ultimately not an organization but an organism, of which I make up one of its component parts! The Church is, therefore, something I am integrally a part of - like the hand is part of the body, as Paul teaches. In the age of consumerism the main question it seems we ask is “what can the Church do for me?” Certainly, the Church will hopefully do a great deal for us in helping us grow and keeping us strong in our faith and spiritually healthy! But the problem with this question, when asked from a consumer point of view, is that it gives the wrong impression that the Church is simply an institution that provides goods and services. If it provides what I need, then great, but if not I will just look elsewhere to get me needs met. But, this is a very faulty conception of what the Church is and how it works. It is so much more that an institution that dispenses goods. That makes the Church something that is separate from me - beyond me. Rather, the Church is “me” together with all the other Christians. The Church is ultimately not an organization but an organism, of which I make up one of its component parts! The Church is, therefore, something I am integrally a part of - like the hand is part of the body, as Paul teaches. In the age of consumerism the main question it seems we ask is “what can the Church do for me?” Certainly, the Church will hopefully do a great deal for us in helping us grow and keeping us strong in our faith and spiritually healthy! But the problem w… Tim Dunham 2346 https://ccf.sermon.net/20544483/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechurchpart2/id/2488371.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20544483 Church, Community, Fellowship, Scripture: Acts 2:42-2:47, Series: Church Sun, 15 Nov 2015 03:07:17 +0000 Tim Dunham What is the Church and how are we to relate to it, connect with it, participate together as it’s members? The Church is the people of God, in all times and all places. But, it is not just that. It is the people of God together, not simply individuals who all happen to be God’s children, rather, the Church is the assembly, the people of God gathered in relationship to each other, and together as a group in fellowship with God. Thus the Church is the invisible scattering of all believers in all times, but it is also the visible Church - the organized, institution of God’s people gathered, in times of formal worship and teaching, but also living life together in community who work out the Gospel together. What is the Church and how are we to relate to it, connect with it, participate together as it’s members? The Church is the people of God, in all times and all places. But, it is not just that. It is the people of God together, not simply individuals who all happen to be God’s children, rather, the Church is the assembly, the people of God gathered in relationship to each other, and together as a group in fellowship with God. Thus the Church is the invisible scattering of all believers in all times, but it is also the visible Church - the organized, institution of God’s people gathered, in times of formal worship and teaching, but also living life together in community who work out the Gospel together. What is the Church and how are we to relate to it, connect with it, participate together as it’s members? The Church is the people of God, in all times and all places. But, it is not just that. It is the people of God together, not simply individuals w… Tim Dunham 2266 https://ccf.sermon.net/20544411/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thechurch/id/2488294.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20544411 Church, Visible, Invisible, Scripture: Romans 15:23-15:33, Series: Church Sun, 08 Nov 2015 02:35:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus concludes His teaching about the end times with a parable and an exhortation. The point of parable of the fig tree is that, just as you know when summer is approaching when the trees put forth leaves, so you will know when the time of the end has arrived when the signs He has given come about. When the end comes, things will move very quickly, and within one generation it will be over. Jesus is emphatic about the certainty of His teaching about the end times - heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not! Jesus concludes His teaching about the end times with a parable and an exhortation. The point of parable of the fig tree is that, just as you know when summer is approaching when the trees put forth leaves, so you will know when the time of the end has arrived when the signs He has given come about. When the end comes, things will move very quickly, and within one generation it will be over. Jesus is emphatic about the certainty of His teaching about the end times - heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not! Jesus concludes His teaching about the end times with a parable and an exhortation. The point of parable of the fig tree is that, just as you know when summer is approaching when the trees put forth leaves, so you will know when the time of the end has… Tim Dunham 2961 https://ccf.sermon.net/20533792/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparefortheend/id/2478154.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20533792 End Times, Addictions, Scripture: Luke 21:29-21:36, Series: Luke Sun, 01 Nov 2015 02:24:36 +0000 Tim Dunham Why is God angry? Wrath and vengeance are the proper and correct attitude of a judge who has been given the task of upholding justice. Justice demands punishment for a wrong done, and it is the role of the judge to dispense justice. Only the criminal wants a judge with a soft heart - who has only compassion for the criminal subdued in chains, looking remorseful, maybe even pleading for his life. If he has great compassion for the guilty he could be moved to be lenient and to hold back punishment that is due. But, if he also has compassion for the victims, - he will look across the aisle and see the hurt, pain, and loss of those whose lives have been forever changed by the crime. Then, his compassion will stir in him a sense of wrath and anger at what has been done. Out of his compassion for those wronged, in wrath he seeks vengeance - the appropriate punishment for the crime. Thus, God's wrath is the right expression of His love towards those wronged, towards the assault on His own glory and character, and His love and zeal for justice. Why is God angry? Wrath and vengeance are the proper and correct attitude of a judge who has been given the task of upholding justice. Justice demands punishment for a wrong done, and it is the role of the judge to dispense justice. Only the criminal wants a judge with a soft heart - who has only compassion for the criminal subdued in chains, looking remorseful, maybe even pleading for his life. If he has great compassion for the guilty he could be moved to be lenient and to hold back punishment that is due. But, if he also has compassion for the victims, - he will look across the aisle and see the hurt, pain, and loss of those whose lives have been forever changed by the crime. Then, his compassion will stir in him a sense of wrath and anger at what has been done. Out of his compassion for those wronged, in wrath he seeks vengeance - the appropriate punishment for the crime. Thus, God's wrath is the right expression of His love towards those wronged, towards the assault on His own glory and character, and His love and zeal for justice. Why is God angry? Wrath and vengeance are the proper and correct attitude of a judge who has been given the task of upholding justice. Justice demands punishment for a wrong done, and it is the role of the judge to dispense justice. Only the criminal w… Tim Dunham 2586 https://ccf.sermon.net/20533780/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_warningsigns/id/2478126.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20533780 Wrath, End times, Scripture: Luke 21:20-21:28, Series: Luke Mon, 26 Oct 2015 02:23:59 +0000 Tim Dunham As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, His followers comment about the grandeur of the Temple. It was indeed a spectacular sight, and inspired awe in those who saw it. But Jesus makes the startling announcement that a day was coming when the Temple would be completely destroyed! The Jews could not imagine that the destruction of the Temple could mean anything other than the end of the world! Jesus’ answer speaks to both - the end of the Temple and the end of the World, but it becomes clear, as history has shown, that they are two very different events, separated by a long period of time. As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, His followers comment about the grandeur of the Temple. It was indeed a spectacular sight, and inspired awe in those who saw it. But Jesus makes the startling announcement that a day was coming when the Temple would be completely destroyed! The Jews could not imagine that the destruction of the Temple could mean anything other than the end of the world! Jesus’ answer speaks to both - the end of the Temple and the end of the World, but it becomes clear, as history has shown, that they are two very different events, separated by a long period of time. As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, His followers comment about the grandeur of the Temple. It was indeed a spectacular sight, and inspired awe in those who saw it. But Jesus makes the startling announcement that a day was coming when the Temple would… Tim Dunham 2684 https://ccf.sermon.net/20522863/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awaitingtheend/id/2467931.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20522863 End Times, Witness, Tolerance, Scripture: Luke 21:5-21:19, Series: Luke Mon, 26 Oct 2015 02:16:50 +0000 Tim Dunham When God examines our life, our work, our play, our service, and our worship what does He think about it all? The Bible is clear that God does examine every part of our life, and He evaluates it and makes judgments about its value, meaning, and worth. How does our life measure up? If we are serious about following Christ, then we will want our life to count with God, and we should desire that all we do matters to God and is pleasing to Him. So, what is God looking for? How does He judge our life and actions? When God examines our life, our work, our play, our service, and our worship what does He think about it all? The Bible is clear that God does examine every part of our life, and He evaluates it and makes judgments about its value, meaning, and worth. How does our life measure up? If we are serious about following Christ, then we will want our life to count with God, and we should desire that all we do matters to God and is pleasing to Him. So, what is God looking for? How does He judge our life and actions? When God examines our life, our work, our play, our service, and our worship what does He think about it all? The Bible is clear that God does examine every part of our life, and He evaluates it and makes judgments about its value, meaning, and worth. … Tim Dunham 2793 https://ccf.sermon.net/20522856/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_toosmallcoins/id/2467919.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20522856 Evaluate, Worth, Meaning, Scripture: Luke 21:1-21:4, Series: Luke Sun, 11 Oct 2015 02:43:54 +0000 Tim Dunham After stepping out of every trap the Jewish leaders had tried to catch Him in, Jesus now takes the offensive, first by exposing their inadequate understanding of the Messiah, and secondly by pointing out their glaring character flaws. Jesus warns His followers to evaluate those who teach based on their doctrine and character, not by their position or reputation. We are to be very careful about who is teaching us! After stepping out of every trap the Jewish leaders had tried to catch Him in, Jesus now takes the offensive, first by exposing their inadequate understanding of the Messiah, and secondly by pointing out their glaring character flaws. Jesus warns His followers to evaluate those who teach based on their doctrine and character, not by their position or reputation. We are to be very careful about who is teaching us! After stepping out of every trap the Jewish leaders had tried to catch Him in, Jesus now takes the offensive, first by exposing their inadequate understanding of the Messiah, and secondly by pointing out their glaring character flaws. Jesus warns His f… Tim Dunham 2694 https://ccf.sermon.net/20512427/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thosewhoteach/id/2457910.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20512427 Influence, Scripture: Luke 20:41-20:47, Series: Luke Sun, 04 Oct 2015 03:04:52 +0000 Tim Dunham Is there life after death and how can we know? It is beyond empirical proof, so how can we know or have any confidence that there is life beyond the grave? Do we cease to exist, does our soul, or spirit live on? The Sadducees are convinced there cannot be life after death, and they imagine that a wife with seven husbands here on earth, will find herself in a tangled web of polygamy with all seven husbands wanting her to be their wife! In their minds this shows how ridiculous is the notion of life after death. Jesus affirms that there is indeed life after death and we can be certain based on the authority of God's revelation as affirmed and explained by Jesus, who is the eternal living proof of the resurrection! Jesus shows how God revealed to Moses that the spirit of a person exists beyond physical death. He affirms that one day there will be a resurrection - the restoring of our bodies with our eternal souls, and that eternal life with God is reserved for those who are found worthy at the Great Judgment when God determine the eternal destiny of every soul. Jesus had no problem untying this difficult theological knot. The solution was simple and rooted in a plain understanding of Scripture. The Sadducees were mistakes because they were viewing the resurrection from the vantage point of life on earth, not from the view of eternity. How much of our theology and understanding of the Bible is off because we are seeing it all with only human vision, and not with the eyes of God. Is there life after death and how can we know? It is beyond empirical proof, so how can we know or have any confidence that there is life beyond the grave? Do we cease to exist, does our soul, or spirit live on? The Sadducees are convinced there cannot be life after death, and they imagine that a wife with seven husbands here on earth, will find herself in a tangled web of polygamy with all seven husbands wanting her to be their wife! In their minds this shows how ridiculous is the notion of life after death. Jesus affirms that there is indeed life after death and we can be certain based on the authority of God's revelation as affirmed and explained by Jesus, who is the eternal living proof of the resurrection! Jesus shows how God revealed to Moses that the spirit of a person exists beyond physical death. He affirms that one day there will be a resurrection - the restoring of our bodies with our eternal souls, and that eternal life with God is reserved for those who are found worthy at the Great Judgment when God determine the eternal destiny of every soul. Jesus had no problem untying this difficult theological knot. The solution was simple and rooted in a plain understanding of Scripture. The Sadducees were mistakes because they were viewing the resurrection from the vantage point of life on earth, not from the view of eternity. How much of our theology and understanding of the Bible is off because we are seeing it all with only human vision, and not with the eyes of God. Is there life after death and how can we know? It is beyond empirical proof, so how can we know or have any confidence that there is life beyond the grave? Do we cease to exist, does our soul, or spirit live on? The Sadducees are convinced there cannot… Tim Dunham 2656 https://ccf.sermon.net/20506848/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_eternallife/id/2452627.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20506848 Eternity, Immortality, Scripture: Luke 20:27-20:40, Series: Luke Sun, 27 Sep 2015 02:52:08 +0000 Tim Dunham The Jewish leaders continue in their effort to trap Jesus so they can arrest Him and put Him to death. In this account they seek to trap Jesus with an either/or question that will put Jesus at odds with Rome if He answers one way, and at odds with the crowd, if He answers the other. The question is simply, "Is it right before God to pay the Tribute Tax to Caesar?" The Jews were overwhelmingly against the tax, because it was a visible reminder that they were under Roman rule. It was also a problem, because Caesar claimed to be a deity, and thus raised the possibility that to pay the “tribute” tax to Caesar was in fact idolatry. But, anyone who spoke out against paying the tax would be seen by Rome as defying Caesar and guilty of insurrection. Thus, if Jesus refuses the tax, they can have him arrested and handed over to Pilate. If He upholds the tax, the crowd would turn on Him as one who was a traitor of Israel, and an idolater. The Jewish leaders continue in their effort to trap Jesus so they can arrest Him and put Him to death. In this account they seek to trap Jesus with an either/or question that will put Jesus at odds with Rome if He answers one way, and at odds with the crowd, if He answers the other. The question is simply, "Is it right before God to pay the Tribute Tax to Caesar?" The Jews were overwhelmingly against the tax, because it was a visible reminder that they were under Roman rule. It was also a problem, because Caesar claimed to be a deity, and thus raised the possibility that to pay the “tribute” tax to Caesar was in fact idolatry. But, anyone who spoke out against paying the tax would be seen by Rome as defying Caesar and guilty of insurrection. Thus, if Jesus refuses the tax, they can have him arrested and handed over to Pilate. If He upholds the tax, the crowd would turn on Him as one who was a traitor of Israel, and an idolater. The Jewish leaders continue in their effort to trap Jesus so they can arrest Him and put Him to death. In this account they seek to trap Jesus with an either/or question that will put Jesus at odds with Rome if He answers one way, and at odds with the … Tim Dunham 2620 https://ccf.sermon.net/20506837/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_escapingtrouble/id/2452619.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20506837 Taxes, civil law, Scripture: Luke 20:19-20:26, Series: Luke Sun, 20 Sep 2015 03:13:40 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus coming changed the world in so many ways. Most significantly, it changed the way people related to God. But, that change was not always a positive one. His coming changed the nature of God’s longstanding relationship with Israel. In this passage, Jesus makes clear that God will no longer deal with Israel as has had done for so many long ages. The coming of Jesus changes things! It also would bring about a dramatic change in God’s dealing with the rest of the world as well. Jesus coming changed the world in so many ways. Most significantly, it changed the way people related to God. But, that change was not always a positive one. His coming changed the nature of God’s longstanding relationship with Israel. In this passage, Jesus makes clear that God will no longer deal with Israel as has had done for so many long ages. The coming of Jesus changes things! It also would bring about a dramatic change in God’s dealing with the rest of the world as well. Jesus coming changed the world in so many ways. Most significantly, it changed the way people related to God. But, that change was not always a positive one. His coming changed the nature of God’s longstanding relationship with Israel. In this passage,… Tim Dunham 2241 https://ccf.sermon.net/20495272/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thestonereected/id/2441931.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20495272 Jesus, Christ Centered, Scripture: Luke 20:9-20:19, Series: Luke Sun, 13 Sep 2015 03:01:39 +0000 Tim Dunham The Jewish leaders attempt to trap Jesus, but Jesus shows that He is in control of things, not them. They cannot outwit, or outsmart Jesus. In the end they are the ones who get caught in a trap from which they cannot escape. Jesus outwits them, not simply because He is smarter (we don’t know how His human IQ compares to others), rather Jesus is without sin, His character is perfect, His heart is fully surrendered to His Father. So, He is not distracted or confused by competing or conflicting purposes pulling Him in different directions. The Jews, on the other hand, are torn by their need for the crowd’s approval, and even by a fear of their actions against them. The Jewish leaders attempt to trap Jesus, but Jesus shows that He is in control of things, not them. They cannot outwit, or outsmart Jesus. In the end they are the ones who get caught in a trap from which they cannot escape. Jesus outwits them, not simply because He is smarter (we don’t know how His human IQ compares to others), rather Jesus is without sin, His character is perfect, His heart is fully surrendered to His Father. So, He is not distracted or confused by competing or conflicting purposes pulling Him in different directions. The Jews, on the other hand, are torn by their need for the crowd’s approval, and even by a fear of their actions against them. The Jewish leaders attempt to trap Jesus, but Jesus shows that He is in control of things, not them. They cannot outwit, or outsmart Jesus. In the end they are the ones who get caught in a trap from which they cannot escape. Jesus outwits them, not sim… Tim Dunham 2408 https://ccf.sermon.net/20495266/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bywhatauthority/id/2441924.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20495266 Scripture, Bible, Authority, Inerrancy, Scripture: Luke 19:47-19:49, Series: Luke Sun, 06 Sep 2015 03:21:46 +0000 Tim Dunham Immediately after His grand entrance into Jerusalem as King, and His lament over the City that was doomed for judgment, Jesus enters the Temple and drives out all the merchants selling animals for Temple sacrifices, and the money changers exchanging currency for the half shekel Temple tax. Much like the Triumphal entry, it is what Jesus does that is intended to communicate a clear message. But, He does give clues from the Old Testament to help interpret the meaning of His actions. Immediately after His grand entrance into Jerusalem as King, and His lament over the City that was doomed for judgment, Jesus enters the Temple and drives out all the merchants selling animals for Temple sacrifices, and the money changers exchanging currency for the half shekel Temple tax. Much like the Triumphal entry, it is what Jesus does that is intended to communicate a clear message. But, He does give clues from the Old Testament to help interpret the meaning of His actions. Immediately after His grand entrance into Jerusalem as King, and His lament over the City that was doomed for judgment, Jesus enters the Temple and drives out all the merchants selling animals for Temple sacrifices, and the money changers exchanging cu… Tim Dunham 2494 https://ccf.sermon.net/20484162/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_houseofprayer/id/2431587.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20484162 Church, Scripture: Luke 19:45-19:48, Series: Luke Mon, 31 Aug 2015 02:52:34 +0000 Tim Dunham In the previous verses Jesus has carefully orchestrated His entrance into Jerusalem to make the point that He comes as her King. But, the religious leaders make it clear, they reject Him as king, and are plotting to destroy Him. What is Jesus response to those who reject Him? Beyond that, How does God Himself respond to those who refuse His offer of love and grace? The human response to this kind of rejection is often revenge and vindictiveness. Is that how God feels toward those who turn His love away? He certainly promises to judge those who refuse Him. How does that match up with a God who is supposed to be full of love? In the previous verses Jesus has carefully orchestrated His entrance into Jerusalem to make the point that He comes as her King. But, the religious leaders make it clear, they reject Him as king, and are plotting to destroy Him. What is Jesus response to those who reject Him? Beyond that, How does God Himself respond to those who refuse His offer of love and grace? The human response to this kind of rejection is often revenge and vindictiveness. Is that how God feels toward those who turn His love away? He certainly promises to judge those who refuse Him. How does that match up with a God who is supposed to be full of love? In the previous verses Jesus has carefully orchestrated His entrance into Jerusalem to make the point that He comes as her King. But, the religious leaders make it clear, they reject Him as king, and are plotting to destroy Him. What is Jesus response … Tim Dunham 2664 https://ccf.sermon.net/20479078/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_griefstricken/id/2426760.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20479078 Judgment, Love, Justice, Scripture: Luke 19:41-19:44, Series: Luke Sun, 23 Aug 2015 02:59:08 +0000 Tim Dunham How are we to think about Jesus? What is His role, and how are we to relate to Him in that role? Who He is has everything to do with how we relate to Him and in the end, what it means to be a Christian. If He is only a sacrifice for sin - one who came to solve my moral failures, I must be thankful for His sacrifice, and honor Him for His kindness, but beyond that He has no real claim over my life. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world - but if we see Him only in this role, we miss the central truth of His place in God's Kingdom - Jesus is little more than the solution to our spiritual problems. He is the solution to our spiritual problems, but He is so much more than that! How are we to think about Jesus? What is His role, and how are we to relate to Him in that role? Who He is has everything to do with how we relate to Him and in the end, what it means to be a Christian. If He is only a sacrifice for sin - one who came to solve my moral failures, I must be thankful for His sacrifice, and honor Him for His kindness, but beyond that He has no real claim over my life. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world - but if we see Him only in this role, we miss the central truth of His place in God's Kingdom - Jesus is little more than the solution to our spiritual problems. He is the solution to our spiritual problems, but He is so much more than that! How are we to think about Jesus? What is His role, and how are we to relate to Him in that role? Who He is has everything to do with how we relate to Him and in the end, what it means to be a Christian. If He is only a sacrifice for sin - one who came … Tim Dunham 2844 https://ccf.sermon.net/20473820/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_commandeeredbytheking/id/2421818.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20473820 Triumphal Entry, Palm Sunday, Scripture: Luke 19:28-19:40, Series: Luke Sun, 16 Aug 2015 05:43:26 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 3040 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470543/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelordsprayer/id/2418792.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470543 Scripture: Luke 11:2-11:4, Series: Luke Sun, 09 Aug 2015 05:09:07 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 1426 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470540/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_paulbeforeagripa/id/2418787.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470540 Scripture: Acts 26:1-26:29 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 05:01:35 +0000 Shine Thomas Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Shine Thomas 2493 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470538/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themission/id/2418786.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470538 The Mission Sun, 19 Jul 2015 04:56:34 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 2851 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470535/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwins/id/2418783.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20470535 God Wins Sun, 12 Jul 2015 02:17:58 +0000 Tim Dunham The Disciples still had visions of Jesus entering Jerusalem and setting up His earthly rule, defeating the Romans, and creating a new Israel. We know that the Disciples also had aspirations to the positions they would hold in this Kingdom as they would rule alongside Jesus! But, that was never Jesus’ plan and as they draw near to Jerusalem, He tells this parable to explain how the future will unfold. He must go to a far away place to receive His kingship, and He will be gone for a long time. But, Jesus is leaving them with a task to work on while He is away - a task that will determine the positions they hold in the kingdom when He does return. Faithfulness in the relatively small responsibilities He gives them now, will result in much more significant responsibilities in the coming Kingdom. But, not all will be a part of His rule, or even His kingdom. There are those who reject His rule altogether - He will judge and destroy these on His return. There are also those, who claim to be servants, disciples, but their failure to do anything with the treasure entrusted to them, is proof that they do not have true faith. In the end, they too will be rejected by the King. The Disciples still had visions of Jesus entering Jerusalem and setting up His earthly rule, defeating the Romans, and creating a new Israel. We know that the Disciples also had aspirations to the positions they would hold in this Kingdom as they would rule alongside Jesus! But, that was never Jesus’ plan and as they draw near to Jerusalem, He tells this parable to explain how the future will unfold. He must go to a far away place to receive His kingship, and He will be gone for a long time. But, Jesus is leaving them with a task to work on while He is away - a task that will determine the positions they hold in the kingdom when He does return. Faithfulness in the relatively small responsibilities He gives them now, will result in much more significant responsibilities in the coming Kingdom. But, not all will be a part of His rule, or even His kingdom. There are those who reject His rule altogether - He will judge and destroy these on His return. There are also those, who claim to be servants, disciples, but their failure to do anything with the treasure entrusted to them, is proof that they do not have true faith. In the end, they too will be rejected by the King. The Disciples still had visions of Jesus entering Jerusalem and setting up His earthly rule, defeating the Romans, and creating a new Israel. We know that the Disciples also had aspirations to the positions they would hold in this Kingdom as they would… Tim Dunham 2828 https://ccf.sermon.net/20450019/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthemeanttime/id/2399648.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20450019 Return, Judgment, Reward, Holiness, Scripture: Luke 19:11-19:27, Series: Luke Sun, 05 Jul 2015 02:29:19 +0000 Tim Dunham Why has Jesus come - what is His mission in the world? Zacchaeus wants to know who is Jesus. Zack had no agenda to prove how close he was to salvation, or for Jesus to confirm his goodness like the rich ruler. He was seeking simply to get some idea, or notion about who this Jesus was, and what He was about? He wanted to know “Who he is.” Jesus makes it clear that who He is, is the savior of the world who has come to seek and to save the lost. It is actually Jesus who is seeking Zacchaeus. Jesus reveals Himself to Zack far beyond his expectations. Indeed, no one can know who Jesus is, without Jesus revealing Himself to us. He reveals Himself to Zacchaeus calling him by name, choosing to talk with him and spend time with him, even going to his house for the night. Jesus seek a personal relationship with him. He reveals Himself to be gracious, accepting and thus forgiving a sinner. He reveals that He is more concerned about Zacchaeus than public opinion or meeting the crowds expectations. He shows Himself to be one who has life changing power, the power to save and transform. Because that is His mission - It was really Jesus who was seeking Zacchaeus, not the other way around, and that encounter brought forgiveness, changed values, and joy to Zacchaeus. Why has Jesus come - what is His mission in the world? Zacchaeus wants to know who is Jesus. Zack had no agenda to prove how close he was to salvation, or for Jesus to confirm his goodness like the rich ruler. He was seeking simply to get some idea, or notion about who this Jesus was, and what He was about? He wanted to know “Who he is.” Jesus makes it clear that who He is, is the savior of the world who has come to seek and to save the lost. It is actually Jesus who is seeking Zacchaeus. Jesus reveals Himself to Zack far beyond his expectations. Indeed, no one can know who Jesus is, without Jesus revealing Himself to us. He reveals Himself to Zacchaeus calling him by name, choosing to talk with him and spend time with him, even going to his house for the night. Jesus seek a personal relationship with him. He reveals Himself to be gracious, accepting and thus forgiving a sinner. He reveals that He is more concerned about Zacchaeus than public opinion or meeting the crowds expectations. He shows Himself to be one who has life changing power, the power to save and transform. Because that is His mission - It was really Jesus who was seeking Zacchaeus, not the other way around, and that encounter brought forgiveness, changed values, and joy to Zacchaeus. Why has Jesus come - what is His mission in the world? Zacchaeus wants to know who is Jesus. Zack had no agenda to prove how close he was to salvation, or for Jesus to confirm his goodness like the rich ruler. He was seeking simply to get some idea, or… Tim Dunham 2305 https://ccf.sermon.net/20450023/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doingtheimpossible/id/2399652.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20450023 Gospel, Purpose, Mission, Scripture: Luke 19:1-19:10, Series: Luke Sun, 28 Jun 2015 02:42:33 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the major themes in Luke is that we are sick, and it is only those who realize they are sick can find help. To put it another way, we are all blind, but only those who SEE that they are blind can ever truly see. We all have varying degrees of spiritual blindness - the greatest danger is being blind to our blindness! One of the major themes in Luke is that we are sick, and it is only those who realize they are sick can find help. To put it another way, we are all blind, but only those who SEE that they are blind can ever truly see. We all have varying degrees of spiritual blindness - the greatest danger is being blind to our blindness! One of the major themes in Luke is that we are sick, and it is only those who realize they are sick can find help. To put it another way, we are all blind, but only those who SEE that they are blind can ever truly see. We all have varying degrees of sp… Tim Dunham 2634 https://ccf.sermon.net/20430546/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blind/id/2382159.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20430546 Faith, Messiah, Scripture: Luke 18:35-18:43, Series: Luke Sun, 21 Jun 2015 03:02:17 +0000 Tim Dunham For many Christians there is a huge gap, even a gulf, between the Old and New Testaments. Apart from a few specific prophecies that seem to point to Jesus, the story of the OT can seem so foreign and detached from the story of the NT. But Jesus claims to be the end goal, the final completion of all that is written in the OT? So, How is he the great turning point in history? In what way and by what means does Jesus bring the journey of the OT story to its final goal and purpose? For many Christians there is a huge gap, even a gulf, between the Old and New Testaments. Apart from a few specific prophecies that seem to point to Jesus, the story of the OT can seem so foreign and detached from the story of the NT. But Jesus claims to be the end goal, the final completion of all that is written in the OT? So, How is he the great turning point in history? In what way and by what means does Jesus bring the journey of the OT story to its final goal and purpose? For many Christians there is a huge gap, even a gulf, between the Old and New Testaments. Apart from a few specific prophecies that seem to point to Jesus, the story of the OT can seem so foreign and detached from the story of the NT. But Jesus claims … Tim Dunham 2700 https://ccf.sermon.net/20430567/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumilityofthecross/id/2382175.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20430567 Gospel, Cross, Old Testament, Scripture: Luke 18:31-18:34, Series: Humility Sun, 14 Jun 2015 08:03:05 +0000 Tim Dunham Who can be saved? If God alone is good, and we cannot let go of the idols that grip our heart and hold us captive in their power; If we are all, at heart, in defiance of God's Lordship and rule over our life, in spite of our most valiant efforts at religious devotion; then who can be saved? No one can be saved if it is up to us, but praise God, it is not up to us! God saves us by His power and grace - through the Cross (as Jesus prediction in the next passage points to). Because of His great saving work in our life we are able to humbly surrender our lives to His Lordship, to give up our idols, and let go of the things that hold us captive, and truly follow Him. He gives us a capacity to trust Him and His promises, so that we can walk in obedience, confident that He will grant us the very treasures of heaven. We can leave all, giving up all for His sake, knowing He will repay us many times over for our faithful obedience. Who can be saved? If God alone is good, and we cannot let go of the idols that grip our heart and hold us captive in their power; If we are all, at heart, in defiance of God's Lordship and rule over our life, in spite of our most valiant efforts at religious devotion; then who can be saved? No one can be saved if it is up to us, but praise God, it is not up to us! God saves us by His power and grace - through the Cross (as Jesus prediction in the next passage points to). Because of His great saving work in our life we are able to humbly surrender our lives to His Lordship, to give up our idols, and let go of the things that hold us captive, and truly follow Him. He gives us a capacity to trust Him and His promises, so that we can walk in obedience, confident that He will grant us the very treasures of heaven. We can leave all, giving up all for His sake, knowing He will repay us many times over for our faithful obedience. Who can be saved? If God alone is good, and we cannot let go of the idols that grip our heart and hold us captive in their power; If we are all, at heart, in defiance of God's Lordship and rule over our life, in spite of our most valiant efforts at rel… Tim Dunham 2475 https://ccf.sermon.net/20421237/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumilityofgivingup/id/2373621.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20421237 Gospel, Trust, Obedience , Scripture: Luke 18:18-18:30, Series: Humility Sun, 31 May 2015 08:13:18 +0000 Tim Dunham What kind of attitude is required to be right before God? It requires a humility that is able to see, and be completely honest about the true condition of our heart before God - That we are wicked in His sight, That we are ashamed and sorrowful for our rebellion and rejection of Him, That we acknowledge there is nothing we can do to make things right, only by His grace can He restore us to a right relationships. It is a fact of human nature that we love to compare ourselves with others. The point of this exercise is to exalt ourselves - to create the impression in our own mind that we are superior to others. This habit of human existence is motivated by our pride, our need to be "somebody" or to "make something of our self." In order for this to work, we need to find people who are less than us, and who we can look down on in some way or another. We create categories and classes of people who are not as good as us for any number of reasons, and then we hold ourselves up against this "worthless" class of people and proclaim how wonderful we are! What kind of attitude is required to be right before God? It requires a humility that is able to see, and be completely honest about the true condition of our heart before God - That we are wicked in His sight, That we are ashamed and sorrowful for our rebellion and rejection of Him, That we acknowledge there is nothing we can do to make things right, only by His grace can He restore us to a right relationships. It is a fact of human nature that we love to compare ourselves with others. The point of this exercise is to exalt ourselves - to create the impression in our own mind that we are superior to others. This habit of human existence is motivated by our pride, our need to be "somebody" or to "make something of our self." In order for this to work, we need to find people who are less than us, and who we can look down on in some way or another. We create categories and classes of people who are not as good as us for any number of reasons, and then we hold ourselves up against this "worthless" class of people and proclaim how wonderful we are! What kind of attitude is required to be right before God? It requires a humility that is able to see, and be completely honest about the true condition of our heart before God - That we are wicked in His sight, That we are ashamed and sorrowful for ou… Tim Dunham 2588 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414339/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumilityofconfession/id/2366958.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414339 Sin, confession, Scripture: Luke 18:9-18:14, Series: Humility Sun, 24 May 2015 08:40:44 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 1799 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414337/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_srsunday2015/id/2366953.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414337 Sr Sunday 2015 Sun, 17 May 2015 08:41:46 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 2271 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414333/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_wrathorrefuge/id/2366951.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20414333 Wrath or Refuge Sun, 03 May 2015 06:06:11 +0000 Tim Dunham How are we to understand and prepare for the return of Christ? Jesus will return and bring sudden and total judgment upon the world. When He comes there will be no time to prepare, it will be too late for change. So, we must prepare now for His coming judgment. Jesus has been teaching that the Kingdom is now available to those who will seek for it and enter by faith. The Kingdom comes with the King - Jesus. He is establishing His rule over the lives of the faithful through the redeeming and life transforming work of the cross. Jesus had to suffer and die, but He also rose again, ascended to the place of supreme authority at the right hand of God, and He will return one day to conquer and subdue every enemy in every place. Jesus warns his followers that when the day comes they will not miss it! It will be a day of great judgment as He deals fully and finally with every created being. He will separate those who acknowledge Him as king, from those who do not. Many will not be prepared for that day, because they are careless and unconcerned about anything but their own self-centered lives and activity. How are we to understand and prepare for the return of Christ? Jesus will return and bring sudden and total judgment upon the world. When He comes there will be no time to prepare, it will be too late for change. So, we must prepare now for His coming judgment. Jesus has been teaching that the Kingdom is now available to those who will seek for it and enter by faith. The Kingdom comes with the King - Jesus. He is establishing His rule over the lives of the faithful through the redeeming and life transforming work of the cross. Jesus had to suffer and die, but He also rose again, ascended to the place of supreme authority at the right hand of God, and He will return one day to conquer and subdue every enemy in every place. Jesus warns his followers that when the day comes they will not miss it! It will be a day of great judgment as He deals fully and finally with every created being. He will separate those who acknowledge Him as king, from those who do not. Many will not be prepared for that day, because they are careless and unconcerned about anything but their own self-centered lives and activity. How are we to understand and prepare for the return of Christ? Jesus will return and bring sudden and total judgment upon the world. When He comes there will be no time to prepare, it will be too late for change. So, we must prepare now for His coming … Tim Dunham 2456 https://ccf.sermon.net/20387508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_waitingpart2/id/2341583.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20387508 Second Coming, Judgment, Surrender , Scripture: Luke 18:22-18:37, Series: Luke Sun, 26 Apr 2015 08:45:28 +0000 Tim Dunham The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God through Christ. The Kingdom of God in place at creation, was overthrown at the fall. Jesus reclaimed His reign and established the Kingdom by overcoming the challenge to His rule through His suffering on the cross. Thus, all who come to Christ in faith enter into life in the Kingdom, as we are set free from the Kingdom of Darkness, and are made us citizens of the Kingdom where we live in under His rule and authority. We are restored to life in the Garden where we walk and live in His presence through Christ. The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God through Christ. The Kingdom of God in place at creation, was overthrown at the fall. Jesus reclaimed His reign and established the Kingdom by overcoming the challenge to His rule through His suffering on the cross. Thus, all who come to Christ in faith enter into life in the Kingdom, as we are set free from the Kingdom of Darkness, and are made us citizens of the Kingdom where we live in under His rule and authority. We are restored to life in the Garden where we walk and live in His presence through Christ. The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God through Christ. The Kingdom of God in place at creation, was overthrown at the fall. Jesus reclaimed His reign and established the Kingdom by overcoming the challenge to His rule through His suffering on … Tim Dunham 1977 https://ccf.sermon.net/20381466/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_waiting/id/2336172.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20381466 Kingdom, Lordship, Suffering, Scripture: Luke 17:20-17:25, Series: Luke Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:58:13 +0000 Tim Dunham God offers His grace and kindness to all, but not all receive the full benefit of eternal salvation. What sets apart the one who is truly saved? It is not enough to have general faith in God, or even a supernatural experience. Saving faith is a faith that brings us to a personal encounter with Jesus. One who knows they are in desperate need of God’s mercy, and seeks God’s help through Jesus. THis kind of faith is evident by a life that worships God and is centered in Christ. Out of the ten lepers, in was only the Samaritan who understood that it was God who who healed him through Jesus, and he was not content go on with life healed, but not whole. He had a faith that brought him back to a deeper encounter with Christ, demonstrating that he had a deeper and more permanent kind of faith - a faith that not only healed but saved! God offers His grace and kindness to all, but not all receive the full benefit of eternal salvation. What sets apart the one who is truly saved? It is not enough to have general faith in God, or even a supernatural experience. Saving faith is a faith that brings us to a personal encounter with Jesus. One who knows they are in desperate need of God’s mercy, and seeks God’s help through Jesus. THis kind of faith is evident by a life that worships God and is centered in Christ. Out of the ten lepers, in was only the Samaritan who understood that it was God who who healed him through Jesus, and he was not content go on with life healed, but not whole. He had a faith that brought him back to a deeper encounter with Christ, demonstrating that he had a deeper and more permanent kind of faith - a faith that not only healed but saved! God offers His grace and kindness to all, but not all receive the full benefit of eternal salvation. What sets apart the one who is truly saved? It is not enough to have general faith in God, or even a supernatural experience. Saving faith is a faith t… Tim Dunham 2661 https://ccf.sermon.net/20375554/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_savingfaith/id/2331025.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20375554 Faith, Gospel, salvation, Scripture: Luke 17:11-17:19, Series: Luke Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:02:09 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of faith. There are very real threats to the life faith - temptations that can not only lead us into sin, but can shipwreck our faith. Woe to the person, who is the result of another turning away from the faith. This pressure exists from outside the Church, but we must also be on our guard against false teaching within the Church - teaching that can turn a person away from true faith. Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of faith. There are very real threats to the life faith - temptations that can not only lead us into sin, but can shipwreck our faith. Woe to the person, who is the result of another turning away from the faith. This pressure exists from outside the Church, but we must also be on our guard against false teaching within the Church - teaching that can turn a person away from true faith. Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of fait… Tim Dunham 2806 https://ccf.sermon.net/20375510/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_atreeonthesea/id/2331006.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20375510 Faith, forgiveness, Scripture: Luke 17:1-17:10, Series: Luke Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:02:09 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of faith. There are very real threats to the life faith - temptations that can not only lead us into sin, but can shipwreck our faith. Woe to the person, who is the result of another turning away from the faith. This pressure exists from outside the Church, but we must also be on our guard against false teaching within the Church - teaching that can turn a person away from true faith. Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of faith. There are very real threats to the life faith - temptations that can not only lead us into sin, but can shipwreck our faith. Woe to the person, who is the result of another turning away from the faith. This pressure exists from outside the Church, but we must also be on our guard against false teaching within the Church - teaching that can turn a person away from true faith. Jesus returns to instructing His Disciples about how they are to conduct themselves as His followers. The emphasis in this passage is specifically about their responsibility to help each other walk and grow in holiness, purity, and the exercise of fait… Tim Dunham https://ccf.sermon.net/20375510/controller/link/action/podcast/type/pdf_atreeonthesea/id/296799 https://ccf.sermon.net/20375510 Faith, forgiveness, Scripture: Luke 17:1-17:10, Series: Luke Sun, 29 Mar 2015 05:19:33 +0000 Tim Dunham Life has it’s dark times. It’s not so hard to trust God when all is well, but in the dark times, the life of faith can be seriously tested. We may wonder if God has forgotten all about us, or we may doubt His very love and goodness. But, this is not only a problem when we are facing trials and great difficulties. The truth is that the future is always a black hole of darkness. It is completely uncertain and unknown. Even when life is going well today, who knows what tomorrow will bring! Life has it’s dark times. It’s not so hard to trust God when all is well, but in the dark times, the life of faith can be seriously tested. We may wonder if God has forgotten all about us, or we may doubt His very love and goodness. But, this is not only a problem when we are facing trials and great difficulties. The truth is that the future is always a black hole of darkness. It is completely uncertain and unknown. Even when life is going well today, who knows what tomorrow will bring! Life has it’s dark times. It’s not so hard to trust God when all is well, but in the dark times, the life of faith can be seriously tested. We may wonder if God has forgotten all about us, or we may doubt His very love and goodness. But, this is not on… Tim Dunham 2502 https://ccf.sermon.net/20357246/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_darktimes/id/2314254.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20357246 Palm Sunday, Trials, Suffering, Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-50:11, Series: Easter Sun, 22 Mar 2015 05:38:34 +0000 Tim Dunham When it comes down to it, what lands one person in heaven and another in hell? Aside from the issues of God's election and His Sovereign work to bring us to Himself, how can a person who knows the Bible and appears to be a good person, end up in hell for all eternity? Jesus teaches here that our eternal destiny is determined by what we do with the the revelation of His Word. But it's not enough to simply regard the Scripture as important or even sacred, it must transform our life by bringing us to a place of true repentance and a genuinely changed life. This change will be evident by the way we treat others, and use the riches God has blessed us with to show compassion to those in need. Of course, helping the poor, by itself is not a sign of repentance, since this can be a means of justifying ourselves rather than bringing us to true repentance. Much like the Pharisees, who thought they were serious about Scripture, but they used the law to “justify” themselves. Instead, we are to view our life honestly under the scrutiny of God’s revelation to show us how far we fall short of His character and perfect moral standard. Only then can we come to a place of true repentance, where we turn from sin and seek His mercy to forgive our sins and transform our life. When it comes down to it, what lands one person in heaven and another in hell? Aside from the issues of God's election and His Sovereign work to bring us to Himself, how can a person who knows the Bible and appears to be a good person, end up in hell for all eternity? Jesus teaches here that our eternal destiny is determined by what we do with the the revelation of His Word. But it's not enough to simply regard the Scripture as important or even sacred, it must transform our life by bringing us to a place of true repentance and a genuinely changed life. This change will be evident by the way we treat others, and use the riches God has blessed us with to show compassion to those in need. Of course, helping the poor, by itself is not a sign of repentance, since this can be a means of justifying ourselves rather than bringing us to true repentance. Much like the Pharisees, who thought they were serious about Scripture, but they used the law to “justify” themselves. Instead, we are to view our life honestly under the scrutiny of God’s revelation to show us how far we fall short of His character and perfect moral standard. Only then can we come to a place of true repentance, where we turn from sin and seek His mercy to forgive our sins and transform our life. When it comes down to it, what lands one person in heaven and another in hell? Aside from the issues of God's election and His Sovereign work to bring us to Himself, how can a person who knows the Bible and appears to be a good person, end up in hell f… Tim Dunham 2645 https://ccf.sermon.net/20351569/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hearingmoses/id/2308929.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20351569 Scripture, Repentance , Scripture: Luke 16:19-16:31, Series: Worldly Wealth Sun, 15 Mar 2015 05:47:47 +0000 Tim Dunham What is the connection between the Law and the Gospel? Now that the Kingdom has come and we live in the age of grace, what place does the Law have in our life? The Pharisees held to the most strict adherence to the law, and yet they were so far from the truth - it seems that there is little value in the commandments. So, what do we do with the Law as when we live by grace? What is the connection between the Law and the Gospel? Now that the Kingdom has come and we live in the age of grace, what place does the Law have in our life? The Pharisees held to the most strict adherence to the law, and yet they were so far from the truth - it seems that there is little value in the commandments. So, what do we do with the Law as when we live by grace? What is the connection between the Law and the Gospel? Now that the Kingdom has come and we live in the age of grace, what place does the Law have in our life? The Pharisees held to the most strict adherence to the law, and yet they were so far from th… Tim Dunham 2529 https://ccf.sermon.net/20351572/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thelawandthegospel/id/2308930.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20351572 Cross, Kingdom, Scripture: Luke 16:13-16:18, Series: Worldly Wealth Sun, 01 Mar 2015 05:17:13 +0000 Tim Dunham The love, grace, and fatherly compassion of God are truly remarkable toward His children! He loves us, just like He loves Jesus, as dearly loved sons - a love that defines our relationship with Him and reveals volumes about His very nature and character. The main point of this story is that all of heaven - all who are His friends and family, are to join in the joy of heaven at the outworking of His great work of seeking and saving that which is lost to Him! If we are truly His children, then our life should be one of great celebration and rejoicing in the outworking of His redemptive purpose in our life and in the world. If we are not learning to share in His joy, then we must conclude, there is something wrong with us! The love, grace, and fatherly compassion of God are truly remarkable toward His children! He loves us, just like He loves Jesus, as dearly loved sons - a love that defines our relationship with Him and reveals volumes about His very nature and character. The main point of this story is that all of heaven - all who are His friends and family, are to join in the joy of heaven at the outworking of His great work of seeking and saving that which is lost to Him! If we are truly His children, then our life should be one of great celebration and rejoicing in the outworking of His redemptive purpose in our life and in the world. If we are not learning to share in His joy, then we must conclude, there is something wrong with us! The love, grace, and fatherly compassion of God are truly remarkable toward His children! He loves us, just like He loves Jesus, as dearly loved sons - a love that defines our relationship with Him and reveals volumes about His very nature and characte… Tim Dunham 2522 https://ccf.sermon.net/20333425/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyofheaven/id/2291830.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20333425 Joy, Grace, Scripture: Luke 15:1-15:32, Series: Luke Sun, 22 Feb 2015 05:53:13 +0000 Tim Dunham What will really change us, so that we are no longer either Prodigals, not Elder brothers, but true sons? It is only as we learn to continually celebrate God's grace and mercy that we really will change the destructive patterns of our life and learn to live as true sons. True sons are those who: turn to God alone to meet our needs - trusting in Him and His perfect love to care for us; live with the right balance of the past - we were dead/lost, and the present - but we are alive/found; understand that it is grace and the abundant love of God that seeks the lost and pays the price to return them as sons. Coming back to grace requires that we see ourselves as found, reminding us that we were lost, and that we can easily wander off, as we sometimes do. It reminds us of the high cost of our rebellion - not to us, but to our Father and to Jesus. It reminds us that if God would sacrifice so much to restore us to Him we can certainly trust Him for our life and happiness instead of turning to other things to meet our needs. It prevents us from thinking we are good enough to do it without His help or provision. It anchors us in a humility that keeps us from self-righteousness and self-condemnation. When I am feeling judgmental, critical of others, feeling cheated because I am not getting what I "deserve", grace brings us back to the truth - that we are unworthy of everything and it is all by His love and kindness! What will really change us, so that we are no longer either Prodigals, not Elder brothers, but true sons? It is only as we learn to continually celebrate God's grace and mercy that we really will change the destructive patterns of our life and learn to live as true sons. True sons are those who: turn to God alone to meet our needs - trusting in Him and His perfect love to care for us; live with the right balance of the past - we were dead/lost, and the present - but we are alive/found; understand that it is grace and the abundant love of God that seeks the lost and pays the price to return them as sons. Coming back to grace requires that we see ourselves as found, reminding us that we were lost, and that we can easily wander off, as we sometimes do. It reminds us of the high cost of our rebellion - not to us, but to our Father and to Jesus. It reminds us that if God would sacrifice so much to restore us to Him we can certainly trust Him for our life and happiness instead of turning to other things to meet our needs. It prevents us from thinking we are good enough to do it without His help or provision. It anchors us in a humility that keeps us from self-righteousness and self-condemnation. When I am feeling judgmental, critical of others, feeling cheated because I am not getting what I "deserve", grace brings us back to the truth - that we are unworthy of everything and it is all by His love and kindness! What will really change us, so that we are no longer either Prodigals, not Elder brothers, but true sons? It is only as we learn to continually celebrate God's grace and mercy that we really will change the destructive patterns of our life and learn to… Tim Dunham 2656 https://ccf.sermon.net/20330110/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_truesons/id/2288658.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20330110 Grace, Mercy, Need, Scripture: Luke 15:11-15:32, Series: Luke Sun, 08 Feb 2015 09:20:45 +0000 Tim Dunham No one is truly good before a perfect and holy God. So, all humanity is lost. But they are not just lost - they are lost to Him! We have wandered away, far from Him. But, we are of great worth and value to God. He will go to great length to 'find' the lost and bring them home! And when He is able to bring back what was lost, there is great joy and rejoicing, a joy that God intends to share with those who are His friends. When even one soul repents and draws near to God, there is great rejoicing in heaven! No one is truly good before a perfect and holy God. So, all humanity is lost. But they are not just lost - they are lost to Him! We have wandered away, far from Him. But, we are of great worth and value to God. He will go to great length to 'find' the lost and bring them home! And when He is able to bring back what was lost, there is great joy and rejoicing, a joy that God intends to share with those who are His friends. When even one soul repents and draws near to God, there is great rejoicing in heaven! No one is truly good before a perfect and holy God. So, all humanity is lost. But they are not just lost - they are lost to Him! We have wandered away, far from Him. But, we are of great worth and value to God. He will go to great length to 'find' the … Tim Dunham 2489 https://ccf.sermon.net/20317906/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegoodthebadandthelost/id/2277370.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20317906 Identity, failure, Grace, joy, Scripture: Luke 15:1-15:10, Series: Luke Sun, 01 Feb 2015 05:41:53 +0000 Tim Dunham What does a Christ follower look like? What is a Disciple? A disciple is one who is following Jesus. Jesus teaches that following Him and being saved by Him are one in the same thing. If salvation is a free gift, how can following Him be a condition or requirement of salvation? While there is nothing we can Do to be saved, there are plenty of things that would prevent us from turning to Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. Here Jesus makes the point that a disciple is one who has considered carefully their prospects at success, peace, and significance, and has found that these are far beyond their reach. They know they do not possess the resources or power in themselves, but they are convinced these are available through Christ! They have "counted the cost" and, having found themselves woefully short, they gladly forsake everything and willingly embrace pain, suffering, and even death in order to follow Jesus and achieve life as it was intended to be. They will let nothing in this world, prevent them from following Jesus, because they know their life will be failure, defeat, and worthless without Him! But, they will find great success, peace, and significance in Him What does a Christ follower look like? What is a Disciple? A disciple is one who is following Jesus. Jesus teaches that following Him and being saved by Him are one in the same thing. If salvation is a free gift, how can following Him be a condition or requirement of salvation? While there is nothing we can Do to be saved, there are plenty of things that would prevent us from turning to Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. Here Jesus makes the point that a disciple is one who has considered carefully their prospects at success, peace, and significance, and has found that these are far beyond their reach. They know they do not possess the resources or power in themselves, but they are convinced these are available through Christ! They have "counted the cost" and, having found themselves woefully short, they gladly forsake everything and willingly embrace pain, suffering, and even death in order to follow Jesus and achieve life as it was intended to be. They will let nothing in this world, prevent them from following Jesus, because they know their life will be failure, defeat, and worthless without Him! But, they will find great success, peace, and significance in Him What does a Christ follower look like? What is a Disciple? A disciple is one who is following Jesus. Jesus teaches that following Him and being saved by Him are one in the same thing. If salvation is a free gift, how can following Him be a condition or… Tim Dunham 2567 https://ccf.sermon.net/20309512/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_disciples/id/2269225.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20309512 Discipleship, Lordship, Salvation, Scripture: Luke 14:25-14:35, Series: Luke Sun, 25 Jan 2015 05:32:22 +0000 Tim Dunham Who will eat at the great Banquet in the Kingdom of God? To the Jews the banquet is a picture of the final state of salvation, the fulfillment of all God's promises of eternal life. It was what they all hoped for at the resurrection of the dead - to be welcomed to the Banquet table in the Kingdom. They were confident they would sit at that table - as they were certainly the kind of person that God will welcome to His feast. But Jesus teaches that it is in fact going to be the outcasts and the outsiders, who will sit at that table - the poor, the crippled, the foreigner (Gentile), because they are refusing the Banquet that is set before them even now. What they thought they wanted from afar off, is not of interest to them when they see it up close and personal. The Kingdom HAS come in Christ - but the things of this world are far too important to them, and they will not turn away from these, in order to come to the banquet. Not only are they to pre-occupied with the world to enter the Kingdom, but they are hostile toward it. Their refusal to come is public disgrace to the one who invited them. They are of "one mind" to make sure the banquet does not take place. If no one comes, then there can be no feast - so they think. But, God's plans will not be stopped. If the invited guests will not come, He will bring in the outcasts and Gentiles. Who will eat at the great Banquet in the Kingdom of God? To the Jews the banquet is a picture of the final state of salvation, the fulfillment of all God's promises of eternal life. It was what they all hoped for at the resurrection of the dead - to be welcomed to the Banquet table in the Kingdom. They were confident they would sit at that table - as they were certainly the kind of person that God will welcome to His feast. But Jesus teaches that it is in fact going to be the outcasts and the outsiders, who will sit at that table - the poor, the crippled, the foreigner (Gentile), because they are refusing the Banquet that is set before them even now. What they thought they wanted from afar off, is not of interest to them when they see it up close and personal. The Kingdom HAS come in Christ - but the things of this world are far too important to them, and they will not turn away from these, in order to come to the banquet. Not only are they to pre-occupied with the world to enter the Kingdom, but they are hostile toward it. Their refusal to come is public disgrace to the one who invited them. They are of "one mind" to make sure the banquet does not take place. If no one comes, then there can be no feast - so they think. But, God's plans will not be stopped. If the invited guests will not come, He will bring in the outcasts and Gentiles. Who will eat at the great Banquet in the Kingdom of God? To the Jews the banquet is a picture of the final state of salvation, the fulfillment of all God's promises of eternal life. It was what they all hoped for at the resurrection of the dead - to be… Tim Dunham 2501 https://ccf.sermon.net/20309508/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatbanquet/id/2269220.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20309508 Kingdom, Salvation, Scripture: Luke 14:15-14:24, Series: Luke Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:31:04 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2323 https://ccf.sermon.net/20295348/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_paymentiscoming/id/2257382.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20295348 reward, Scripture: Luke 14:1-14:14, Series: Luke Sun, 11 Jan 2015 04:55:32 +0000 Tim Dunham Why can't everyone be saved? Salvation is available to all, but only some will make it into the kingdom. Jesus here gives three reasons why many will not make it: 1) there is only one way to be saved - through Him, 2) the door of opportunity does not last forever, and 3) if people rejected God's loving offer of Jesus as God's way of salvation, they will be lost forever. Why can't everyone be saved? Salvation is available to all, but only some will make it into the kingdom. Jesus here gives three reasons why many will not make it: 1) there is only one way to be saved - through Him, 2) the door of opportunity does not last forever, and 3) if people rejected God's loving offer of Jesus as God's way of salvation, they will be lost forever. Why can't everyone be saved? Salvation is available to all, but only some will make it into the kingdom. Jesus here gives three reasons why many will not make it: 1) there is only one way to be saved - through Him, 2) the door of opportunity does not l… Tim Dunham 2841 https://ccf.sermon.net/20289380/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thenarrowdoor/id/2251846.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20289380 Gospel, Salvation, Hell, Scripture: Luke 13:22-13:35, Series: Luke Sun, 04 Jan 2015 10:02:55 +0000 Tim Dunham Elijah was a man who was no different from any of us in his nature (human and fallen), but he was also a righteous man who had great power and effectiveness in prayer. It is clear that God listened to the prayers of Elijah, because Elijah listened to the voice of God! Thus, the ability to pray with great power, is the result of a life that is fully tuned in and responsive to the voice of God. A life of listening to God comes with the practice of certain habits that make up a lifestyle of prayerfulness. We will have great power and effectiveness in prayer as we practice these key disciplines that help us hear God, respond with obedience, and grow in faith. Out of this kind of life will grow the confidence, faith, and power to pray with great effect - to pray so that God hears us and does what we ask Elijah was a man who was no different from any of us in his nature (human and fallen), but he was also a righteous man who had great power and effectiveness in prayer. It is clear that God listened to the prayers of Elijah, because Elijah listened to the voice of God! Thus, the ability to pray with great power, is the result of a life that is fully tuned in and responsive to the voice of God. A life of listening to God comes with the practice of certain habits that make up a lifestyle of prayerfulness. We will have great power and effectiveness in prayer as we practice these key disciplines that help us hear God, respond with obedience, and grow in faith. Out of this kind of life will grow the confidence, faith, and power to pray with great effect - to pray so that God hears us and does what we ask Elijah was a man who was no different from any of us in his nature (human and fallen), but he was also a righteous man who had great power and effectiveness in prayer. It is clear that God listened to the prayers of Elijah, because Elijah listened to t… Tim Dunham 2460 https://ccf.sermon.net/20285055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_newyearsresolvepart2/id/2247876.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20285055 Prayer, Meditation, Habits, Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-17:18, Series: Prayer Sun, 28 Dec 2014 06:09:19 +0000 Tim Dunham How can we become people who have great power in the outworking of our prayers? The power to restore the sick and to bring forgiveness to the sinner? We will have great power and effectiveness in prayer when we learn to pray like Elijah. He was a man who was no different from any of us in his nature, but he was in constant conversation with God, and out of that conversation God revealed His will and purpose. That does not mean we are effective in prayer simply because we prayed for what he knew God was already going to do. God worked out His purpose through the fervent prayers of Elijah. As one who stood in the presence of God, Elijah became an agent for God's power on earth. It was by Elijah's word and faith, that God worked. How can we become people who have great power in the outworking of our prayers? The power to restore the sick and to bring forgiveness to the sinner? We will have great power and effectiveness in prayer when we learn to pray like Elijah. He was a man who was no different from any of us in his nature, but he was in constant conversation with God, and out of that conversation God revealed His will and purpose. That does not mean we are effective in prayer simply because we prayed for what he knew God was already going to do. God worked out His purpose through the fervent prayers of Elijah. As one who stood in the presence of God, Elijah became an agent for God's power on earth. It was by Elijah's word and faith, that God worked. How can we become people who have great power in the outworking of our prayers? The power to restore the sick and to bring forgiveness to the sinner? We will have great power and effectiveness in prayer when we learn to pray like Elijah. He was a man w… Tim Dunham 2588 https://ccf.sermon.net/20278129/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_newyearsresolve/id/2241027.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20278129 Prayer, Goals, Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-17, Series: Prayer Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:53:50 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2296 https://ccf.sermon.net/20278125/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwithusimmanuel/id/2241020.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20278125 Christmas, Incarnation, Jesus Birth, Scripture: Matthew 1:18-1:25, Series: Christmas Sun, 14 Dec 2014 04:39:43 +0000 Tim Dunham Where do we turn when life gets difficult? We may face obstacles, problems, and sometimes even impossible situations where it seems there is no way out. What do we do when it seems there are no good answers, or the way out seems impossible? We know we are supposed to trust in God, but it is often much easier to trust in other, more tangible sources of help. We can trust in God's power and promises to protect and care for us. But, we can turn instead to human solutions and answers. Trusting in God brings peace and joy, but trusting in human solutions ends in disaster. Where do we turn when life gets difficult? We may face obstacles, problems, and sometimes even impossible situations where it seems there is no way out. What do we do when it seems there are no good answers, or the way out seems impossible? We know we are supposed to trust in God, but it is often much easier to trust in other, more tangible sources of help. We can trust in God's power and promises to protect and care for us. But, we can turn instead to human solutions and answers. Trusting in God brings peace and joy, but trusting in human solutions ends in disaster. Where do we turn when life gets difficult? We may face obstacles, problems, and sometimes even impossible situations where it seems there is no way out. What do we do when it seems there are no good answers, or the way out seems impossible? We know we … Tim Dunham 2246 https://ccf.sermon.net/20268257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdompeace/id/2231804.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20268257 Christmas, Ahaz, Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-7:17, Series: Christmas Mon, 08 Dec 2014 10:01:15 +0000 Tim Dunham What is the Kingdom of God and what does it matter to my life here and now? We have a hard time understanding what any Kingdom is, much less the kingdom of God! We often think of God's Kingdom in terms of heaven - a place where we will go live some day. But, Jesus gives a much different picture of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is the unexpected work of the Gospel that brings us into God's presence here and now. It touches every part of our life, transforming us by its power, and setting us free from every kind of bondage Satan may have over our life. It is not what people expected - a crushing military power defeating the nations. Instead, Jesus came to conquer Satan and the powers of darkness, paving the way for the nations to dwell in God's presence. The way of the Kingdom is the way of the cross - weakness, defeat, suffering, and serving. It began with Jesus death, but the way of the Kingdom through a cross continues to this day. The Gospel moves forward through humble servants who are willing to sacrifice in a spirit of meekness and serving. The Kingdom is living in the joy of God's presence under His care, protection, and dominion. It is the whole Gospel transforming the whole person to make us fit and holy vessels worthy of the Kingdom. There is no divide between secular and sacred - all that we are becomes truly spiritual as the power of the Cross influences and impacts the whole lump of our human being. What is the Kingdom of God and what does it matter to my life here and now? We have a hard time understanding what any Kingdom is, much less the kingdom of God! We often think of God's Kingdom in terms of heaven - a place where we will go live some day. But, Jesus gives a much different picture of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is the unexpected work of the Gospel that brings us into God's presence here and now. It touches every part of our life, transforming us by its power, and setting us free from every kind of bondage Satan may have over our life. It is not what people expected - a crushing military power defeating the nations. Instead, Jesus came to conquer Satan and the powers of darkness, paving the way for the nations to dwell in God's presence. The way of the Kingdom is the way of the cross - weakness, defeat, suffering, and serving. It began with Jesus death, but the way of the Kingdom through a cross continues to this day. The Gospel moves forward through humble servants who are willing to sacrifice in a spirit of meekness and serving. The Kingdom is living in the joy of God's presence under His care, protection, and dominion. It is the whole Gospel transforming the whole person to make us fit and holy vessels worthy of the Kingdom. There is no divide between secular and sacred - all that we are becomes truly spiritual as the power of the Cross influences and impacts the whole lump of our human being. What is the Kingdom of God and what does it matter to my life here and now? We have a hard time understanding what any Kingdom is, much less the kingdom of God! We often think of God's Kingdom in terms of heaven - a place where we will go live some day… Tim Dunham 2450 https://ccf.sermon.net/20262708/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdomoy/id/2226704.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20262708 Advent, Mustard Seed, Scripture: Luke 13:18-13:21, Series: Luke Sun, 30 Nov 2014 06:39:55 +0000 Tim Dunham What is the appropriate and necessary work of the Kingdom? Luke has been showing at many levels how Jesus is bringing the Kingdom. But, the Kingdom Jesus brings is not the kingdom the religious leaders were looking for. In fact, they are increasingly opposed to Jesus and His ministry. In this passage Jesus demonstrates how the values and resulting ministry of His Kingdom are drastically different than the ministry and values of the religious leaders. Jesus came to set people free from the spiritual bondage that is crippling their lives, through the power of the Cross, with the result that they will truly glorify and worship God. A vivid contrast is seen between the Jesus and the Jewish leaders in the way they each go about doing “Church.” The Jews were all about keeping to a strict liturgy and form that valued prayer and the Word. This sounds good, but the Word and prayer have value only if they impact people’s lives and engage people in worshipping God! Jesus turns the worship service upside down, and steps beyond their view of holding to the rules of the Sabbath. Jesus is not simply trying to irritate the religious leaders! Instead He is demonstrating that the Kingdom of God, and therefore the Church of God, must be a place where broken and hurting people can come to find help and deliverance. Thus, our Sunday worship, and our ministry throughout the week, should be focused on bringing the whole Gospel to bear upon the whole person as every area of life will be impacted by the Gospel. There is no distinction between the secular and the sacred in God's Kingdom, everything in the Kingdom is made holy, set apart for God - all our life, all our work, all our activities, everything about us, will be affected and transformed by the outworking of the Gospel What is the appropriate and necessary work of the Kingdom? Luke has been showing at many levels how Jesus is bringing the Kingdom. But, the Kingdom Jesus brings is not the kingdom the religious leaders were looking for. In fact, they are increasingly opposed to Jesus and His ministry. In this passage Jesus demonstrates how the values and resulting ministry of His Kingdom are drastically different than the ministry and values of the religious leaders. Jesus came to set people free from the spiritual bondage that is crippling their lives, through the power of the Cross, with the result that they will truly glorify and worship God. A vivid contrast is seen between the Jesus and the Jewish leaders in the way they each go about doing “Church.” The Jews were all about keeping to a strict liturgy and form that valued prayer and the Word. This sounds good, but the Word and prayer have value only if they impact people’s lives and engage people in worshipping God! Jesus turns the worship service upside down, and steps beyond their view of holding to the rules of the Sabbath. Jesus is not simply trying to irritate the religious leaders! Instead He is demonstrating that the Kingdom of God, and therefore the Church of God, must be a place where broken and hurting people can come to find help and deliverance. Thus, our Sunday worship, and our ministry throughout the week, should be focused on bringing the whole Gospel to bear upon the whole person as every area of life will be impacted by the Gospel. There is no distinction between the secular and the sacred in God's Kingdom, everything in the Kingdom is made holy, set apart for God - all our life, all our work, all our activities, everything about us, will be affected and transformed by the outworking of the Gospel What is the appropriate and necessary work of the Kingdom? Luke has been showing at many levels how Jesus is bringing the Kingdom. But, the Kingdom Jesus brings is not the kingdom the religious leaders were looking for. In fact, they are increasingly o… Tim Dunham 2587 https://ccf.sermon.net/20256864/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingdomhope/id/2221054.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20256864 Liberation, Free, Healing, Scripture: Luke 13:10-13:21, Series: Luke Sun, 16 Nov 2014 03:08:28 +0000 Tim Dunham How should we live in light of Jesus second coming? We must live in constant anticipation of His return, as if He were to return very soon, so that we will be fully prepared to meet Him face to face, and thus to receive the His commendation and not punishment. We will be prepared because we are expecting Him and live as if we will see Him today. We will be taking care of the flock He has put in our care, not matter how big or small by showing love, kindness, care, and grace to all who are in our charge, by giving them spiritual food to help them grow and mature, and by making disciples of those He has placed under our care. How should we live in light of Jesus second coming? We must live in constant anticipation of His return, as if He were to return very soon, so that we will be fully prepared to meet Him face to face, and thus to receive the His commendation and not punishment. We will be prepared because we are expecting Him and live as if we will see Him today. We will be taking care of the flock He has put in our care, not matter how big or small by showing love, kindness, care, and grace to all who are in our charge, by giving them spiritual food to help them grow and mature, and by making disciples of those He has placed under our care. How should we live in light of Jesus second coming? We must live in constant anticipation of His return, as if He were to return very soon, so that we will be fully prepared to meet Him face to face, and thus to receive the His commendation and not pun… Tim Dunham 2510 https://ccf.sermon.net/20246077/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alwaysready/id/2210615.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20246077 Second Coming, Prepared, Leadership, Scripture: Luke 12:35-12:48, Series: Luke Sun, 09 Nov 2014 04:55:17 +0000 Tim Dunham What should be the main pursuit of our life? Jesus states in Luke 12 that life is not about our material wealth or the comfort of our possessions. He also says that life is not even about survival and meeting our most basic human needs. So, what then is to be the chief pursuit of our life? The driving reason for our existence? Jesus teaches here that the main pursuit of life must be life the Kingdom of God, and the gain of eternal treasures in heaven. The world lives to survive and then beyond to gain wealth and meaning in life by finding self-esteem and fulfilling self-ambition, but that is not the truth about what we created for. God designed us for His glory and for His purpose. He created a Kingdom in which He is the King, but His design was to rule His creation through the ones He created in His image. Sin derailed that design, but Jesus came to bring His redemptive Kingdom to those who believe. What should be the main pursuit of our life? Jesus states in Luke 12 that life is not about our material wealth or the comfort of our possessions. He also says that life is not even about survival and meeting our most basic human needs. So, what then is to be the chief pursuit of our life? The driving reason for our existence? Jesus teaches here that the main pursuit of life must be life the Kingdom of God, and the gain of eternal treasures in heaven. The world lives to survive and then beyond to gain wealth and meaning in life by finding self-esteem and fulfilling self-ambition, but that is not the truth about what we created for. God designed us for His glory and for His purpose. He created a Kingdom in which He is the King, but His design was to rule His creation through the ones He created in His image. Sin derailed that design, but Jesus came to bring His redemptive Kingdom to those who believe. What should be the main pursuit of our life? Jesus states in Luke 12 that life is not about our material wealth or the comfort of our possessions. He also says that life is not even about survival and meeting our most basic human needs. So, what then i… Tim Dunham 2689 https://ccf.sermon.net/20239800/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_troubledwaters3/id/2204707.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20239800 Worry, Kingdom, King, Scripture: Luke 12:22-12:34, Series: Fear and Fear Not Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:34:28 +0000 Tim Dunham There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. The result of anxiety is that it prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. Worry drives us to live to care for our daily needs and comfort, rather than seeking God’s Kingdom. Jesus teaches here that we are not to worry about the basic needs of life, nor make this the chief pursuit of our lives. Instead, we are to trust in God as a loving Father who has the power and the heart to take care of us. Faith is seeing with our spiritual eyes what our physical eyes cannot see – 1) that God will take care of us, 2) that our existence lies in God’s Kingdom not in this world, and 3) that we can be storing up an eternal treasure in heaven by our actions here on earth. There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. The result of anxiety is that it prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. Worry drives us to live to care for our daily needs and comfort, rather than seeking God’s Kingdom. Jesus teaches here that we are not to worry about the basic needs of life, nor make this the chief pursuit of our lives. Instead, we are to trust in God as a loving Father who has the power and the heart to take care of us. Faith is seeing with our spiritual eyes what our physical eyes cannot see – 1) that God will take care of us, 2) that our existence lies in God’s Kingdom not in this world, and 3) that we can be storing up an eternal treasure in heaven by our actions here on earth. There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. The result of anxiety is that it prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. Worry drives us to live to car… Tim Dunham 2729 https://ccf.sermon.net/20232834/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_troubledwaterspart2/id/2198410.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20232834 Faith, Knowledge, Anxiety, Worry, Scripture: Luke 12:22-12:34, Series: Fear and Fear Not Sun, 26 Oct 2014 09:58:56 +0000 Tim Dunham There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. Modern man has worked hard to reduce these threats, and thus our anxiety, by building into our lives layers of security that are intended to safeguard us from risk. But, no matter how hard we try to make life safe, worry is still very much a part of life. We may not worry that we are going to starve to death, but under all the layers that is exactly what we are worried about. So, we seek job security, we buy insurance policies, we form labor unions, we have pension funds and savings accounts. We expect the Government to protection us through programs life Social Welfare, Social Security, and government insurance programs that protect the money we put in the bank (FDIC). Jesus says this may be normal for the world, but it is not to be a part of the life of a disciple. The result of anxiety is that it bogs us down in a quagmire of worry that prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. So, we are not to worry about the basic needs of life. Instead we are to trust in God who is our Father. He has the power and the desire to care for us, and to sustain our life. We must trust God with our life. When we have confident faith in God's loving, complete, and generous care we are able to focus on His will and His kingdom. We can live sacrificially and give generously, pouring our life into those things that are eternal and that resonate with the heart of God. There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. Modern man has worked hard to reduce these threats, and thus our anxiety, by building into our lives layers of security that are intended to safeguard us from risk. But, no matter how hard we try to make life safe, worry is still very much a part of life. We may not worry that we are going to starve to death, but under all the layers that is exactly what we are worried about. So, we seek job security, we buy insurance policies, we form labor unions, we have pension funds and savings accounts. We expect the Government to protection us through programs life Social Welfare, Social Security, and government insurance programs that protect the money we put in the bank (FDIC). Jesus says this may be normal for the world, but it is not to be a part of the life of a disciple. The result of anxiety is that it bogs us down in a quagmire of worry that prevents us from truly following God or doing His will. So, we are not to worry about the basic needs of life. Instead we are to trust in God who is our Father. He has the power and the desire to care for us, and to sustain our life. We must trust God with our life. When we have confident faith in God's loving, complete, and generous care we are able to focus on His will and His kingdom. We can live sacrificially and give generously, pouring our life into those things that are eternal and that resonate with the heart of God. There are all kinds of things in the world that can threaten our very existence. The universal response to these threats is anxiety. Modern man has worked hard to reduce these threats, and thus our anxiety, by building into our lives layers of security… Tim Dunham 2383 https://ccf.sermon.net/20229156/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_troubledwaterspart1/id/2195029.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20229156 Anxiety, Worry, Fear, Scripture: Luke 12:22-12:34, Series: Fear and Fear Not Sun, 19 Oct 2014 05:48:47 +0000 Tim Dunham What makes life worth living? Another way to ask the question is, “What is it that makes up life?” A modern definition would very likely be - What makes life worth living is the consumption of goods to the gratification of our selfish desires. That is what life is about for the overwhelming majority of people! But Jesus teaches something radically different. He teaches that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions. Rather, our life gains its fullest meaning and purpose, and we come to find true joy in relationships, in doing God's will, in loving God and others, in the Kingdom of God, in that which is eternal, in worship and service to God. Thus, we should not be living the consumer-driven life that is the norm for today. Instead, we should be using our material wealth for spiritual gains – not for self-gratification, but for the benefit of others and for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. What makes life worth living? Another way to ask the question is, “What is it that makes up life?” A modern definition would very likely be - What makes life worth living is the consumption of goods to the gratification of our selfish desires. That is what life is about for the overwhelming majority of people! But Jesus teaches something radically different. He teaches that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions. Rather, our life gains its fullest meaning and purpose, and we come to find true joy in relationships, in doing God's will, in loving God and others, in the Kingdom of God, in that which is eternal, in worship and service to God. Thus, we should not be living the consumer-driven life that is the norm for today. Instead, we should be using our material wealth for spiritual gains – not for self-gratification, but for the benefit of others and for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. What makes life worth living? Another way to ask the question is, “What is it that makes up life?” A modern definition would very likely be - What makes life worth living is the consumption of goods to the gratification of our selfish desires. That is … Tim Dunham 2543 https://ccf.sermon.net/20220639/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_retirementplans/id/2186841.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20220639 Materialism, Greed, Money, Wealth, Scripture: Luke 12:13-12:21, Series: Fear and Fear Not Mon, 13 Oct 2014 04:20:59 +0000 Tim Dunham Hypocrisy is the primary sin of really religious and good people, and it is perhaps the most dangerous sin of all! That is because it covers up the truth about what are inside by means of an elaborate deception on the outside. The motive of hypocrisy is the need to please - to please myself by creating a version of me I can feel good about, and to please others with a version of me they will be impressed with. The Gospel exposes us - that we are wicked people in desperate need of cleaning up, from the inside out. The great danger of Hypocrisy is that one lives so much in fear of what others think about them, that they never come to understand what is infinitely more important - what God thinks of them. They remain blind to their need for the work of Christ in redemption, and they resist the work of the Spirit that points to Christ. Thus, they will stand before God the judge and be exposed for what they truly are, and bear the terrible consequences for their rejection of the Gospel. Hypocrisy is the primary sin of really religious and good people, and it is perhaps the most dangerous sin of all! That is because it covers up the truth about what are inside by means of an elaborate deception on the outside. The motive of hypocrisy is the need to please - to please myself by creating a version of me I can feel good about, and to please others with a version of me they will be impressed with. The Gospel exposes us - that we are wicked people in desperate need of cleaning up, from the inside out. The great danger of Hypocrisy is that one lives so much in fear of what others think about them, that they never come to understand what is infinitely more important - what God thinks of them. They remain blind to their need for the work of Christ in redemption, and they resist the work of the Spirit that points to Christ. Thus, they will stand before God the judge and be exposed for what they truly are, and bear the terrible consequences for their rejection of the Gospel. Hypocrisy is the primary sin of really religious and good people, and it is perhaps the most dangerous sin of all! That is because it covers up the truth about what are inside by means of an elaborate deception on the outside. The motive of hypocrisy i… Tim Dunham 2603 https://ccf.sermon.net/20214131/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fearandfearnot/id/2180521.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20214131 Fear, Hell, Judgment, Grace, Hypocrisy, Scripture: Luke 12:1-12:12, Series: Fear and Fear Not Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:57:16 +0000 Tim Dunham In this passage Jesus pronounces “woes!” on the Pharisees. In other words – their lives were a picture of sadness, and utter grief! In many ways they were model citizens and were certainly viewed as the spiritual example of Israel. Unlike the more liberal Priests and Sadducees, they were diligent in keeping the law and striving to be godly men. So, what was really the problem with the Pharisees? Jesus announces that their failure was in understanding that life in the Kingdom is an inward journey of the soul not simply the diligent performance of external rituals and behavior. A truly godly life requires earnest and diligent effort in the transformation of their life from the inside out. Only God can bring about this inward transformation through the Gospel of grace! But, God cannot do that work in us if we do not bring the heart and soul before God and allow Him to do His work there! Not that behavior is not important, it is essential to a godly life! But right behavior cannot be achieved by direct effort – by trying. Right conduct on the outside, requires great attention to the life on the inside. When we attend to the soul and allow God to minster to the inner person, the result will be a holy life - inside and out. So, life in the Kingdom requires effort. But the needed effort is the "giving of alms" to the inner life. That is, God’s gracious ministry to those who know they are poor in spirit, and learning how to bring the soul before God so that He can do His transforming work. This work or process is called spiritual formation, or spiritual disciplines, or the life of abiding in Christ. In this passage Jesus pronounces “woes!” on the Pharisees. In other words – their lives were a picture of sadness, and utter grief! In many ways they were model citizens and were certainly viewed as the spiritual example of Israel. Unlike the more liberal Priests and Sadducees, they were diligent in keeping the law and striving to be godly men. So, what was really the problem with the Pharisees? Jesus announces that their failure was in understanding that life in the Kingdom is an inward journey of the soul not simply the diligent performance of external rituals and behavior. A truly godly life requires earnest and diligent effort in the transformation of their life from the inside out. Only God can bring about this inward transformation through the Gospel of grace! But, God cannot do that work in us if we do not bring the heart and soul before God and allow Him to do His work there! Not that behavior is not important, it is essential to a godly life! But right behavior cannot be achieved by direct effort – by trying. Right conduct on the outside, requires great attention to the life on the inside. When we attend to the soul and allow God to minster to the inner person, the result will be a holy life - inside and out. So, life in the Kingdom requires effort. But the needed effort is the "giving of alms" to the inner life. That is, God’s gracious ministry to those who know they are poor in spirit, and learning how to bring the soul before God so that He can do His transforming work. This work or process is called spiritual formation, or spiritual disciplines, or the life of abiding in Christ. In this passage Jesus pronounces “woes!” on the Pharisees. In other words – their lives were a picture of sadness, and utter grief! In many ways they were model citizens and were certainly viewed as the spiritual example of Israel. Unlike the more libe… Tim Dunham 2539 https://ccf.sermon.net/20207726/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_insideout/id/2174452.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20207726 Legalism, Obedience, Soul, Spiritual Formation, Scripture: Luke 11:37-11:54, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:48:38 +0000 Tim Dunham There is an abundance of good Bible teaching via sermons, podcasts, commentaries, devotional books, etc. In addition, many Christians are actively reading the Bible, in Bible study groups, attending seminars, classes, Bible school and even Seminary. But, for the quantity of Bible teaching that is all around us, why is it that so few people are really being radically transformed into the likeness of Christ? We hear that we need to be honest and transparent as believers, who are not afraid to share about our brokenness and struggles with sin in our life. This is true and good, but I do not think Jesus intended sin and brokenness to characterize the life a true disciple. Why are so few being transformed into the kind of person He was and is? All this Bible, but so few who live like Jesus. The problem is not with the message of Scripture, nor with its availability. As in Jesus day, the message is being proclaimed loud and clear. The real problem is in the eye of the beholder! Jesus says that if your spiritual eyes are not working, then it won't matter how much you are exposed to the Word of God - it will have no effect. In order for the Word to have the full impact of its power unleashed in our lives, we must have the good eyesight to receive the Word in ways that are life transforming. If we are not being transformed from broken sinful people, into fruitful and godly followers it is because we need spiritual Lasik surgery! We need to have our eyes fixed, so that the Light of the word can enter into the depths of our heart, and soul, and mind. We can do something to improve our eyesight by recognizing we are in fact blind - that we do not understand the truth, and we do not have things all figured out simply because we know the right answers. Instead, we need to receive the Word by responding to what we hear in ways that are life changing. This requires seeking with humility, surrender to the Authority of Scripture, and a commitment to obey the Word by doing all that Jesus taught. There is an abundance of good Bible teaching via sermons, podcasts, commentaries, devotional books, etc. In addition, many Christians are actively reading the Bible, in Bible study groups, attending seminars, classes, Bible school and even Seminary. But, for the quantity of Bible teaching that is all around us, why is it that so few people are really being radically transformed into the likeness of Christ? We hear that we need to be honest and transparent as believers, who are not afraid to share about our brokenness and struggles with sin in our life. This is true and good, but I do not think Jesus intended sin and brokenness to characterize the life a true disciple. Why are so few being transformed into the kind of person He was and is? All this Bible, but so few who live like Jesus. The problem is not with the message of Scripture, nor with its availability. As in Jesus day, the message is being proclaimed loud and clear. The real problem is in the eye of the beholder! Jesus says that if your spiritual eyes are not working, then it won't matter how much you are exposed to the Word of God - it will have no effect. In order for the Word to have the full impact of its power unleashed in our lives, we must have the good eyesight to receive the Word in ways that are life transforming. If we are not being transformed from broken sinful people, into fruitful and godly followers it is because we need spiritual Lasik surgery! We need to have our eyes fixed, so that the Light of the word can enter into the depths of our heart, and soul, and mind. We can do something to improve our eyesight by recognizing we are in fact blind - that we do not understand the truth, and we do not have things all figured out simply because we know the right answers. Instead, we need to receive the Word by responding to what we hear in ways that are life changing. This requires seeking with humility, surrender to the Authority of Scripture, and a commitment to obey the Word by doing all that Jesus taught. There is an abundance of good Bible teaching via sermons, podcasts, commentaries, devotional books, etc. In addition, many Christians are actively reading the Bible, in Bible study groups, attending seminars, classes, Bible school and even Seminary. Bu… Tim Dunham 2763 https://ccf.sermon.net/20201420/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifeinthelight/id/2168373.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20201420 Truth, Blind Spots, Vision, Scripture: Luke 11:27-11:36, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:26:45 +0000 Tim Dunham What exactly is the Kingdom of God, and what did Jesus mean that it has come? The Kingdom of God is the reign of God by means of His will, His power, and His presence, which is being restored through the coming of Christ, who has overpowered Satan, and is setting the captives free, through faith in Him. The Kingdom rule of God begins by overcoming the present ruler, Satan, by His unchallenged power. But, the work of winning back the hearts of mankind is not done by force, but through the cross He brings grace and forgiveness for all who will receive His gift with the goal that we will willingly submit to His rule over our life. What exactly is the Kingdom of God, and what did Jesus mean that it has come? The Kingdom of God is the reign of God by means of His will, His power, and His presence, which is being restored through the coming of Christ, who has overpowered Satan, and is setting the captives free, through faith in Him. The Kingdom rule of God begins by overcoming the present ruler, Satan, by His unchallenged power. But, the work of winning back the hearts of mankind is not done by force, but through the cross He brings grace and forgiveness for all who will receive His gift with the goal that we will willingly submit to His rule over our life. What exactly is the Kingdom of God, and what did Jesus mean that it has come? The Kingdom of God is the reign of God by means of His will, His power, and His presence, which is being restored through the coming of Christ, who has overpowered Satan, and… Tim Dunham 2712 https://ccf.sermon.net/20194563/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thekingdomofgod/id/2162036.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20194563 Will, Rule, Reign, Scripture: Luke 11:14-11:26, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:03:29 +0000 Tim Dunham Most of us know that are we are supposed to pray, and that prayer is somehow part of the Christian life. But in reality most of us do not pray, at least not in the way that Jesus did. As a result, our lives do not have the power that Jesus had either. We dismiss this problem by thinking that God never intended us to do what Jesus did, and we settle for a life that is powerless and fruitless. But, the disciples watched Jesus pray, and they made the connection between His prayer life and His ministry life - they wanted to know how to pray like Jesus did so they could live life with the same power that Jesus had! And after the resurrection they proved to be men of great power and effectiveness, just as Jesus was. But prayer does not seem to have that effect upon us. What are we doing wrong? Jesus teaches the disciples to pray by showing them what to ask for, and by instilling in them a boldness to ask with the knowledge that their Father in heaven loves to respond by giving! Most of us know that are we are supposed to pray, and that prayer is somehow part of the Christian life. But in reality most of us do not pray, at least not in the way that Jesus did. As a result, our lives do not have the power that Jesus had either. We dismiss this problem by thinking that God never intended us to do what Jesus did, and we settle for a life that is powerless and fruitless. But, the disciples watched Jesus pray, and they made the connection between His prayer life and His ministry life - they wanted to know how to pray like Jesus did so they could live life with the same power that Jesus had! And after the resurrection they proved to be men of great power and effectiveness, just as Jesus was. But prayer does not seem to have that effect upon us. What are we doing wrong? Jesus teaches the disciples to pray by showing them what to ask for, and by instilling in them a boldness to ask with the knowledge that their Father in heaven loves to respond by giving! Most of us know that are we are supposed to pray, and that prayer is somehow part of the Christian life. But in reality most of us do not pray, at least not in the way that Jesus did. As a result, our lives do not have the power that Jesus had either. … Tim Dunham 2723 https://ccf.sermon.net/20188078/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustask/id/2155876.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20188078 Prayer, Seeking,, Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:13, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Sun, 07 Sep 2014 23:49:17 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2522 https://ccf.sermon.net/20188070/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_buildthekingdominthepowerofthe/id/2155868.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20188070 Prayer, Lord's Prayer, Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:4, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:47:49 +0000 Tim Dunham How do we keep our life balanced and well ordered? Life can so easily spin out of control - leaving us feeling burned out, anxious and stressed. We know that sin can turn life upside down, but how is it that we can end up with a life that is so chaotic when we are working hard to serve God and build His kingdom? The problem is that we often get too busy doing many good things, that we completely fail to do the one vitally important thing! The only way our life can be rightly ordered, is if we know that the only truly necessary thing is Jesus. It is vital that we CHOOSE daily to make Jesus the absolute Lord of our life. If He is truly Lord of our life, we will make the study and application of His Word the single priority in our life. But it is not enough to just read the Bible, we must read it with a heart to do all that it says. In this way Jesus alone will be the organizing center of our being. How do we keep our life balanced and well ordered? Life can so easily spin out of control - leaving us feeling burned out, anxious and stressed. We know that sin can turn life upside down, but how is it that we can end up with a life that is so chaotic when we are working hard to serve God and build His kingdom? The problem is that we often get too busy doing many good things, that we completely fail to do the one vitally important thing! The only way our life can be rightly ordered, is if we know that the only truly necessary thing is Jesus. It is vital that we CHOOSE daily to make Jesus the absolute Lord of our life. If He is truly Lord of our life, we will make the study and application of His Word the single priority in our life. But it is not enough to just read the Bible, we must read it with a heart to do all that it says. In this way Jesus alone will be the organizing center of our being. How do we keep our life balanced and well ordered? Life can so easily spin out of control - leaving us feeling burned out, anxious and stressed. We know that sin can turn life upside down, but how is it that we can end up with a life that is so chaotic… Tim Dunham 2403 https://ccf.sermon.net/20175610/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theonething/id/2143967.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20175610 Lordship, Submission, Surrender, Christ-centered, Scripture: Luke 10:38-10:42, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:04:08 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus brings in a very unlikely hero to show that a heart of compassion, and the motivation of mercy must come from a place of humility and mutual weakness, not from an attitude of superiority and strength. This is inherent in the very concept of mercy in the OT - the proper covenant behavior toward covenant partners, vs our idea of feeling sorry for people with problems we can't even imagine. Jesus models this in his own life from His lowly birth in the stable, to His cruel death as a criminal! This attitude is essential if we are to truly help people stand on their own in Christ and have a life that honors Him. Jesus brings in a very unlikely hero to show that a heart of compassion, and the motivation of mercy must come from a place of humility and mutual weakness, not from an attitude of superiority and strength. This is inherent in the very concept of mercy in the OT - the proper covenant behavior toward covenant partners, vs our idea of feeling sorry for people with problems we can't even imagine. Jesus models this in his own life from His lowly birth in the stable, to His cruel death as a criminal! This attitude is essential if we are to truly help people stand on their own in Christ and have a life that honors Him. Jesus brings in a very unlikely hero to show that a heart of compassion, and the motivation of mercy must come from a place of humility and mutual weakness, not from an attitude of superiority and strength. This is inherent in the very concept of mercy… Tim Dunham 2555 https://ccf.sermon.net/20169709/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_betteroffisnotbetter/id/2138063.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20169709 Mercy, Humility, Compassion, Scripture: Luke 10:25-10:37, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:16:57 +0000 Tim Dunham A powerful challenge about how we think about the suffering of those who are being persecuted for their faith. A powerful challenge about how we think about the suffering of those who are being persecuted for their faith. A powerful challenge about how we think about the suffering of those who are being persecuted for their faith.… Tim Dunham 1133 https://ccf.sermon.net/20162754/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayingforthepersecuted/id/2130941.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20162754 Persecuted Church, Martyrs, Series: Prayer Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:01:18 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus sets the standard of faith as one who has a heart of compassion that moves us to take action in response to the needs we see around us. Jesus seems to say that we are to show unlimited mercy, but how can we do that when we are people with significant limits in abilities and resources? When our lives have been transformed by the healing power of the Gospel, we do become people of compassion who are moved to help others. But we not do this, as finite creatures, by rescuing, fixing, or solving people’s problems for them. Instead, we coming alongside people in a way that helps them stand on their own, and by leading them to discover Jesus, the ultimate resources and solution to ALL our problems. We become the hands of Christ that meets immediate needs in tangible ways. We help people develop skills, resources, and opportunities, so they can stand on their own. Finally, we seek to lead people to Jesus who is able to meet all their needs and give them a life of joy, to His glory. Jesus sets the standard of faith as one who has a heart of compassion that moves us to take action in response to the needs we see around us. Jesus seems to say that we are to show unlimited mercy, but how can we do that when we are people with significant limits in abilities and resources? When our lives have been transformed by the healing power of the Gospel, we do become people of compassion who are moved to help others. But we not do this, as finite creatures, by rescuing, fixing, or solving people’s problems for them. Instead, we coming alongside people in a way that helps them stand on their own, and by leading them to discover Jesus, the ultimate resources and solution to ALL our problems. We become the hands of Christ that meets immediate needs in tangible ways. We help people develop skills, resources, and opportunities, so they can stand on their own. Finally, we seek to lead people to Jesus who is able to meet all their needs and give them a life of joy, to His glory. Jesus sets the standard of faith as one who has a heart of compassion that moves us to take action in response to the needs we see around us. Jesus seems to say that we are to show unlimited mercy, but how can we do that when we are people with signifi… Tim Dunham 2367 https://ccf.sermon.net/20162748/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lendahelpinghand/id/2130938.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20162748 Poor, Mercy Ministry, Rescuing, Scripture: Luke 10:25-10:37, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:22:19 +0000 Tim Dunham Whatever we think about the OT law, we know that the “great commandment” to love God, and to love our neighbor still stands for us today. So what exactly does it mean to keep this command and how are we to go about fulfilling its demands? Jesus teaches in the parable of the Good Samaritan that this law can be truly fulfilled, not by trying to measure up to its standard and keeping score of how well we are doing. That is, in fact contrary to the very heart of the commands meaning. Rather, we fulfill the law when we have become the kind of person who is moved to action by a heart of compassion. When we become the kind of people who respond to the needs we see around us in the same way that God responds, because we are becoming transformed into creatures who are like Him. This radical transformation takes place as we 1) experience His great compassion for us, and 2) as we seek to engage in compassionate acts by helping those who cannot benefit us personally. Whatever we think about the OT law, we know that the “great commandment” to love God, and to love our neighbor still stands for us today. So what exactly does it mean to keep this command and how are we to go about fulfilling its demands? Jesus teaches in the parable of the Good Samaritan that this law can be truly fulfilled, not by trying to measure up to its standard and keeping score of how well we are doing. That is, in fact contrary to the very heart of the commands meaning. Rather, we fulfill the law when we have become the kind of person who is moved to action by a heart of compassion. When we become the kind of people who respond to the needs we see around us in the same way that God responds, because we are becoming transformed into creatures who are like Him. This radical transformation takes place as we 1) experience His great compassion for us, and 2) as we seek to engage in compassionate acts by helping those who cannot benefit us personally. Whatever we think about the OT law, we know that the “great commandment” to love God, and to love our neighbor still stands for us today. So what exactly does it mean to keep this command and how are we to go about fulfilling its demands? Jesus teaches… Tim Dunham 2491 https://ccf.sermon.net/20155917/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegoodsamaritan/id/2124423.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20155917 Law, Grace, Compassion, Scripture: Luke 10:25-10:37, Series: Love God, Love People, Build His Kingdom Mon, 04 Aug 2014 02:01:59 +0000 Tim Dunham As followers of Christ we are to make an impact, by seeking to influence others to new life in Christ. But, none of us stay forever. We all leave, sooner or later. So, how do we leave well? How do we leave behind those we came to minister to? How do we move on with confidence and hope, knowing that we will not be there to shepherd them anymore, to protect them, to keep them on the right path? Paul reminds us, that leaving well is all a matter of living well from the very beginning. We must be an example that is worth imitating, we must proclaim the full truth of the Gospel without compromise, and we must be multiplying our own ministry by raising up others to take our place. In the end, we must entrust people to take responsibility for their own life, in light of what we have taught them, and to walk on their own according to the Word of God. By being intentional in these areas we can be assured of leaving a lasting legacy to God's glory. As followers of Christ we are to make an impact, by seeking to influence others to new life in Christ. But, none of us stay forever. We all leave, sooner or later. So, how do we leave well? How do we leave behind those we came to minister to? How do we move on with confidence and hope, knowing that we will not be there to shepherd them anymore, to protect them, to keep them on the right path? Paul reminds us, that leaving well is all a matter of living well from the very beginning. We must be an example that is worth imitating, we must proclaim the full truth of the Gospel without compromise, and we must be multiplying our own ministry by raising up others to take our place. In the end, we must entrust people to take responsibility for their own life, in light of what we have taught them, and to walk on their own according to the Word of God. By being intentional in these areas we can be assured of leaving a lasting legacy to God's glory. As followers of Christ we are to make an impact, by seeking to influence others to new life in Christ. But, none of us stay forever. We all leave, sooner or later. So, how do we leave well? How do we leave behind those we came to minister to? How do we… Tim Dunham 2185 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149885/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leavingwell/id/2118849.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149885 Mission, farewell,, Scripture: Acts 20:17-20:35 Sun, 27 Jul 2014 09:30:28 +0000 Shaun Futch Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Shaun Futch 2341 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149899/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_heaven/id/2118863.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149899 heaven Sun, 20 Jul 2014 09:30:10 +0000 Mike Sprenger Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Mike Sprenger 2737 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149891/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thesufferingofchristandthesuff/id/2118855.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149891 suffering Sun, 20 Jul 2014 02:50:42 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2788 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149895/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_runsoastonotbedisqualified/id/2118859.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149895 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:27-9:27, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 06 Jul 2014 02:42:42 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2758 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149887/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_glory/id/2118850.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20149887 Scripture: Jude Sun, 22 Jun 2014 22:11:35 +0000 Tim Dunham God, through His Son, has made it possible for us to abide with Him. He has grafted us into the vine, and our life is in Christ. We can now yoke our life with Him, so that He walks with us through all of life, teaching us how to live as we do His work with Him as He pulls most of the load. But, living life this way is not natural to us. It is not our first instinct to surrender all things to Him, and to receive all from Him by faith. So, we need to develop a new set of life skills and habits, so that abiding in Christ becomes the routine and normal path of life that God intends. It takes practice, and it is through the spiritual disciplines that we train ourselves, and specifically train our bodies, to live the abiding life. God, through His Son, has made it possible for us to abide with Him. He has grafted us into the vine, and our life is in Christ. We can now yoke our life with Him, so that He walks with us through all of life, teaching us how to live as we do His work with Him as He pulls most of the load. But, living life this way is not natural to us. It is not our first instinct to surrender all things to Him, and to receive all from Him by faith. So, we need to develop a new set of life skills and habits, so that abiding in Christ becomes the routine and normal path of life that God intends. It takes practice, and it is through the spiritual disciplines that we train ourselves, and specifically train our bodies, to live the abiding life. God, through His Son, has made it possible for us to abide with Him. He has grafted us into the vine, and our life is in Christ. We can now yoke our life with Him, so that He walks with us through all of life, teaching us how to live as we do His work … Tim Dunham 2947 https://ccf.sermon.net/20113680/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alifeintraining/id/1861268.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20113680 Spiritual Disciplines, Abiding,, Scripture: John 15:9-15:14, Series: Abiding in Christ Thu, 19 Jun 2014 00:48:15 +0000 Tim Dunham Andrew Murray wrote, “At the very root of all Christian life lies the truth that God is must do all, that our one work is to give and leave ourselves in His hands, in the confession of utter helplessness and dependence, in the assured confidence that He gives all we need.” This is certainly what it means to abide in Christ as Jesus teaches in John 15. Andrew Murray wrote, “At the very root of all Christian life lies the truth that God is must do all, that our one work is to give and leave ourselves in His hands, in the confession of utter helplessness and dependence, in the assured confidence that He gives all we need.” This is certainly what it means to abide in Christ as Jesus teaches in John 15. Andrew Murray wrote, “At the very root of all Christian life lies the truth that God is must do all, that our one work is to give and leave ourselves in His hands, in the confession of utter helplessness and dependence, in the assured confidence that H… Tim Dunham 2484 https://ccf.sermon.net/20110278/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegiftofabiding/id/1858097.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20110278 Prayer, faith, truth, Scripture: John 15:1-15:2, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:09:05 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it mean to Abide in Christ and How do I practice that daily? Abiding means putting on the yoke of Christ - joining my life completely to His in surrender to Him - giving up all to Jesus, then receiving all from Jesus - and learning from Him how to live life to His glory. What does it mean to Abide in Christ and How do I practice that daily? Abiding means putting on the yoke of Christ - joining my life completely to His in surrender to Him - giving up all to Jesus, then receiving all from Jesus - and learning from Him how to live life to His glory. What does it mean to Abide in Christ and How do I practice that daily? Abiding means putting on the yoke of Christ - joining my life completely to His in surrender to Him - giving up all to Jesus, then receiving all from Jesus - and learning from Him h… Tim Dunham 3231 https://ccf.sermon.net/20101333/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theeasyyoke/id/1849543.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20101333 Surrender, Abiding, Success, Scripture: Matthew 11:28-11:30, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 01 Jun 2014 04:28:20 +0000 Tim Dunham Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship Chiangmai Christian Fellowship… Tim Dunham 2327 https://ccf.sermon.net/20094657/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_changingthepast/id/1843589.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20094657 Forgiveness, Series: Forgiveness Sun, 25 May 2014 22:29:57 +0000 Tim Dunham What do we celebrate? We tend to get a great deal of satisfaction and joy out of our triumph over others. That is one of the major appeals of sports and why it is so popular. It is the chief aim of the hunger for power - in the business world and in the political realm. It is the driving force behind most of what people call success. We even see it in the triumph of good over evil - in war (our side is always the good side), or in crime and justice (getting the bad guys). We also tend to derive a great deal of satisfaction in the feeling that I have the answers - That I know more than the other guy, that my opinion's and ideas are superior to those who do not agree with me. Jesus has a much different value and idea of what is worthy of celebrating. He celebrates God’s rescue of the weak - God coming to down to save helpless babes. He celebrates with the Father, is plan to hide the way of salvation from the smart people, and reveal Himself to the simple. He celebrates the unfolding of God's plan in the advent of His own life, death, and resurrection. What do we celebrate? We tend to get a great deal of satisfaction and joy out of our triumph over others. That is one of the major appeals of sports and why it is so popular. It is the chief aim of the hunger for power - in the business world and in the political realm. It is the driving force behind most of what people call success. We even see it in the triumph of good over evil - in war (our side is always the good side), or in crime and justice (getting the bad guys). We also tend to derive a great deal of satisfaction in the feeling that I have the answers - That I know more than the other guy, that my opinion's and ideas are superior to those who do not agree with me. Jesus has a much different value and idea of what is worthy of celebrating. He celebrates God’s rescue of the weak - God coming to down to save helpless babes. He celebrates with the Father, is plan to hide the way of salvation from the smart people, and reveal Himself to the simple. He celebrates the unfolding of God's plan in the advent of His own life, death, and resurrection. What do we celebrate? We tend to get a great deal of satisfaction and joy out of our triumph over others. That is one of the major appeals of sports and why it is so popular. It is the chief aim of the hunger for power - in the business world and in th… Tim Dunham 2387 https://ccf.sermon.net/20088587/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_oyintheharvest/id/1837723.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20088587 Joy, Celebration, Pride, Scripture: Luke 10:17-10:24, Series: Luke Sun, 18 May 2014 22:01:48 +0000 Tim Dunham God is on a mission to bring His kingdom to us and to invite people to experience the peace, the Shalom of life in God's presence and under His rule. He is appointing laborers to proclaim His kingdom to the world and to invite them to enter in. Jesus gives clear instructions (nine specific commands) on how this work is to be done. Wherever we go those we encounter must make a choice - to receive the message and enter the kingdom, or to reject us and become objects of God's wrath. God is on a mission to bring His kingdom to us and to invite people to experience the peace, the Shalom of life in God's presence and under His rule. He is appointing laborers to proclaim His kingdom to the world and to invite them to enter in. Jesus gives clear instructions (nine specific commands) on how this work is to be done. Wherever we go those we encounter must make a choice - to receive the message and enter the kingdom, or to reject us and become objects of God's wrath. God is on a mission to bring His kingdom to us and to invite people to experience the peace, the Shalom of life in God's presence and under His rule. He is appointing laborers to proclaim His kingdom to the world and to invite them to enter in. Jesus g… Tim Dunham 2781 https://ccf.sermon.net/20082249/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themissionofgod/id/1831583.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20082249 Mission, Kingdom, Evangelism, Scripture: Luke 10:1-10:16, Series: Luke Sun, 11 May 2014 22:12:11 +0000 Tim Dunham We have named Thomas "Doubting Thomas", because he doubted the resurrection. But, maybe his real issue is that he was not there when Jesus came. What are you missing when you don't show up! We have named Thomas "Doubting Thomas", because he doubted the resurrection. But, maybe his real issue is that he was not there when Jesus came. What are you missing when you don't show up! We have named Thomas "Doubting Thomas", because he doubted the resurrection. But, maybe his real issue is that he was not there when Jesus came. What are you missing when you don't show up!… Tim Dunham 1657 https://ccf.sermon.net/20082257/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whathemissed/id/1831593.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20082257 Church, College, Graduation, Series: Church Sun, 04 May 2014 02:47:41 +0000 Tim Dunham To be a true follower of Jesus means that He is first, above everything else in our life. It means that even the most important and essential things in our life, must bow to His rule and claim on us. It means that He sets the agenda for our life. He defines the purpose and mission of our life which is to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom and help others become disciples - subjects of His Kingdom. To be a true follower of Jesus means that He is first, above everything else in our life. It means that even the most important and essential things in our life, must bow to His rule and claim on us. It means that He sets the agenda for our life. He defines the purpose and mission of our life which is to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom and help others become disciples - subjects of His Kingdom. To be a true follower of Jesus means that He is first, above everything else in our life. It means that even the most important and essential things in our life, must bow to His rule and claim on us. It means that He sets the agenda for our life. He de… Tim Dunham 2774 https://ccf.sermon.net/20069523/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_followingesus/id/1819077.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20069523 Discipleship, Commitment, Kingdom of God, Scripture: Luke 9:57-9:62, Series: Luke Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:59:12 +0000 Tim Dunham In each of these three snapshots the Disciples exhibit a mindset, or way of thinking that is very different from how Jesus thinks and what He values. But it is more than just an idea or thought - these ideas shape their actions and attitudes toward others. These values end up becoming actions. Jesus corrects the heart - the place where ideas grow, and seeks to reform the actions. The ideas the Disciples struggle with in this section revolve around the idea of Identity - What is the proper basis for our own worth, importance, and self-esteem. What does it mean to pursue greatness? What makes be special, and significant? How am I to see my own moral goodness in comparison to others? Jesus shows them that the only valid basis of self-worth, self-esteem, and identity is in our relationship to God through the work of Christ. I have worth, significance, and a positive identity because God made me and by His grace has restored me in Christ, and has called me into mission with Him. Therefore, I should see people as God sees them - as He sees and loves me! In each of these three snapshots the Disciples exhibit a mindset, or way of thinking that is very different from how Jesus thinks and what He values. But it is more than just an idea or thought - these ideas shape their actions and attitudes toward others. These values end up becoming actions. Jesus corrects the heart - the place where ideas grow, and seeks to reform the actions. The ideas the Disciples struggle with in this section revolve around the idea of Identity - What is the proper basis for our own worth, importance, and self-esteem. What does it mean to pursue greatness? What makes be special, and significant? How am I to see my own moral goodness in comparison to others? Jesus shows them that the only valid basis of self-worth, self-esteem, and identity is in our relationship to God through the work of Christ. I have worth, significance, and a positive identity because God made me and by His grace has restored me in Christ, and has called me into mission with Him. Therefore, I should see people as God sees them - as He sees and loves me! In each of these three snapshots the Disciples exhibit a mindset, or way of thinking that is very different from how Jesus thinks and what He values. But it is more than just an idea or thought - these ideas shape their actions and attitudes toward oth… Tim Dunham 2898 https://ccf.sermon.net/20066824/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theroadtogreatness/id/1816597.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20066824 Greatness, Humility, Pride, Scripture: Luke 9:46-9:56, Series: Luke Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:59:23 +0000 Tim Dunham How can we know with certainty that Jesus and the way to God and eternal life that He promises, are true? There are lots of religions - all claim a certain spiritual authority, have sacred writings, and promise a future life beyond the grave, if you follow their teachings. So, How can we be so sure that Jesus is the right way? We can know with absolute certainty that Jesus is the Only Way to God, because all the other guys are still dead! Jesus alone, rose from the dead - confirming that all He claimed and promised, as well as all that the Bible claims and promises, is true and certain. Therefore, we can "know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." How can we know with certainty that Jesus and the way to God and eternal life that He promises, are true? There are lots of religions - all claim a certain spiritual authority, have sacred writings, and promise a future life beyond the grave, if you follow their teachings. So, How can we be so sure that Jesus is the right way? We can know with absolute certainty that Jesus is the Only Way to God, because all the other guys are still dead! Jesus alone, rose from the dead - confirming that all He claimed and promised, as well as all that the Bible claims and promises, is true and certain. Therefore, we can "know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." How can we know with certainty that Jesus and the way to God and eternal life that He promises, are true? There are lots of religions - all claim a certain spiritual authority, have sacred writings, and promise a future life beyond the grave, if you fo… Tim Dunham 2533 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deathcouldnotkeephim/id/1808694.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058713 Easter, Resurrection, Scripture: Acts 2:22-2:39, Series: Easter Sun, 13 Apr 2014 03:03:21 +0000 Tim Dunham When we behold our King, we quickly see that His reign and His kingdom, and His Character are like no other King in all of all of the World through all of time! He will conquer every foe with no weapons of war. He will turn His worst enemies in to faithful followers. He is righteous and humble, He saves but through means of weakness not displays power and might. He brings unprecedented and unending peace to the whole earth. But, He is also pierced - killed by those He loves. His blood is a fountain by which those who seek His grace and mercy find cleansing from all their sin. How does one respond to a King like that? We rejoice - that is, we celebrate our coming King heralding His great victory and the great salvation He has accomplished. Rejoice in the past - the salvation that brought peace with God and is the basis of all peace between people. We look with great hope - to an even greater day of celebration - when He conquers every enemy - by destroying them, or saving them! We mourn and we grieve. We are to have great sorrow for what we have done to Him, as we look on Him and see the one we have pierced When we behold our King, we quickly see that His reign and His kingdom, and His Character are like no other King in all of all of the World through all of time! He will conquer every foe with no weapons of war. He will turn His worst enemies in to faithful followers. He is righteous and humble, He saves but through means of weakness not displays power and might. He brings unprecedented and unending peace to the whole earth. But, He is also pierced - killed by those He loves. His blood is a fountain by which those who seek His grace and mercy find cleansing from all their sin. How does one respond to a King like that? We rejoice - that is, we celebrate our coming King heralding His great victory and the great salvation He has accomplished. Rejoice in the past - the salvation that brought peace with God and is the basis of all peace between people. We look with great hope - to an even greater day of celebration - when He conquers every enemy - by destroying them, or saving them! We mourn and we grieve. We are to have great sorrow for what we have done to Him, as we look on Him and see the one we have pierced When we behold our King, we quickly see that His reign and His kingdom, and His Character are like no other King in all of all of the World through all of time! He will conquer every foe with no weapons of war. He will turn His worst enemies in to fait… Tim Dunham 2575 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058868/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_kingonacolt/id/1808896.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058868 Palm Sunday,, Scripture: Zechariah 9:9-9:10, Series: Easter Sun, 06 Apr 2014 03:19:13 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus easily heals the demonized boy, where the Disciples found themselves powerless to help. Jesus had given them power to cast out demons, and He expected them to do the work He was doing, but they could not. In His frustration Jesus expresses that His patience is being tested by their lack of faith and lack of understanding. They were just not getting it! The crowd is still astonished at what Jesus is doing, but Jesus again warns His Disciples not to be misled by His current popularity – soon He will be delivered into the hands of men. The complete lack of understanding again comes to the surface as they cannot grasp what this means, and they are afraid to ask! It is clear that Jesus will have to endure their unbelief and complete misunderstanding – until He goes to the cross. He must be delivered over to suffer and die. There is no other way. All His teaching, all the giving to them of His power, all the modeling He is doing – is not enough. Things will not change until there is a deep and fundamental change from within – a change that will come about only through the work of the Cross. In the end – they were afraid to ask, because they were afraid of the answer – Jesus must die. But, what they feared is what the most desperately needed. The healing of the boy is a great model for ministry – setting people free from evil and restoring them to their Father. The Disciples would continue to fail, until they could find the answer to the question they would not ask. The answer that they would only succeed through the power of the cross. Jesus easily heals the demonized boy, where the Disciples found themselves powerless to help. Jesus had given them power to cast out demons, and He expected them to do the work He was doing, but they could not. In His frustration Jesus expresses that His patience is being tested by their lack of faith and lack of understanding. They were just not getting it! The crowd is still astonished at what Jesus is doing, but Jesus again warns His Disciples not to be misled by His current popularity – soon He will be delivered into the hands of men. The complete lack of understanding again comes to the surface as they cannot grasp what this means, and they are afraid to ask! It is clear that Jesus will have to endure their unbelief and complete misunderstanding – until He goes to the cross. He must be delivered over to suffer and die. There is no other way. All His teaching, all the giving to them of His power, all the modeling He is doing – is not enough. Things will not change until there is a deep and fundamental change from within – a change that will come about only through the work of the Cross. In the end – they were afraid to ask, because they were afraid of the answer – Jesus must die. But, what they feared is what the most desperately needed. The healing of the boy is a great model for ministry – setting people free from evil and restoring them to their Father. The Disciples would continue to fail, until they could find the answer to the question they would not ask. The answer that they would only succeed through the power of the cross. Jesus easily heals the demonized boy, where the Disciples found themselves powerless to help. Jesus had given them power to cast out demons, and He expected them to do the work He was doing, but they could not. In His frustration Jesus expresses that H… Tim Dunham 2874 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058869/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_afraidtoask/id/1808897.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20058869 Cross, faith, Scripture: Luke 9:37-9:45, Series: School of Ministry Sun, 30 Mar 2014 21:34:11 +0000 Tim Dunham Who is Jesus and what is His role in God's plan? Luke has been answering this in a series of events - Feeding the 5,000, Peter's confession, the picture of faith that follows Jesus, and now in the transfiguration. Jesus is the one who gives us access to the very presence of God, through His death, by God's grace. The prophet like Moses, but much greater. He is the Rising Sun of Righteousness who will bring in the Great DAY of the Lord, that Second Elijah ushers in Who is Jesus and what is His role in God's plan? Luke has been answering this in a series of events - Feeding the 5,000, Peter's confession, the picture of faith that follows Jesus, and now in the transfiguration. Jesus is the one who gives us access to the very presence of God, through His death, by God's grace. The prophet like Moses, but much greater. He is the Rising Sun of Righteousness who will bring in the Great DAY of the Lord, that Second Elijah ushers in Who is Jesus and what is His role in God's plan? Luke has been answering this in a series of events - Feeding the 5,000, Peter's confession, the picture of faith that follows Jesus, and now in the transfiguration. Jesus is the one who gives us access t… Tim Dunham 2787 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_glimpseofglory/id/1780999.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035142 Transfiguration, Kingdom of God, Scripture: Luke 9:28-9:36, Series: School of Ministry Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:02:56 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it take to Follow a rejected and murdered Messiah? It requires letting go of my own efforts, plans, and schemes to save myself, giving up my very life, in order for Him to save me, embracing the shame of the cross, to gain the glory of His kingdom. The point is to gain the Kingdom - by gaining Jesus. The point of suffering is not suffering itself, The goal is to chase after Jesus - and to grab hold of Him. That requires getting rid of everything that gets in the way - in order to gain Jesus and to enter His glorious Kingdom. What does it take to Follow a rejected and murdered Messiah? It requires letting go of my own efforts, plans, and schemes to save myself, giving up my very life, in order for Him to save me, embracing the shame of the cross, to gain the glory of His kingdom. The point is to gain the Kingdom - by gaining Jesus. The point of suffering is not suffering itself, The goal is to chase after Jesus - and to grab hold of Him. That requires getting rid of everything that gets in the way - in order to gain Jesus and to enter His glorious Kingdom. What does it take to Follow a rejected and murdered Messiah? It requires letting go of my own efforts, plans, and schemes to save myself, giving up my very life, in order for Him to save me, embracing the shame of the cross, to gain the glory of His ki… Tim Dunham 2769 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035098/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_takeupyourcross/id/1780950.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035098 Cross, Suffering, Gospel, Scripture: Luke 9:23-9:27, Series: School of Ministry Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:50:26 +0000 Tim Dunham Up to this point in the Gospel of Luke the big question has been “Who is Jesus?” It is not simply a matter of his identity, but, “Who is this guy and why is here - what has he come to accomplish?” Jesus is the Messiah and He has come to deal with the single and fundamental problem of all humanity – sin. The Disciples have been wrestling with this question and now they have the answer. But, immediately Jesus unravels their understanding again, by describing a mission completely opposite of what they envisioned for the Messiah. A Gospel centered mission - suffering, the cross, the resurrection. Thus, Jesus affirms that He is indeed the Messiah, but He defines what the mission of Messiah is in terms of the cross and the resurrection - in terms of His aim to deal with sin and all its consequences Up to this point in the Gospel of Luke the big question has been “Who is Jesus?” It is not simply a matter of his identity, but, “Who is this guy and why is here - what has he come to accomplish?” Jesus is the Messiah and He has come to deal with the single and fundamental problem of all humanity – sin. The Disciples have been wrestling with this question and now they have the answer. But, immediately Jesus unravels their understanding again, by describing a mission completely opposite of what they envisioned for the Messiah. A Gospel centered mission - suffering, the cross, the resurrection. Thus, Jesus affirms that He is indeed the Messiah, but He defines what the mission of Messiah is in terms of the cross and the resurrection - in terms of His aim to deal with sin and all its consequences Up to this point in the Gospel of Luke the big question has been “Who is Jesus?” It is not simply a matter of his identity, but, “Who is this guy and why is here - what has he come to accomplish?” Jesus is the Messiah and He has come to deal with the… Tim Dunham 2710 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035079/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusmessiah/id/1780918.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20035079 Messiah, Gospel, Scripture: Luke 9:18-9:22, Series: Luke Mon, 10 Mar 2014 22:21:17 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus expects His Disciples to meet the needs that are before them, but not by human means. He is the provision for every need, and we are to meet the needs before us through the provision of Christ. Jesus is the source and supply of all that we need. Therefore - what people really need is Jesus, not just programs, methods, or human solutions to their problems. Kingdom Ministry is not simply meeting human needs - although that is vitally important. But, we must be meeting those needs by bringing people to Christ in a way that they find in Him the provision of all that they need. Jesus expects His Disciples to meet the needs that are before them, but not by human means. He is the provision for every need, and we are to meet the needs before us through the provision of Christ. Jesus is the source and supply of all that we need. Therefore - what people really need is Jesus, not just programs, methods, or human solutions to their problems. Kingdom Ministry is not simply meeting human needs - although that is vitally important. But, we must be meeting those needs by bringing people to Christ in a way that they find in Him the provision of all that they need. Jesus expects His Disciples to meet the needs that are before them, but not by human means. He is the provision for every need, and we are to meet the needs before us through the provision of Christ. Jesus is the source and supply of all that we need.… Tim Dunham 2704 https://ccf.sermon.net/20013745/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_helpingpeople/id/1752176.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20013745 Serving, Justice, , Scripture: Luke 9:10-9:17, Series: School of Ministry Sun, 02 Mar 2014 20:46:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus multiplies His ministry by equipping, empowering, and sending others to preach the Good News of the Kingdom and heal the sick - not for personal gain, but so that the world may know! Jesus multiplies His ministry by equipping, empowering, and sending others to preach the Good News of the Kingdom and heal the sick - not for personal gain, but so that the world may know! Jesus multiplies His ministry by equipping, empowering, and sending others to preach the Good News of the Kingdom and heal the sick - not for personal gain, but so that the world may know! … Tim Dunham 2739 https://ccf.sermon.net/20006877/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ministryessentials/id/1296331.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20006877 Outreach, Training, Discipleship, Scripture: Luke 9:1-9:9, Series: Luke Sun, 23 Feb 2014 20:25:25 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus has power to heal and power to save. We obtain this saving power when we, as an act of faith, seek Him and His presence, to bring Jesus into the midst of our life and receive His healing touch to restore the brokenness of our life, to make us whole and complete in Him. Sickness may not always be the direct consequence of a specific sin, but it is spiritual problem as much as it is a physical disease. Thus, getting truly healed is more than just being cured from medical problem, it is part of being saved. It is the work of Christ, the work of the Gospel to save us - that is, to restore our life from sin, the fall, and all its devastating consequences. We are saved by faith - a faith that actively seeks Him, that strives to bring Jesus into every part of our life so that we may experience His healing and restoring touch in all of our being - heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus has power to heal and power to save. We obtain this saving power when we, as an act of faith, seek Him and His presence, to bring Jesus into the midst of our life and receive His healing touch to restore the brokenness of our life, to make us whole and complete in Him. Sickness may not always be the direct consequence of a specific sin, but it is spiritual problem as much as it is a physical disease. Thus, getting truly healed is more than just being cured from medical problem, it is part of being saved. It is the work of Christ, the work of the Gospel to save us - that is, to restore our life from sin, the fall, and all its devastating consequences. We are saved by faith - a faith that actively seeks Him, that strives to bring Jesus into every part of our life so that we may experience His healing and restoring touch in all of our being - heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus has power to heal and power to save. We obtain this saving power when we, as an act of faith, seek Him and His presence, to bring Jesus into the midst of our life and receive His healing touch to restore the brokenness of our life, to make us who… Tim Dunham 2881 https://ccf.sermon.net/20002302/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithhealing/id/998150.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/20002302 Disease, sickness, faith, Scripture: Luke 8:40-8:56, Series: Luke Sun, 16 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham How are we to respond toward the evil spiritual forces in the world? We cannot ignore them, or live in ignorance of their destructive and malicious purpose in the world. At the same time, we are not to live in fear of them, and we should never fall under their power or control. We are delivered and protected from all the forces of darkness through faith in Jesus who dominates and conquers every demonic foe! Thus - we engage in spiritual warfare against Satan by trusting in Christ and His absolute power and authority to deliver and protect us from their schemes. Our goal and purpose is not to conquer demons or control them - rather, we, like Jesus, are called to set people free from spiritual oppression by making them true disciples. The world is sometimes more fearful of Jesus than of the demons that oppress them - but we are to tell our story to them anyway, with the hope that some will have faith and believe in Him. How are we to respond toward the evil spiritual forces in the world? We cannot ignore them, or live in ignorance of their destructive and malicious purpose in the world. At the same time, we are not to live in fear of them, and we should never fall under their power or control. We are delivered and protected from all the forces of darkness through faith in Jesus who dominates and conquers every demonic foe! Thus - we engage in spiritual warfare against Satan by trusting in Christ and His absolute power and authority to deliver and protect us from their schemes. Our goal and purpose is not to conquer demons or control them - rather, we, like Jesus, are called to set people free from spiritual oppression by making them true disciples. The world is sometimes more fearful of Jesus than of the demons that oppress them - but we are to tell our story to them anyway, with the hope that some will have faith and believe in Him. How are we to respond toward the evil spiritual forces in the world? We cannot ignore them, or live in ignorance of their destructive and malicious purpose in the world. At the same time, we are not to live in fear of them, and we should never fall und… Tim Dunham 3021 https://ccf.sermon.net/9852726/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outnumbered/id/941395.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9852726 Demons,Deliverance,Authority, Scripture: Luke 8:26-8:39, Series: Luke Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We can trust Jesus, because He can and does do what God alone can do. He has power and authority equal with God, because that is who He is! We need to trust Jesus because life is full of storms that are beyond our control and imperil our life, and would thwart us from fulfilling our God given mission. We can trust Jesus, because He can and does do what God alone can do. He has power and authority equal with God, because that is who He is! We need to trust Jesus because life is full of storms that are beyond our control and imperil our life, and would thwart us from fulfilling our God given mission. We can trust Jesus, because He can and does do what God alone can do. He has power and authority equal with God, because that is who He is! We need to trust Jesus because life is full of storms that are beyond our control and imperil our life, and woul… Tim Dunham 2586 https://ccf.sermon.net/9844652/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereisyourfaith/id/941394.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9844652 Faith,Worry,Fear, Scripture: Luke 8:22-8:25, Series: Luke Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The true test of really "hearing" the Word, is that we are very intentional about putting into practice what we learn and understand of God's Word. Our life will bear fruit because we are serious about the Word, not just knowing what it says, but hearing God speak to us through His Word, to guide and lead us in His will and plan. All of life should be lived under the bright illumination of the Word, and all of life should be a living out of God's truth in all that we do - Living with the Best Intention. The true test of really "hearing" the Word, is that we are very intentional about putting into practice what we learn and understand of God's Word. Our life will bear fruit because we are serious about the Word, not just knowing what it says, but hearing God speak to us through His Word, to guide and lead us in His will and plan. All of life should be lived under the bright illumination of the Word, and all of life should be a living out of God's truth in all that we do - Living with the Best Intention. The true test of really "hearing" the Word, is that we are very intentional about putting into practice what we learn and understand of God's Word. Our life will bear fruit because we are serious about the Word, not just knowing what it says, but heari… Tim Dunham 2887 https://ccf.sermon.net/9832990/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dolifeonpurpose/id/941393.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9832990 Intentional,Word,Gospel, Scripture: Luke 8:16-8:21, Series: Luke Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Throughout all of Scripture, the fundamental basis of a right relationship with God, hinges on the fact that God communicates Himself and His plans and values to us, and we in turn are to hear what God is speaking and respond appropriately. The speaking activity of God is summed up in that which we call the Word of God. Our salvation, and our success in life depends on Hearing the Word of God and responding well to what He speaks. This parable gives a great word picture of the things that get in the way of hearing well, and challenges those who have ears to hear, to give careful attention to the Word of God. By this, our life will grow into a maturity that produces much for God's kingdom when we receive fully God's Word - by battling against 1) spiritual deception that would steal God's truth, 2) discouragement that results from hardship and persecution, 3) the worries of life, personal comfort, and worldly pleasures that distract and turn us away from following fully God's Word. Throughout all of Scripture, the fundamental basis of a right relationship with God, hinges on the fact that God communicates Himself and His plans and values to us, and we in turn are to hear what God is speaking and respond appropriately. The speaking activity of God is summed up in that which we call the Word of God. Our salvation, and our success in life depends on Hearing the Word of God and responding well to what He speaks. This parable gives a great word picture of the things that get in the way of hearing well, and challenges those who have ears to hear, to give careful attention to the Word of God. By this, our life will grow into a maturity that produces much for God's kingdom when we receive fully God's Word - by battling against 1) spiritual deception that would steal God's truth, 2) discouragement that results from hardship and persecution, 3) the worries of life, personal comfort, and worldly pleasures that distract and turn us away from following fully God's Word. Throughout all of Scripture, the fundamental basis of a right relationship with God, hinges on the fact that God communicates Himself and His plans and values to us, and we in turn are to hear what God is speaking and respond appropriately. The speakin… Tim Dunham 2881 https://ccf.sermon.net/9832986/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_earstohear/id/941392.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9832986 Faith,Word,Soil,Sower, Scripture: Luke 8:4-8:21, Series: Luke Sun, 19 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What is to be the core identity of a Christian? In most religions - the goal is to be a good person. Some go to the opposite extreme and want to be known as a “Bad” person because of the hypocrisy, or impossibility, of achieving such a goal. The true follower of Christ rejects both these options. We know we are not good, but that is not our identity. Nor, should make being a “Good” person our identity now! Rather, we acknowledges we are great sinners, but we hold to the truth that we have been Forgiven MUCH in Christ! The result is that focus of our life is not so much about being a good person (that is, perfect by our own effort), but rather, as sinners who have been forgiven much, we love God with great affection and passion and live all of life for Him in worship. We should continually stand in awe of God’s forgiveness and seek to love Him with all that we are and do! What is to be the core identity of a Christian? In most religions - the goal is to be a good person. Some go to the opposite extreme and want to be known as a “Bad” person because of the hypocrisy, or impossibility, of achieving such a goal. The true follower of Christ rejects both these options. We know we are not good, but that is not our identity. Nor, should make being a “Good” person our identity now! Rather, we acknowledges we are great sinners, but we hold to the truth that we have been Forgiven MUCH in Christ! The result is that focus of our life is not so much about being a good person (that is, perfect by our own effort), but rather, as sinners who have been forgiven much, we love God with great affection and passion and live all of life for Him in worship. We should continually stand in awe of God’s forgiveness and seek to love Him with all that we are and do! What is to be the core identity of a Christian? In most religions - the goal is to be a good person. Some go to the opposite extreme and want to be known as a “Bad” person because of the hypocrisy, or impossibility, of achieving such a goal. The true f… Tim Dunham 3070 https://ccf.sermon.net/9809434/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forgivenmuch/id/941391.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9809434 Grace,Forgiveness,Adoration, Scripture: Luke 7:36-7:50, Series: Luke Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What does the future hold for us? Is 2014 going to be a good year? We can live with the assumption that things are continually on the upswing. Maybe last year was tough, but next year will be better. The Magi were optimistic as well, but maybe not the way we are. Their optimism was not based on the world improving itself and the Roman developing and evolving into a glorious nation of peace and tranquility. They saw that the ruling powers and kingdoms are ultimately headed in the wrong direction. The only hope and optimism for a bright future was born in Bethlehem - the One the Magi were led to by the star. Only in the Kingdom of the Son of Man will the world know peace - a peace and a Kingdom that will never end! And the Saints of God will rule there in perfect peace with their King! What does the future hold for us? Is 2014 going to be a good year? We can live with the assumption that things are continually on the upswing. Maybe last year was tough, but next year will be better. The Magi were optimistic as well, but maybe not the way we are. Their optimism was not based on the world improving itself and the Roman developing and evolving into a glorious nation of peace and tranquility. They saw that the ruling powers and kingdoms are ultimately headed in the wrong direction. The only hope and optimism for a bright future was born in Bethlehem - the One the Magi were led to by the star. Only in the Kingdom of the Son of Man will the world know peace - a peace and a Kingdom that will never end! And the Saints of God will rule there in perfect peace with their King! What does the future hold for us? Is 2014 going to be a good year? We can live with the assumption that things are continually on the upswing. Maybe last year was tough, but next year will be better. The Magi were optimistic as well, but maybe not the … Tim Dunham 2957 https://ccf.sermon.net/9809427/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_insearchofaking/id/941390.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9809427 Prophecy,End Times, Series: Christmas , Custom categories: Topic: Christmas Sun, 29 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The end of the year is a time to reflect and respond. It is a good time to review how have we experienced Him working in us and revealing Himself to us? What are the Gospel messages He has been speaking and how have we acted on them? What mysteries of God are unfolding before us? It is out of these experiences that we are to be moved to action, to witness, to worship, and to contemplation - if we have faith to see God at work in these things. The end of the year is a time to reflect and respond. It is a good time to review how have we experienced Him working in us and revealing Himself to us? What are the Gospel messages He has been speaking and how have we acted on them? What mysteries of God are unfolding before us? It is out of these experiences that we are to be moved to action, to witness, to worship, and to contemplation - if we have faith to see God at work in these things. The end of the year is a time to reflect and respond. It is a good time to review how have we experienced Him working in us and revealing Himself to us? What are the Gospel messages He has been speaking and how have we acted on them? What mysteries of … Tim Dunham 2754 https://ccf.sermon.net/9775623/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_saviormessiahking/id/941389.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9775623 Shepherds,Worship,Messiah, Scripture: Luke 2:8-2:20, Series: Luke Sun, 22 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus is the supreme revelation of God - His character and His work. Even in his birth, Jesus reveals the heart of God, coming into the world and identifying with everyday people and the everyday struggles of real life on earth. God moved through the Roman Emperor and the Empire in order to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at just the right time, in order to accomplish His plan, prophesied hundreds of years in advance by his messengers. But, God fails to make suitable arrangements for a decent place for the child to be born. He makes sure Jesus is born in the right village, but seems careless about the accommodations of his birth! So, we must conclude that it was not just bad timing that resulted in Mary giving birth in a stable and laying her child in a feed trough. This, was also all part of God's plan and it reveals a great deal about God's mission in the world and his heart for those who are low on the social ladder. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God - His character and His work. Even in his birth, Jesus reveals the heart of God, coming into the world and identifying with everyday people and the everyday struggles of real life on earth. God moved through the Roman Emperor and the Empire in order to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at just the right time, in order to accomplish His plan, prophesied hundreds of years in advance by his messengers. But, God fails to make suitable arrangements for a decent place for the child to be born. He makes sure Jesus is born in the right village, but seems careless about the accommodations of his birth! So, we must conclude that it was not just bad timing that resulted in Mary giving birth in a stable and laying her child in a feed trough. This, was also all part of God's plan and it reveals a great deal about God's mission in the world and his heart for those who are low on the social ladder. Jesus is the supreme revelation of God - His character and His work. Even in his birth, Jesus reveals the heart of God, coming into the world and identifying with everyday people and the everyday struggles of real life on earth. God moved through the R… Tim Dunham 2428 https://ccf.sermon.net/9775199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_borninabarn/id/941388.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9775199 Advent,Jesus Birth,Nativity, Scripture: Luke 2:1-2:7, Series: Luke Sun, 08 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What makes Mary such a joyful and energetic worshiper? In this passage Mary explodes in praise and worship to God. As we seek to truly celebrate Christmas, what will make for a truly joyful celebration of Christ in our life? Mary and Elizabeth both model vital qualities that will be true in the life of anyone who will truly worship God in spirit and in truth. They celebrate with such joy in light of their own humble state, God's great power and Mercy, and their conviction that God will do exactly as He has revealed and promised. Thus, joyful celebration is the result of a humble heart, a life changing revelation, and faith in the power and mercy of our God to do what He has revealed and promised. What makes Mary such a joyful and energetic worshiper? In this passage Mary explodes in praise and worship to God. As we seek to truly celebrate Christmas, what will make for a truly joyful celebration of Christ in our life? Mary and Elizabeth both model vital qualities that will be true in the life of anyone who will truly worship God in spirit and in truth. They celebrate with such joy in light of their own humble state, God's great power and Mercy, and their conviction that God will do exactly as He has revealed and promised. Thus, joyful celebration is the result of a humble heart, a life changing revelation, and faith in the power and mercy of our God to do what He has revealed and promised. What makes Mary such a joyful and energetic worshiper? In this passage Mary explodes in praise and worship to God. As we seek to truly celebrate Christmas, what will make for a truly joyful celebration of Christ in our life? Mary and Elizabeth both mod… Tim Dunham 2674 https://ccf.sermon.net/9752056/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_celebratechristmas/id/941387.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9752056 Magnificat,Worship,Advent, Scripture: Luke 1:39-1:56, Series: Luke Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God is still keeping His impossible promises for those who find favor with God, and lay aside their own goals and ambitions and submit their life to the gracious will and plan of the King. God is still keeping His impossible promises for those who find favor with God, and lay aside their own goals and ambitions and submit their life to the gracious will and plan of the King. God is still keeping His impossible promises for those who find favor with God, and lay aside their own goals and ambitions and submit their life to the gracious will and plan of the King.… Tim Dunham 2821 https://ccf.sermon.net/9743779/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bornaking/id/941386.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9743779 Grace,Advent,Surrender, Scripture: Luke 1:26-1:38, Series: Luke Sun, 24 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This story is about an Elderly couple who are childless and it has been a great source of sorrow and disappointment their whole life. But, God shows up and answers their prayers. At the same time, this is a story about God breaking 400 years of silence and His Good News that is about to break in to history - the fulfillment of all His promises to Abraham, Israel, and the World! It is a story so huge that it eclipses in every way, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Is a very encouraging reminder that, while God's grand purpose for time and eternity will be accomplished by His hand in every way, we are very much a part of that story! Our seemingly small and insignificant part of God's grand story, is of huge significance to Him and it is inextricably woven into His great story in ways we may never know or understand until we reach heaven. This story is about an Elderly couple who are childless and it has been a great source of sorrow and disappointment their whole life. But, God shows up and answers their prayers. At the same time, this is a story about God breaking 400 years of silence and His Good News that is about to break in to history - the fulfillment of all His promises to Abraham, Israel, and the World! It is a story so huge that it eclipses in every way, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Is a very encouraging reminder that, while God's grand purpose for time and eternity will be accomplished by His hand in every way, we are very much a part of that story! Our seemingly small and insignificant part of God's grand story, is of huge significance to Him and it is inextricably woven into His great story in ways we may never know or understand until we reach heaven. This story is about an Elderly couple who are childless and it has been a great source of sorrow and disappointment their whole life. But, God shows up and answers their prayers. At the same time, this is a story about God breaking 400 years of silence… Tim Dunham 2622 https://ccf.sermon.net/9734502/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_breakingthesilence/id/941385.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9734502 John the Baptist,Christmas,Faith, Scripture: Luke 1:5-1:25, Series: Luke Sun, 03 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus often works in ways we would not expect and be means we could not imagine! Jesus often works in ways we would not expect and be means we could not imagine! Jesus often works in ways we would not expect and be means we could not imagine!… Tim Dunham 3264 https://ccf.sermon.net/9730010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefaithofasoldier/id/941384.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9730010 Centurion,Faith, Scripture: Luke 7:1-7:10, Series: Luke Sun, 27 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham If we are true disciples, if we claim to follow Christ and call Him master and Lord, then we will do what He says. We will take seriously His Word and seek to walk in obedience to all of it. Not that we accomplish this by our own strength – it is possible only through Him. But, for those who build their life on Jesus and His Word, there is nothing that can come against us that can destroy us. Our life and faith are indestructible. If we build or life on anything else, however, life will fall apart in the face of its many If we are true disciples, if we claim to follow Christ and call Him master and Lord, then we will do what He says. We will take seriously His Word and seek to walk in obedience to all of it. Not that we accomplish this by our own strength – it is possible only through Him. But, for those who build their life on Jesus and His Word, there is nothing that can come against us that can destroy us. Our life and faith are indestructible. If we build or life on anything else, however, life will fall apart in the face of its many If we are true disciples, if we claim to follow Christ and call Him master and Lord, then we will do what He says. We will take seriously His Word and seek to walk in obedience to all of it. Not that we accomplish this by our own strength – it is possi… Tim Dunham 2511 https://ccf.sermon.net/9575733/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_indestructible/id/941383.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9575733 Endure,Stand Firm, Scripture: Luke 6:46-6:49, Series: Luke Sun, 13 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are to love others and in many Christian circles that may involve leading, teaching, making disciples, counseling, and helping others deal with the sin and bondage in their own life. A good deal of Christian would fall in to one of these categories. But Jesus warns that we have no business helping others, unless our own life has undergone major transformation. Only when we understand our own blindness, shortcomings, sin, and failure AND find God’s healing grace and power in each of these areas. It is not out of our knowledge that we can help others, rather it is by our own experience of Grace. We are to love others and in many Christian circles that may involve leading, teaching, making disciples, counseling, and helping others deal with the sin and bondage in their own life. A good deal of Christian would fall in to one of these categories. But Jesus warns that we have no business helping others, unless our own life has undergone major transformation. Only when we understand our own blindness, shortcomings, sin, and failure AND find God’s healing grace and power in each of these areas. It is not out of our knowledge that we can help others, rather it is by our own experience of Grace. We are to love others and in many Christian circles that may involve leading, teaching, making disciples, counseling, and helping others deal with the sin and bondage in their own life. A good deal of Christian would fall in to one of these categories.… Tim Dunham 2510 https://ccf.sermon.net/9575713/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blindandbroken/id/941382.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9575713 Healing,Ministry,Grace, Scripture: Luke 6:39-6:42, Series: Luke Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Often lost people do extraordinary deeds of kindness and generosity, but there is a built in limit to human love. At the root of it, perhaps buried very deeply, so deep the owner does not even see it, there is a root of selfishness and self interest in it. It could be argued the same is true for the Christian - but the moralist does it ONLY for its personal benefit = to get merit or gain at some level. The true child of God, on the other hand, does it because of the Character of their Father with whom they are coming to share a likeness and portion of that same character. It is a totally unselfish and unconditional love that sets apart the kind and loving deed of the child of God, and these deeds will bring great reward to the one living and loving like their Father! Often lost people do extraordinary deeds of kindness and generosity, but there is a built in limit to human love. At the root of it, perhaps buried very deeply, so deep the owner does not even see it, there is a root of selfishness and self interest in it. It could be argued the same is true for the Christian - but the moralist does it ONLY for its personal benefit = to get merit or gain at some level. The true child of God, on the other hand, does it because of the Character of their Father with whom they are coming to share a likeness and portion of that same character. It is a totally unselfish and unconditional love that sets apart the kind and loving deed of the child of God, and these deeds will bring great reward to the one living and loving like their Father! Often lost people do extraordinary deeds of kindness and generosity, but there is a built in limit to human love. At the root of it, perhaps buried very deeply, so deep the owner does not even see it, there is a root of selfishness and self interest in… Tim Dunham 2510 https://ccf.sermon.net/9544996/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_agodsizedlove/id/941231.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9544996 Love,Unconditional, Scripture: Luke 6:32-6:38, Series: Luke Sun, 29 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham If we choose to follow the path that leads to the Kingdom, it will bring hardship and we will have enemies. We may not even need to be all that vocal about our beliefs – just being Christian may bring the wrath of society down upon us. But, we are to respond to all such animosity with extraordinary love and kindness. The Gospel will be an offense to some and they will hate us. It is specifically the people in this group that we are to go out of our way to love. Living out the Gospel also means loving another challenging group – the poor and the chronically dysfunctional. The challenge loving people like this, is that they will often take advantage of you and may abuse you in their own manipulative and selfish way. We are to love them, even when they take advantage – showing forgiveness and a persistent love in face of all resistance. If we choose to follow the path that leads to the Kingdom, it will bring hardship and we will have enemies. We may not even need to be all that vocal about our beliefs – just being Christian may bring the wrath of society down upon us. But, we are to respond to all such animosity with extraordinary love and kindness. The Gospel will be an offense to some and they will hate us. It is specifically the people in this group that we are to go out of our way to love. Living out the Gospel also means loving another challenging group – the poor and the chronically dysfunctional. The challenge loving people like this, is that they will often take advantage of you and may abuse you in their own manipulative and selfish way. We are to love them, even when they take advantage – showing forgiveness and a persistent love in face of all resistance. If we choose to follow the path that leads to the Kingdom, it will bring hardship and we will have enemies. We may not even need to be all that vocal about our beliefs – just being Christian may bring the wrath of society down upon us. But, we are to r… Tim Dunham 2647 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572209/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lovethehardway/id/941381.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572209 Sermon on the Mount,Love,Enemies,Hate, Scripture: Luke 6:27-6:31, Series: Luke Sun, 22 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham All roads do not lead to the same destination, even if the destination is God. Roads lead to very specific place, so if it matters where you want to go, then it does matter where you start! Jesus lays before us two very different paths – each with its own unique starting point and each with its own drastically different destination. One has as its starting point poverty, hunger, sorrow, and rejection and ends in the Kingdom of God with an eternal reward of riches and fulfillment forever. The other begins with wealth and glory, but ends in total and complete loss. Each road promises its own relative hardship or ease, and has its own promise in the end. Jesus makes an extraordinary promise to those who chose go down the road of following Him. In light of that promise we should rejoice in every difficulty knowing where this road ends! All roads do not lead to the same destination, even if the destination is God. Roads lead to very specific place, so if it matters where you want to go, then it does matter where you start! Jesus lays before us two very different paths – each with its own unique starting point and each with its own drastically different destination. One has as its starting point poverty, hunger, sorrow, and rejection and ends in the Kingdom of God with an eternal reward of riches and fulfillment forever. The other begins with wealth and glory, but ends in total and complete loss. Each road promises its own relative hardship or ease, and has its own promise in the end. Jesus makes an extraordinary promise to those who chose go down the road of following Him. In light of that promise we should rejoice in every difficulty knowing where this road ends! All roads do not lead to the same destination, even if the destination is God. Roads lead to very specific place, so if it matters where you want to go, then it does matter where you start! Jesus lays before us two very different paths – each with its … Tim Dunham 2677 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572208/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_extraordinarypromise/id/941380.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572208 Sermon on the Mount,Promise,Blessing,Suffering, Scripture: Luke 6:20-6:26, Series: Luke Sun, 15 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham These few verses would be quite easy to skip over, and just jump right in to Jesus’ Sermon. But, the placement of these verses is vital and strategic. The Sermon will lay out what is demanded of one who claims to be a true follower of Jesus. But, the Sermon can be easily misunderstood, if we fail to see that Jesus must first save us – we must be set free from sin, Satan, and death, before we can begin to live the kind of life He calls us to in the Sermon. His first priority of ministry is to bring healing grace, to broken people. We are first recipients of His compassion, then we are called on to show that same compassion to others. Jesus lovingly heals ALL who come, then He teaches ALL who will listen. It is grace and salvation first, hearing and obedience second. It is Only when we have been set free by His healing power, that we are truly free to love others as He has loved us. And, His healing comes through contact with Him – it is in the person of Christ from which the power of salvation flows. We all must touch Him by faith and be healed, before we can ever do what He asks in the Sermon. These few verses would be quite easy to skip over, and just jump right in to Jesus’ Sermon. But, the placement of these verses is vital and strategic. The Sermon will lay out what is demanded of one who claims to be a true follower of Jesus. But, the Sermon can be easily misunderstood, if we fail to see that Jesus must first save us – we must be set free from sin, Satan, and death, before we can begin to live the kind of life He calls us to in the Sermon. His first priority of ministry is to bring healing grace, to broken people. We are first recipients of His compassion, then we are called on to show that same compassion to others. Jesus lovingly heals ALL who come, then He teaches ALL who will listen. It is grace and salvation first, hearing and obedience second. It is Only when we have been set free by His healing power, that we are truly free to love others as He has loved us. And, His healing comes through contact with Him – it is in the person of Christ from which the power of salvation flows. We all must touch Him by faith and be healed, before we can ever do what He asks in the Sermon. These few verses would be quite easy to skip over, and just jump right in to Jesus’ Sermon. But, the placement of these verses is vital and strategic. The Sermon will lay out what is demanded of one who claims to be a true follower of Jesus. But, the S… Tim Dunham 2407 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572207/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_settingpeoplefree/id/941379.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572207 Salvation,Healing,Sermon on the Mount, Scripture: Luke 6:17-6:19, Series: Luke Sun, 01 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Gospel brings something radically new and different from the old ways. But what exactly is Jesus suggesting is new a different? The parables of new wine and new cloth are followed up with one more conflict over how to keep Sabbath rules. In this conflict with the Pharisees it is clear that Jesus is seeking to change the very “corporate culture” of Israel. He brings a very new attitude and practice to keeping the law that does not fit at all with the old ways. Jesus came to fulfill all the OT, but how can he fulfill the law when he seems to be disregarding it and so drastically changing its practice? Jesus changes both the corporate culture of strict adherence to the law and its practice, by restoring the law to its true God ordained purpose. The Jews had turned the law into something it was never meant to be, Jesus fulfills it and restores its true purpose. He does fulfill it – not by simply following it in its broken state, but restoring it to its true design and in that form he keeps it perfectly! The Gospel brings something radically new and different from the old ways. But what exactly is Jesus suggesting is new a different? The parables of new wine and new cloth are followed up with one more conflict over how to keep Sabbath rules. In this conflict with the Pharisees it is clear that Jesus is seeking to change the very “corporate culture” of Israel. He brings a very new attitude and practice to keeping the law that does not fit at all with the old ways. Jesus came to fulfill all the OT, but how can he fulfill the law when he seems to be disregarding it and so drastically changing its practice? Jesus changes both the corporate culture of strict adherence to the law and its practice, by restoring the law to its true God ordained purpose. The Jews had turned the law into something it was never meant to be, Jesus fulfills it and restores its true purpose. He does fulfill it – not by simply following it in its broken state, but restoring it to its true design and in that form he keeps it perfectly! The Gospel brings something radically new and different from the old ways. But what exactly is Jesus suggesting is new a different? The parables of new wine and new cloth are followed up with one more conflict over how to keep Sabbath rules. In this co… Tim Dunham 2993 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572206/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatsnew/id/941378.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572206 Law,Ethics,Love, Scripture: Luke 6:1-6:11, Series: Luke Sun, 19 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As Paul looks to extend his mission outreach in to a whole new region, far from his home base, he looks to forming new a partnership with the Church in Rome as a new base of operation. This explains the purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is one important role of the established Church – to partner in strategic ways with those called to proclaim the Good News in new lands and to new cultures and people. CCF is like the Church in Rome in some ways. We have a unique opportunity to be a receiving and re-sending Church, serving a role much like that which Paul hoped the Church in Rome could serve to support his mission. As Paul looks to extend his mission outreach in to a whole new region, far from his home base, he looks to forming new a partnership with the Church in Rome as a new base of operation. This explains the purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is one important role of the established Church – to partner in strategic ways with those called to proclaim the Good News in new lands and to new cultures and people. CCF is like the Church in Rome in some ways. We have a unique opportunity to be a receiving and re-sending Church, serving a role much like that which Paul hoped the Church in Rome could serve to support his mission. As Paul looks to extend his mission outreach in to a whole new region, far from his home base, he looks to forming new a partnership with the Church in Rome as a new base of operation. This explains the purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is one… Tim Dunham 2392 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572205/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_helpfortheourney/id/941377.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572205 Church,Missions, Scripture: Romans 15:13-15:23, Series: Romans Sun, 12 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul has spent 14 chapters writing about the Gospel, now as he closes the letter we get a glimpse of how his life and ministry has revolved around the Gospel. No one else is called to the ministry Paul was as The Apostle to the Nations, but it would do us good to measure our life and ministry against the core values and ministry strategy of Paul. Here we get a glimpse off his sand box, so to speak, and we would do well to build our sandbox with similar goals and methods. It describes what truly Gospel centered ministry looks like – A Priest of the Gospel, who offers up a pleasing offering to God, with pride in what God has accomplished through me, and by His great power, to fulfill the mission of the Gospel. Paul has spent 14 chapters writing about the Gospel, now as he closes the letter we get a glimpse of how his life and ministry has revolved around the Gospel. No one else is called to the ministry Paul was as The Apostle to the Nations, but it would do us good to measure our life and ministry against the core values and ministry strategy of Paul. Here we get a glimpse off his sand box, so to speak, and we would do well to build our sandbox with similar goals and methods. It describes what truly Gospel centered ministry looks like – A Priest of the Gospel, who offers up a pleasing offering to God, with pride in what God has accomplished through me, and by His great power, to fulfill the mission of the Gospel. Paul has spent 14 chapters writing about the Gospel, now as he closes the letter we get a glimpse of how his life and ministry has revolved around the Gospel. No one else is called to the ministry Paul was as The Apostle to the Nations, but it would do… Tim Dunham 2730 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572204/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gospelministry/id/941376.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572204 Gospel,Mission,Vision, Scripture: Romans 15:14-15:21, Series: Romans Sun, 05 May 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The final word on how we deal with the doctrinal differences that separate us – serve each other for the sake of God’s glory. The strong are to carry the weak by serving them, because that is exactly what Jesus did! And, just as Jesus served us for a purpose, so we to have a grand overarching purpose in it all, namely so that with one heart and one voice we would give glory to God! IF anything less becomes the goal or focus of our life, we will not be committed to do all we can to live in unity within the body – we become must to self-serving. But, we were created and redeemed to bring glory to God! So it should be our one consuming passion. The final word on how we deal with the doctrinal differences that separate us – serve each other for the sake of God’s glory. The strong are to carry the weak by serving them, because that is exactly what Jesus did! And, just as Jesus served us for a purpose, so we to have a grand overarching purpose in it all, namely so that with one heart and one voice we would give glory to God! IF anything less becomes the goal or focus of our life, we will not be committed to do all we can to live in unity within the body – we become must to self-serving. But, we were created and redeemed to bring glory to God! So it should be our one consuming passion. The final word on how we deal with the doctrinal differences that separate us – serve each other for the sake of God’s glory. The strong are to carry the weak by serving them, because that is exactly what Jesus did! And, just as Jesus served us for a p… Tim Dunham 2478 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572203/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_worshipasone/id/941375.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572203 God's Glory,Worship,Unity, Scripture: Romans 15:1-15:13, Series: Romans Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Gospel has provided for us an amazing freedom – freedom in Christ to live and serve God without the burden of laws and regulations. But, this freedom is such a radical idea that to many it’s just seems too good to be true, and in the weakness of their faith they cannot enjoy that freedom. Those who are strong in their faith and mature in their understanding must be very sensitive to those who are not there yet. We must never use our freedom in a way that would bring harm to a brother, or cause them to sin. Instead, we need to help them grow up and mature, but we can do that only if we are committed to pursuing peace in our relationship with them – meeting them where they are to help guide them to where we are and beyond! The Gospel has provided for us an amazing freedom – freedom in Christ to live and serve God without the burden of laws and regulations. But, this freedom is such a radical idea that to many it’s just seems too good to be true, and in the weakness of their faith they cannot enjoy that freedom. Those who are strong in their faith and mature in their understanding must be very sensitive to those who are not there yet. We must never use our freedom in a way that would bring harm to a brother, or cause them to sin. Instead, we need to help them grow up and mature, but we can do that only if we are committed to pursuing peace in our relationship with them – meeting them where they are to help guide them to where we are and beyond! The Gospel has provided for us an amazing freedom – freedom in Christ to live and serve God without the burden of laws and regulations. But, this freedom is such a radical idea that to many it’s just seems too good to be true, and in the weakness of th… Tim Dunham 2439 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572202/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pursuepeace/id/941374.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572202 Peace,Divisions, Scripture: Romans 14:13-14:23, Series: Romans Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham On the one hand, we are called to unity – to have the same mind about things. Paul urged us to be transformed by renewing our minds. Therefore, we ought to all be in perfect agreement on doctrine and practice in the Church – right? We are anything but that! To make matters worse, the Gospel has moved us away from the Law – a unified code that describes exactly how we are to practice our faith. Now, there is much greater liberty and freedom to follow God as we feel led and directed by Him. So, what do we do when others do when there is no clear agreement about the right way to do the Christian life? Paul says that we must live together in unity and fellowship, even if we do not agree on practice. Each one is to live by their own genuine and well thought out convictions, knowing they serve God and answer to Him alone. At the same time, we are not to judge others who arrive at different conclusions and live out their faith differently – even if it seems “wrong” to us. On the one hand, we are called to unity – to have the same mind about things. Paul urged us to be transformed by renewing our minds. Therefore, we ought to all be in perfect agreement on doctrine and practice in the Church – right? We are anything but that! To make matters worse, the Gospel has moved us away from the Law – a unified code that describes exactly how we are to practice our faith. Now, there is much greater liberty and freedom to follow God as we feel led and directed by Him. So, what do we do when others do when there is no clear agreement about the right way to do the Christian life? Paul says that we must live together in unity and fellowship, even if we do not agree on practice. Each one is to live by their own genuine and well thought out convictions, knowing they serve God and answer to Him alone. At the same time, we are not to judge others who arrive at different conclusions and live out their faith differently – even if it seems “wrong” to us. On the one hand, we are called to unity – to have the same mind about things. Paul urged us to be transformed by renewing our minds. Therefore, we ought to all be in perfect agreement on doctrine and practice in the Church – right? We are anything but … Tim Dunham 2648 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572200/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theweakandthestrong/id/941372.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572200 Unity,Judging,Criticism, Scripture: Romans 14:1-14:12, Series: Romans Sun, 14 Apr 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As followers of Christ we are to live with the eager expectation and anticipation of the coming of God’s final work of salvation. Jesus is coming back and He will accomplish all that He promised for us. After 2,000 years of waiting, it can feel like the end will ever come and has no relevance for us, but it is nearer that it ever has been, and even during the time of Paul the sense of its imminence was to be a motivation for godly living. Jesus is coming back and we are to be prepared for that great event! So, how does one prepare for such a thing? Paul urges us to live pure and holy lives as those anticipating the coming day. We are to put off the old habits and life style that characterized our life in the night, and put on Christ – His life, power, and salvation – who is our armor of light! As followers of Christ we are to live with the eager expectation and anticipation of the coming of God’s final work of salvation. Jesus is coming back and He will accomplish all that He promised for us. After 2,000 years of waiting, it can feel like the end will ever come and has no relevance for us, but it is nearer that it ever has been, and even during the time of Paul the sense of its imminence was to be a motivation for godly living. Jesus is coming back and we are to be prepared for that great event! So, how does one prepare for such a thing? Paul urges us to live pure and holy lives as those anticipating the coming day. We are to put off the old habits and life style that characterized our life in the night, and put on Christ – His life, power, and salvation – who is our armor of light! As followers of Christ we are to live with the eager expectation and anticipation of the coming of God’s final work of salvation. Jesus is coming back and He will accomplish all that He promised for us. After 2,000 years of waiting, it can feel like th… Tim Dunham 2910 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572201/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefastapproachingday/id/941373.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572201 End Times,Judgment,Salvation, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This is a very relevant and practical look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus as He begins His Passion week. This is a very relevant and practical look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus as He begins His Passion week. This is a very relevant and practical look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus as He begins His Passion week.… Tim Dunham 2744 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572197/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_markofmaesty/id/941369.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572197 Palm Sunday, Scripture: Luke 19:28-19:48, Series: Easter Sun, 17 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the ways we can know what the will of God is – that which is good, pleasing, and perfect is in the area of following the laws of the land. Generally speaking, it is good and pleasing to God to respect Government rulers and institutions and live “under” the law. This is not simply a practical instruction, because it is expedient to keep the law, but because all authority comes from God and is set up by God. To submit to human authority is to submit to God, to rebel is to reject God’s divinely appointed institutions, and thus to rebel against God Himself. Such rebellion will not go unpunished – even for a believer! Grace covers all our sins, but it does not pay our speeding tickets! One of the ways we can know what the will of God is – that which is good, pleasing, and perfect is in the area of following the laws of the land. Generally speaking, it is good and pleasing to God to respect Government rulers and institutions and live “under” the law. This is not simply a practical instruction, because it is expedient to keep the law, but because all authority comes from God and is set up by God. To submit to human authority is to submit to God, to rebel is to reject God’s divinely appointed institutions, and thus to rebel against God Himself. Such rebellion will not go unpunished – even for a believer! Grace covers all our sins, but it does not pay our speeding tickets! One of the ways we can know what the will of God is – that which is good, pleasing, and perfect is in the area of following the laws of the land. Generally speaking, it is good and pleasing to God to respect Government rulers and institutions and live … Tim Dunham 2795 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572198/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lawabiding/id/941370.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572198 Law,Government,Obedience, Scripture: Romans 13:1-13:7, Series: Romans Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is hard enough to love our friends, how much more difficult to love our enemies, but that is exactly what the Gospel requires of us. Loving our enemies means we do not get even or seek to give them what they deserve, but it goes beyond that. We are actually to look for ways to bless them and help them. This is a love beyond human ability, it is a love that comes out of a heart and mind that understands what it means to have been the enemy of God, and to receive God’s help and greatest blessing at the very moment when we were most hostile to Him. It is only as we daily grasp the power of the gospel in our own life that we will be able to live out that kind of love for others! And, maybe it is in living out that love for others that we come to better know what God has done for us! It is hard enough to love our friends, how much more difficult to love our enemies, but that is exactly what the Gospel requires of us. Loving our enemies means we do not get even or seek to give them what they deserve, but it goes beyond that. We are actually to look for ways to bless them and help them. This is a love beyond human ability, it is a love that comes out of a heart and mind that understands what it means to have been the enemy of God, and to receive God’s help and greatest blessing at the very moment when we were most hostile to Him. It is only as we daily grasp the power of the gospel in our own life that we will be able to live out that kind of love for others! And, maybe it is in living out that love for others that we come to better know what God has done for us! It is hard enough to love our friends, how much more difficult to love our enemies, but that is exactly what the Gospel requires of us. Loving our enemies means we do not get even or seek to give them what they deserve, but it goes beyond that. We are … Tim Dunham 2827 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572199/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveyourenemies/id/941371.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572199 Love,Enemies,serving,Humility, Scripture: Romans 12:14-12:21, Series: Romans Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham If we are truly being transformed by the renewing of our minds it will be most evident in our love for others. God is love, and that which is good, pleasing, and perfect in the life of a believer will be a fruit of His love moving in us. True love, love that is not just a show, takes action. This is some of what love does – it is not a definition of love, rather a picture of what love moves us to do. If we are truly being transformed by the renewing of our minds it will be most evident in our love for others. God is love, and that which is good, pleasing, and perfect in the life of a believer will be a fruit of His love moving in us. True love, love that is not just a show, takes action. This is some of what love does – it is not a definition of love, rather a picture of what love moves us to do. If we are truly being transformed by the renewing of our minds it will be most evident in our love for others. God is love, and that which is good, pleasing, and perfect in the life of a believer will be a fruit of His love moving in us. True love, lov… Tim Dunham 2653 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572196/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_livinglovepart1/id/941368.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572196 Transformed,Love,Giving, Scripture: Romans 12:3-12:13, Series: Romans Sun, 17 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham If our true worship is giving of our very lives in service to God and living life in every way to please Him, then the question must be asked – what does God want? What would it mean to live in a way that is truly pleasing to Him. Rather than giving us a list of rules and demands (law), God wants to so reorder or thinking that we instinctively know what He wants and what would be the right and pleasing thing to do in any and every circumstance. So, our mission is not to memorize and elaborate set of rules, but rather to completely change the way we think – so that we can clearly recognize and know what is good, and pleasing, and perfect. If our true worship is giving of our very lives in service to God and living life in every way to please Him, then the question must be asked – what does God want? What would it mean to live in a way that is truly pleasing to Him. Rather than giving us a list of rules and demands (law), God wants to so reorder or thinking that we instinctively know what He wants and what would be the right and pleasing thing to do in any and every circumstance. So, our mission is not to memorize and elaborate set of rules, but rather to completely change the way we think – so that we can clearly recognize and know what is good, and pleasing, and perfect. If our true worship is giving of our very lives in service to God and living life in every way to please Him, then the question must be asked – what does God want? What would it mean to live in a way that is truly pleasing to Him. Rather than giving us… Tim Dunham 2601 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572195/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_transformed/id/941367.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572195 Conformed,Worldly,Change, Scripture: Romans 12:2-12:2, Series: Romans Sun, 10 Feb 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul began Romans by showing how we did not worship God, or give Him thanks. So, once God has made us right with Himself by His great mercy, that should be one of the first things that is put back in right order. But, now that Jesus has become the perfect sacrifice for sin, how are we to worship Him? We are to lay our very lives on the altar as a living sacrifice. This is not a sacrifice that we give in order to get something from God, to earn His favor, but a response to all that He has already given! This is true worship. Paul began Romans by showing how we did not worship God, or give Him thanks. So, once God has made us right with Himself by His great mercy, that should be one of the first things that is put back in right order. But, now that Jesus has become the perfect sacrifice for sin, how are we to worship Him? We are to lay our very lives on the altar as a living sacrifice. This is not a sacrifice that we give in order to get something from God, to earn His favor, but a response to all that He has already given! This is true worship. Paul began Romans by showing how we did not worship God, or give Him thanks. So, once God has made us right with Himself by His great mercy, that should be one of the first things that is put back in right order. But, now that Jesus has become the perf… Tim Dunham 2736 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572194/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trueworship/id/941366.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572194 Worship,Sacrifice,Committment, Scripture: Romans 12:1-12:1, Series: Romans Sun, 27 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What is God’s plan for Israel in the future? How is God’s plan in the present regarding Israel and the Nations? Paul spells out God’s grand design, both in the present time and in the final act of the unfolding drama of human history. God will bring in to His salvation all those from the Nations he has called to be His own, then through His kindness to the Gentiles He will stir up jealousy in the hearts of the Jews and they too will turn back to Him and discover His mercy and all Israel will be saved. What is God’s plan for Israel in the future? How is God’s plan in the present regarding Israel and the Nations? Paul spells out God’s grand design, both in the present time and in the final act of the unfolding drama of human history. God will bring in to His salvation all those from the Nations he has called to be His own, then through His kindness to the Gentiles He will stir up jealousy in the hearts of the Jews and they too will turn back to Him and discover His mercy and all Israel will be saved. What is God’s plan for Israel in the future? How is God’s plan in the present regarding Israel and the Nations? Paul spells out God’s grand design, both in the present time and in the final act of the unfolding drama of human history. God will bring in… Tim Dunham 2812 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572193/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_israelandthegospel/id/941365.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572193 Israel,Second Coming,Mercy, Scripture: Romans 11:25-11:32, Series: Romans Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In the midst of this lengthy discussion about the failure of Israel to embrace the Gospel, Paul confronts an unhealthy and wrong attitude of Gentile Christians who wrongly think that God has pushed aside Israel and replaced Israel with a Gentile Church so the Gentile Christians, therefore, must be better than the Jews. This kind of thinking is in no way compatible with the Gospel. In the midst of this lengthy discussion about the failure of Israel to embrace the Gospel, Paul confronts an unhealthy and wrong attitude of Gentile Christians who wrongly think that God has pushed aside Israel and replaced Israel with a Gentile Church so the Gentile Christians, therefore, must be better than the Jews. This kind of thinking is in no way compatible with the Gospel. In the midst of this lengthy discussion about the failure of Israel to embrace the Gospel, Paul confronts an unhealthy and wrong attitude of Gentile Christians who wrongly think that God has pushed aside Israel and replaced Israel with a Gentile Church… Tim Dunham 2979 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572192/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_spiritualpride/id/941364.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572192 Pride,Humility, Scripture: Romans 11:13-11:24, Series: Romans Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God is absolutely faithful in His character. He is true to His Word and He stands by every promise. So, He has not and will reject Israel, in spite of her rejection of the Gospel. There is a remnant in Israel whom God has saved by grace. If He is faithful to stubborn and hard hearted Israel, we can count on Him to remain faithful to us – not because we have earned it, but by grace. At the same time God is fair. He deals with stubborn people by giving them what they want – a heart that is hard and eyes that are blind. It is what they have chosen for themselves and God is just and fair in setting them in that path permanently. What a gift of grace if we have been given a sensitivity to spiritual things - eyes that see the truth and ears that hear and understand God’s purpose and plan! God is absolutely faithful in His character. He is true to His Word and He stands by every promise. So, He has not and will reject Israel, in spite of her rejection of the Gospel. There is a remnant in Israel whom God has saved by grace. If He is faithful to stubborn and hard hearted Israel, we can count on Him to remain faithful to us – not because we have earned it, but by grace. At the same time God is fair. He deals with stubborn people by giving them what they want – a heart that is hard and eyes that are blind. It is what they have chosen for themselves and God is just and fair in setting them in that path permanently. What a gift of grace if we have been given a sensitivity to spiritual things - eyes that see the truth and ears that hear and understand God’s purpose and plan! God is absolutely faithful in His character. He is true to His Word and He stands by every promise. So, He has not and will reject Israel, in spite of her rejection of the Gospel. There is a remnant in Israel whom God has saved by grace. If He is faith… Tim Dunham 2557 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572191/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithfulandfair/id/941363.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572191 Israel,Promise, Scripture: Romans 11:1-11:10, Series: Romans Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul says that God provides the means to build and grow faith – it comes through the very message of the Gospel. Not only are we saved by faith, but the message of the Gospel is itself the very means of appropriating a faith that can save us. Not only must we believe IN the message, we also believe BY the message – faith comes from hearing, hearing by means of the message of Christ. The more we listen - reflect, contemplate, consider, discuss, think about, meditate upon – the message, the more faith will grow. But, if we dismiss the message and refuse to listen we will never have faith, and we will never come to salvation. Israel was lost, not because they could not believe, but because they would not listen. Paul says that God provides the means to build and grow faith – it comes through the very message of the Gospel. Not only are we saved by faith, but the message of the Gospel is itself the very means of appropriating a faith that can save us. Not only must we believe IN the message, we also believe BY the message – faith comes from hearing, hearing by means of the message of Christ. The more we listen - reflect, contemplate, consider, discuss, think about, meditate upon – the message, the more faith will grow. But, if we dismiss the message and refuse to listen we will never have faith, and we will never come to salvation. Israel was lost, not because they could not believe, but because they would not listen. Paul says that God provides the means to build and grow faith – it comes through the very message of the Gospel. Not only are we saved by faith, but the message of the Gospel is itself the very means of appropriating a faith that can save us. Not only … Tim Dunham 2678 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572190/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_buildingfaith/id/941362.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572190 Faith,Believe,Hearing, Scripture: Romans 10:14-10:21, Series: Romans Sun, 30 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham So why does God allow suffering in the world? Why does he not stop the killing of helpless children? Of the pure and innocent? Of those who cannot or will not fight back – the weak and powerless? He created such a place, so that He could step into it, and become weak, powerless, innocent, and pure and hand himself over to wicked and cruel men, in order to save us. So why does God allow suffering in the world? Why does he not stop the killing of helpless children? Of the pure and innocent? Of those who cannot or will not fight back – the weak and powerless? He created such a place, so that He could step into it, and become weak, powerless, innocent, and pure and hand himself over to wicked and cruel men, in order to save us. So why does God allow suffering in the world? Why does he not stop the killing of helpless children? Of the pure and innocent? Of those who cannot or will not fight back – the weak and powerless? He created such a place, so that He could step into it, … Tim Dunham 2738 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572189/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_killingtheinnocent/id/941361.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572189 Suffering,Evil,Christmas, Scripture: Matthew 2:13-2:23, Series: Christmas Sun, 23 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Magi found Jesus because they were searching for Him. God revealed Himself to them and they responded with a faith that led them forward. Are we seeking Jesus? If we truly seek Him, we will find Him! The Magi found Jesus because they were searching for Him. God revealed Himself to them and they responded with a faith that led them forward. Are we seeking Jesus? If we truly seek Him, we will find Him! The Magi found Jesus because they were searching for Him. God revealed Himself to them and they responded with a faith that led them forward. Are we seeking Jesus? If we truly seek Him, we will find Him!… Tim Dunham 2624 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572188/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themagi/id/941360.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572188 Christmas,Wisemen,Nativity,Advent, Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2:12, Series: Christmas , Custom categories: Topic: Christmas Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Even in the short Christmas narrative in Matthew, the focus and purpose of Jesus mission is clearly stated - His mission to save us! Even in the short Christmas narrative in Matthew, the focus and purpose of Jesus mission is clearly stated - His mission to save us! Even in the short Christmas narrative in Matthew, the focus and purpose of Jesus mission is clearly stated - His mission to save us!… Tim Dunham 2676 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572187/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godwithus/id/941359.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572187 Christmas,Advent,Jesus' birth, Scripture: Matthew 1:18-1:25, Series: Christmas , Custom categories: Topic: Christmas Sun, 09 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham After all that Paul has said about God’s right and freedom to choose whom He will and Harden whom He will, it would be easy to think that God has set everything firmly in place and there is nothing we can do about it bust accept our fate. But, that is not a correct understanding of the Gospel. Paul moves on to show that election is only part of the picture. All people are responsible for the truth they have been given, and each person has the opportunity to respond to the Good News with saving faith – indeed, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord WILL be saved. In fact, it is the mission of God (missio dei) to make the Gospel accessible to all. Therefore, we are to be diligent to pray for the lost, and proclaim the message of life to all! After all that Paul has said about God’s right and freedom to choose whom He will and Harden whom He will, it would be easy to think that God has set everything firmly in place and there is nothing we can do about it bust accept our fate. But, that is not a correct understanding of the Gospel. Paul moves on to show that election is only part of the picture. All people are responsible for the truth they have been given, and each person has the opportunity to respond to the Good News with saving faith – indeed, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord WILL be saved. In fact, it is the mission of God (missio dei) to make the Gospel accessible to all. Therefore, we are to be diligent to pray for the lost, and proclaim the message of life to all! After all that Paul has said about God’s right and freedom to choose whom He will and Harden whom He will, it would be easy to think that God has set everything firmly in place and there is nothing we can do about it bust accept our fate. But, that is … Tim Dunham 2822 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572186/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_allwhocall/id/941358.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572186 Faith,Salvation,Proclaim, Scripture: Romans 9:30-10:13, Series: Romans Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Is God unjust because He only chooses some for salvation, and not all? By the standards of democratic society, perhaps it is unjust and unfair, but God does not operate by the ethics of modern society. God operates out of the very depth of His own being – based not on an external set of rules or codes, but based on His own character and nature. So then, all His choices and all His purposes are moved forward on the basis of His mercy and compassion which are the very essence of who God is. Even His wrath and judgment work in harmony with His merciful purpose for all creation. So then God acts in all fairness and justice, because He is mercy and compassion which guides every choice, purpose, and action of God. Is God unjust because He only chooses some for salvation, and not all? By the standards of democratic society, perhaps it is unjust and unfair, but God does not operate by the ethics of modern society. God operates out of the very depth of His own being – based not on an external set of rules or codes, but based on His own character and nature. So then, all His choices and all His purposes are moved forward on the basis of His mercy and compassion which are the very essence of who God is. Even His wrath and judgment work in harmony with His merciful purpose for all creation. So then God acts in all fairness and justice, because He is mercy and compassion which guides every choice, purpose, and action of God. Is God unjust because He only chooses some for salvation, and not all? By the standards of democratic society, perhaps it is unjust and unfair, but God does not operate by the ethics of modern society. God operates out of the very depth of His own bein… Tim Dunham 2585 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572185/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_everexpandinggrace/id/941357.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572185 Election,Mercy,Fair, Scripture: Romans 9:6-9:13, Series: Romans Sun, 25 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The preordained purpose of God stands firm and is certain – even in regard to Israel – because it is not dependent on us. God works it out by His own choosing and power, not based on the actions or decisions of people, but solely on the choice and action of God Himself. This is a hard reality for those of us who live in the democratic West – where our right to choose is ingrained in us from birth. Our whole sense of justice rests on the principle that true justice exists only in a place where the will of the people empowers leaders by free and fair elections, and by that leaders have the authority and right to rule. But, it is this very principle – free and fair election without coercion or undue influence – that gives God the right to choose us! His choice must be free and fair, not because we have forced him into something, and His right to rule, does not come from us, but from His own being as creator God! The preordained purpose of God stands firm and is certain – even in regard to Israel – because it is not dependent on us. God works it out by His own choosing and power, not based on the actions or decisions of people, but solely on the choice and action of God Himself. This is a hard reality for those of us who live in the democratic West – where our right to choose is ingrained in us from birth. Our whole sense of justice rests on the principle that true justice exists only in a place where the will of the people empowers leaders by free and fair elections, and by that leaders have the authority and right to rule. But, it is this very principle – free and fair election without coercion or undue influence – that gives God the right to choose us! His choice must be free and fair, not because we have forced him into something, and His right to rule, does not come from us, but from His own being as creator God! The preordained purpose of God stands firm and is certain – even in regard to Israel – because it is not dependent on us. God works it out by His own choosing and power, not based on the actions or decisions of people, but solely on the choice and acti… Tim Dunham 3161 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572184/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_unstoppable/id/941356.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572184 Election,Democracy,Cultural Bias, Scripture: Romans 9:6-9:13, Series: Romans Sun, 11 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham How do we feel about those who are lost? What is our heart toward those outside of our faith? All that Paul has said about the Gospel, raises many issues and questions about the place and future of Israel. Paul now turns to address those issues. But, it is not mere academics. He is deeply and personally troubled – grief stricken – over Israel’s rejection of the Gospel and of her Messiah. Everything that God gave Israel pointed to this glorious climax. That the Jews did not receive it made their rejection much more definitive and final. It raises questions about God’s promises to Israel and His will to keep them. How do we feel about those who are lost? What is our heart toward those outside of our faith? All that Paul has said about the Gospel, raises many issues and questions about the place and future of Israel. Paul now turns to address those issues. But, it is not mere academics. He is deeply and personally troubled – grief stricken – over Israel’s rejection of the Gospel and of her Messiah. Everything that God gave Israel pointed to this glorious climax. That the Jews did not receive it made their rejection much more definitive and final. It raises questions about God’s promises to Israel and His will to keep them. How do we feel about those who are lost? What is our heart toward those outside of our faith? All that Paul has said about the Gospel, raises many issues and questions about the place and future of Israel. Paul now turns to address those issues. But, i… Tim Dunham 2148 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572183/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_aheartforthelost/id/941355.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572183 Lost,Evangelism,Israel, Scripture: Romans 9:1-9:5, Series: Romans Sun, 04 Nov 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham There is truly nothing that can or will stop God’s great love for us! By his love He has put us into right relationship and standing with Himself – that is by giving up His son. So no one can bring any charge to somehow disqualify us. Even suffering and hardship are in the end, no match for God’s love and serve to prove our love for God not diminish His love for us. But, we have become weak and spoiled and have equated our comfort with God’s love, but God’s love is so much greater that our momentary problems. Indeed, nothing can separate us from His love – He has set it in motion and nothing can stop it! There is truly nothing that can or will stop God’s great love for us! By his love He has put us into right relationship and standing with Himself – that is by giving up His son. So no one can bring any charge to somehow disqualify us. Even suffering and hardship are in the end, no match for God’s love and serve to prove our love for God not diminish His love for us. But, we have become weak and spoiled and have equated our comfort with God’s love, but God’s love is so much greater that our momentary problems. Indeed, nothing can separate us from His love – He has set it in motion and nothing can stop it! There is truly nothing that can or will stop God’s great love for us! By his love He has put us into right relationship and standing with Himself – that is by giving up His son. So no one can bring any charge to somehow disqualify us. Even suffering an… Tim Dunham 2416 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572182/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godforus/id/1786158.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572182 Love,Trials, Scripture: Romans 8:31-8:39, Series: Romans Sun, 28 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This is the third word of encouragement to those who are suffering and facing hardships in life. It combines to some extent the first two – our great hope of glory, and the sense that God will accomplish His will for us. But, how can it be God’s will for us to suffer? If God is good how can His plans for us include hardship and even evil? The simple answer is that God, in His great Sovereign power, uses all things as a means to bring about His good purpose for us. But, that good purpose must be defined in His terms not ours. His ultimate good is that we come to be like Christ – to be imprinted with His glorious image and share in His glory. When we rightly understand God’s purpose, and evaluate what is good in light of His eternal plan, we can and must see that everything in life is used by God to produce Christ-like character in us. This is the third word of encouragement to those who are suffering and facing hardships in life. It combines to some extent the first two – our great hope of glory, and the sense that God will accomplish His will for us. But, how can it be God’s will for us to suffer? If God is good how can His plans for us include hardship and even evil? The simple answer is that God, in His great Sovereign power, uses all things as a means to bring about His good purpose for us. But, that good purpose must be defined in His terms not ours. His ultimate good is that we come to be like Christ – to be imprinted with His glorious image and share in His glory. When we rightly understand God’s purpose, and evaluate what is good in light of His eternal plan, we can and must see that everything in life is used by God to produce Christ-like character in us. This is the third word of encouragement to those who are suffering and facing hardships in life. It combines to some extent the first two – our great hope of glory, and the sense that God will accomplish His will for us. But, how can it be God’s will f… Tim Dunham 2895 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572181/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_goodfrombad/id/1786152.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572181 Hardship,Discouraged,Help, Scripture: Romans 8:28-8:30, Series: Romans Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Praying is one of those great mysteries of the Christian life we may never fully grasp. But, praise God he has sent a private coach to help us pray! Praying is one of those great mysteries of the Christian life we may never fully grasp. But, praise God he has sent a private coach to help us pray! Praying is one of those great mysteries of the Christian life we may never fully grasp. But, praise God he has sent a private coach to help us pray!… Tim Dunham 2965 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572180/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_intersession/id/941353.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572180 Prayer,Holy Spirit,Intersession, Scripture: Romans 8:26-8:27, Series: Prayer Sun, 14 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham When things get tough and we suffer in this world, we can endure and have great hope, by living with great expectation - not about this life - but about the life we will live one day in our resurrected bodies in a restored universe where all creation fulfills it God ordained purpose to glorify Him. When things get tough and we suffer in this world, we can endure and have great hope, by living with great expectation - not about this life - but about the life we will live one day in our resurrected bodies in a restored universe where all creation fulfills it God ordained purpose to glorify Him. When things get tough and we suffer in this world, we can endure and have great hope, by living with great expectation - not about this life - but about the life we will live one day in our resurrected bodies in a restored universe where all creation f… Tim Dunham 3105 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572179/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hopeofglory/id/1786150.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572179 Suffering,Hope,Restoration,Creation, Scripture: Romans 8:18-8:25, Series: Romans Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul explains what the Gospel is in the book of Romans - that we have been made right with God through the work of Christ. A relationship with God has been made possible through the reconciling work of the Jesus. But, how are we now related to God? What are we to God, and what is He to us? This passage presents the astonishing truth that we are not merely subjects to a King, or slaves/servants to a master, or devotees to a god. We are in fact adopted – made sons of God with all the rights, privileges, and duties that come with being His children! Being adopted defines the nature of our relationship, the role we play in the Kingdom, the rights that are ours, and our duties and obligations. Paul explains what the Gospel is in the book of Romans - that we have been made right with God through the work of Christ. A relationship with God has been made possible through the reconciling work of the Jesus. But, how are we now related to God? What are we to God, and what is He to us? This passage presents the astonishing truth that we are not merely subjects to a King, or slaves/servants to a master, or devotees to a god. We are in fact adopted – made sons of God with all the rights, privileges, and duties that come with being His children! Being adopted defines the nature of our relationship, the role we play in the Kingdom, the rights that are ours, and our duties and obligations. Paul explains what the Gospel is in the book of Romans - that we have been made right with God through the work of Christ. A relationship with God has been made possible through the reconciling work of the Jesus. But, how are we now related to God? Wha… Tim Dunham 2090 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572178/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adopted/id/1856599.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572178 Adoption,Children of God,Father,Son, Scripture: Romans 8:14-8:17, Series: Romans Sun, 30 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are to put to death the deeds of the body, but not on our own – it is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. We do it, but by His power and enabling. So, what exactly does this look like? Paul explains further that this vital partnership with the Holy Spirit is one in which he leads us – like a commander leading His troops into the crucial battle we must win. The context of Romans 8 helps us see three strategic battle grounds where we must engage the enemy of flesh and we must win – what we think about, who we follow, and what we do. The flesh confronts us at each of these points to lead us to sin, the Spirit meets us in each battle to lead us to righteousness. To be a child of God is to be led by the Spirit! We are to put to death the deeds of the body, but not on our own – it is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. We do it, but by His power and enabling. So, what exactly does this look like? Paul explains further that this vital partnership with the Holy Spirit is one in which he leads us – like a commander leading His troops into the crucial battle we must win. The context of Romans 8 helps us see three strategic battle grounds where we must engage the enemy of flesh and we must win – what we think about, who we follow, and what we do. The flesh confronts us at each of these points to lead us to sin, the Spirit meets us in each battle to lead us to righteousness. To be a child of God is to be led by the Spirit! We are to put to death the deeds of the body, but not on our own – it is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. We do it, but by His power and enabling. So, what exactly does this look like? Paul explains further that this vital partnership with the Holy Spi… Tim Dunham 2796 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572177/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_spiritled/id/1786149.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572177 Holy Spirit,Sin,holiness, Scripture: Romans 8:12-8:14, Series: Romans Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Apart from the Gospel we live life condemned by the law and sentenced to eternal death, and condemned by our own painful awareness of moral failure. The more determined we are to live up to our own expectations, the greater our sense of condemnation as we come to grips with the reality of our complete inability to be good. But, the Gospel changes all of that. There is no more condemnation – because God has personally dealt with the problem Apart from the Gospel we live life condemned by the law and sentenced to eternal death, and condemned by our own painful awareness of moral failure. The more determined we are to live up to our own expectations, the greater our sense of condemnation as we come to grips with the reality of our complete inability to be good. But, the Gospel changes all of that. There is no more condemnation – because God has personally dealt with the problem Apart from the Gospel we live life condemned by the law and sentenced to eternal death, and condemned by our own painful awareness of moral failure. The more determined we are to live up to our own expectations, the greater our sense of condemnation as… Tim Dunham 2681 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572176/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_nocondemnation/id/1786147.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572176 Condemnation,Guilt,Freedom, Scripture: Romans 8:1-8:4, Series: Romans Sun, 02 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What are we to expect of the Christian life? Is it supposed to be a continual struggle against sin, with seemingly little or no victory until Jesus finally returns and fixes everything? Or, has the work of Christ so changed us that we are to experience a new kind of life that is nothing like the old life we lived before. Some view this passage as a description of the normal Christian life – but what a miserable and hopeless life that would be. Paul teaches that the Gospel has done and is doing so much more in the life of the true believer. Under the law we are forever trapped as a POW, but Christ came to deliver us – to rescue us from our captor and set us on a completely different course, not to be sinless, or without any struggle against sin, but a struggle that we can win because of the work He has done and by the power of the Holy Spirit. What are we to expect of the Christian life? Is it supposed to be a continual struggle against sin, with seemingly little or no victory until Jesus finally returns and fixes everything? Or, has the work of Christ so changed us that we are to experience a new kind of life that is nothing like the old life we lived before. Some view this passage as a description of the normal Christian life – but what a miserable and hopeless life that would be. Paul teaches that the Gospel has done and is doing so much more in the life of the true believer. Under the law we are forever trapped as a POW, but Christ came to deliver us – to rescue us from our captor and set us on a completely different course, not to be sinless, or without any struggle against sin, but a struggle that we can win because of the work He has done and by the power of the Holy Spirit. What are we to expect of the Christian life? Is it supposed to be a continual struggle against sin, with seemingly little or no victory until Jesus finally returns and fixes everything? Or, has the work of Christ so changed us that we are to experience… Tim Dunham 2648 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572175/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prisonerofwar/id/1856598.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572175 Law,Legalism,Addictions,Bondage, Scripture: Romans 7:13-7:25, Series: Romans Sun, 26 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Gospel has made us slaves to obedience, but this a new kind of life – living by the new way of the Spirit not the old letter of the written law. The law cannot help us walk in obedience, or make us good people, for it stirs up our flesh to sinful desires. So, if we are not following laws and rules, what does obedience and right and holy living look like? How do we lead and govern ourselves and others without laws? We are to be governed by grace, and live in obedience to the Gospel, in the new way of the Spirit. The Gospel has made us slaves to obedience, but this a new kind of life – living by the new way of the Spirit not the old letter of the written law. The law cannot help us walk in obedience, or make us good people, for it stirs up our flesh to sinful desires. So, if we are not following laws and rules, what does obedience and right and holy living look like? How do we lead and govern ourselves and others without laws? We are to be governed by grace, and live in obedience to the Gospel, in the new way of the Spirit. The Gospel has made us slaves to obedience, but this a new kind of life – living by the new way of the Spirit not the old letter of the written law. The law cannot help us walk in obedience, or make us good people, for it stirs up our flesh to sinful d… Tim Dunham 2464 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572174/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_governedbygrace/id/1856597.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572174 Law,Legalism,Grace, Scripture: Romans 7:1-7:12, Series: Romans Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The law of Moses is a gift from God and it is a good gift. But, it did not bring out goodness in us. Instead it caused desire to spring to life and awaken a defiant and rebellious spirit. Therefore, the law cannot save, because sin will always use the law against us by the weakness of our own flesh. The flesh, sin, and law work to produce death in us – to kill us. But, it is still good, in that it shows us our great need for God’s mercy and grace. Paul turns from the law which only triggers sin in the flesh, and directs us, instead, to a life of obedience through the life of the spirit. He no longer governs by law, but inspires by grace. The law of Moses is a gift from God and it is a good gift. But, it did not bring out goodness in us. Instead it caused desire to spring to life and awaken a defiant and rebellious spirit. Therefore, the law cannot save, because sin will always use the law against us by the weakness of our own flesh. The flesh, sin, and law work to produce death in us – to kill us. But, it is still good, in that it shows us our great need for God’s mercy and grace. Paul turns from the law which only triggers sin in the flesh, and directs us, instead, to a life of obedience through the life of the spirit. He no longer governs by law, but inspires by grace. The law of Moses is a gift from God and it is a good gift. But, it did not bring out goodness in us. Instead it caused desire to spring to life and awaken a defiant and rebellious spirit. Therefore, the law cannot save, because sin will always use the … Tim Dunham 2253 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572173/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deathbycommandment/id/1856596.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572173 Commands,Law,Obedience, Scripture: Romans 7:7-7:12, Series: Romans Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In dying with Christ, we died to the old system of law – the system that obtained God’s blessing and approval by compliance with the written code. That system did not work, because of the weakness of our human nature. We are no longer obligation to the law, rather we belong to Christ – we now live by relationship with Him rather than rules. In dying with Christ, we died to the old system of law – the system that obtained God’s blessing and approval by compliance with the written code. That system did not work, because of the weakness of our human nature. We are no longer obligation to the law, rather we belong to Christ – we now live by relationship with Him rather than rules. In dying with Christ, we died to the old system of law – the system that obtained God’s blessing and approval by compliance with the written code. That system did not work, because of the weakness of our human nature. We are no longer obligation to the… Tim Dunham 2696 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572172/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_donewithrules/id/1856595.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572172 Rules,Law ,Legalism, Scripture: Romans 7:1-7:6, Series: Romans Sun, 05 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham One could argue that we can now sin because we are no longer under law, but under grace - all things are lawful . . . Paul argues against this logic on the grounds that we are in bondage to whatever we obey. We will be a slave to something - we vote by what serve through obedience. So, who do you want to serve? One could argue that we can now sin because we are no longer under law, but under grace - all things are lawful . . . Paul argues against this logic on the grounds that we are in bondage to whatever we obey. We will be a slave to something - we vote by what serve through obedience. So, who do you want to serve? One could argue that we can now sin because we are no longer under law, but under grace - all things are lawful . . . Paul argues against this logic on the grounds that we are in bondage to whatever we obey. We will be a slave to something - we vote by… Tim Dunham 3030 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572171/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_slaves/id/1856594.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572171 Serve,Bondage,Deliverance, Scripture: Romans 6:15-6:23, Series: Romans Sun, 29 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Through the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus, we are not only dead to sin, but we are alive to God. To be set free from sin, we must both turn away from sin, and turn to God. Until we come to God and experience life with Him, it is difficult to let go of sin. We are hungry for something – for God and the living water, but we have sought to satisfy that hunger for so long through sin we are certain that to give up sin, is to be left with to gnawing hunger. The only cure is to feed upon the goodness of God and be satisfied in Him, and then sin will come to lose its appeal. Through the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus, we are not only dead to sin, but we are alive to God. To be set free from sin, we must both turn away from sin, and turn to God. Until we come to God and experience life with Him, it is difficult to let go of sin. We are hungry for something – for God and the living water, but we have sought to satisfy that hunger for so long through sin we are certain that to give up sin, is to be left with to gnawing hunger. The only cure is to feed upon the goodness of God and be satisfied in Him, and then sin will come to lose its appeal. Through the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus, we are not only dead to sin, but we are alive to God. To be set free from sin, we must both turn away from sin, and turn to God. Until we come to God and experience life with Him, it is difficult to let… Tim Dunham 2973 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572170/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_alivetogod/id/1856593.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572170 Sin,Temptation,Overcome, Scripture: Romans 6:11-6:14, Series: Romans Sun, 15 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Living the new life, ruled by Grace, is a joint effort – God has done all that is necessary to overcome sin, through the cross. In that sense, it is not up to us to overcome sin on our own. Just like salvation, it is a work of Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. But, we also have our part in it. We do not automatically give up on sin – there are steps we must take as well. Living the new life, ruled by Grace, is a joint effort – God has done all that is necessary to overcome sin, through the cross. In that sense, it is not up to us to overcome sin on our own. Just like salvation, it is a work of Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection. But, we also have our part in it. We do not automatically give up on sin – there are steps we must take as well. Living the new life, ruled by Grace, is a joint effort – God has done all that is necessary to overcome sin, through the cross. In that sense, it is not up to us to overcome sin on our own. Just like salvation, it is a work of Christ accomplished throu… Tim Dunham 2871 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572169/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_deadtosin/id/1856592.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572169 Temptation,Sin,Deliverance, Scripture: Romans 6:6-6:10, Series: Romans Sun, 08 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham There are no guarantees that we will live to see tomorrow. How do we prepare for the day of our departure? There are no guarantees that we will live to see tomorrow. How do we prepare for the day of our departure? There are no guarantees that we will live to see tomorrow. How do we prepare for the day of our departure?… Tim Dunham 2398 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572168/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_preparingforheaven/id/1856591.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572168 Death,Heaven, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 01 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God’s grace is so extreme and abundant, that it completely removes from us all condemnation and guilt – So, sin doesn’t really matter then – right? This doesn’t seem right, and many Christians double the efforts to enforce a strict moral code with the fear that this idea of grace will open the door to a completely prodigal life!! But, we are no longer ruled by sin and death (or law), we are now ruled by grace. God’s grace is so extreme and abundant, that it completely removes from us all condemnation and guilt – So, sin doesn’t really matter then – right? This doesn’t seem right, and many Christians double the efforts to enforce a strict moral code with the fear that this idea of grace will open the door to a completely prodigal life!! But, we are no longer ruled by sin and death (or law), we are now ruled by grace. God’s grace is so extreme and abundant, that it completely removes from us all condemnation and guilt – So, sin doesn’t really matter then – right? This doesn’t seem right, and many Christians double the efforts to enforce a strict moral code with the … Tim Dunham 2608 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572166/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewkindoflife/id/1856589.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572166 Grace,Law,Freedom, Scripture: Luke 6:1-6:5, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 24 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Shaun Futch The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most important and significant parables of Jesus. This is an excellent reminder of Jesus most important teachings! The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most important and significant parables of Jesus. This is an excellent reminder of Jesus most important teachings! The story of the Prodigal Son is one of the most important and significant parables of Jesus. This is an excellent reminder of Jesus most important teachings!… Shaun Futch 2146 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572167/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theprodigal/id/1856590.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572167 Grace, Scripture: Luke 15:1-15:32, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Adam’s one act of disobedience had an enormous impact on all of God’s creation, bringing sin and death upon all his descendants. How much greater is Jesus one act of obedience to overcome what Adam had done, because God’s grace is so much greater – super abounding, overflowing with generous abundance. This grace is available to any – to as many – as will receive it. Therefore, if we are truly those who have received grace – grace must reign over our life, and by it we are to reign in life. Adam’s one act of disobedience had an enormous impact on all of God’s creation, bringing sin and death upon all his descendants. How much greater is Jesus one act of obedience to overcome what Adam had done, because God’s grace is so much greater – super abounding, overflowing with generous abundance. This grace is available to any – to as many – as will receive it. Therefore, if we are truly those who have received grace – grace must reign over our life, and by it we are to reign in life. Adam’s one act of disobedience had an enormous impact on all of God’s creation, bringing sin and death upon all his descendants. How much greater is Jesus one act of obedience to overcome what Adam had done, because God’s grace is so much greater – sup… Tim Dunham 2635 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572165/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_superabundantgrace/id/1856588.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572165 Grace,Love, Scripture: Romans 5:12-5:21, Series: Romans Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Basis of our hope is the extreme love of God. We exult on the hope of the Glory of God (vs 3). The basis for this confident expectation is God’s love, poured out in our hearts, and demonstrated in the most remarkable way – when we were His enemies and the objects of His wrath, he sent His son as a sacrifice for our sin, to make us right with Himself. If He would love us as enemies with such extraordinary mercy ad kindness, imagine what he will do for us, now that we friends – at peace with Him! Truly we have much to exult in God! The Basis of our hope is the extreme love of God. We exult on the hope of the Glory of God (vs 3). The basis for this confident expectation is God’s love, poured out in our hearts, and demonstrated in the most remarkable way – when we were His enemies and the objects of His wrath, he sent His son as a sacrifice for our sin, to make us right with Himself. If He would love us as enemies with such extraordinary mercy ad kindness, imagine what he will do for us, now that we friends – at peace with Him! Truly we have much to exult in God! The Basis of our hope is the extreme love of God. We exult on the hope of the Glory of God (vs 3). The basis for this confident expectation is God’s love, poured out in our hearts, and demonstrated in the most remarkable way – when we were His enemies … Tim Dunham 2692 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572164/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_radicallove/id/1856587.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572164 Hope,Wrath,Enemies , Scripture: Romans 5:6-5:11, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are made right with God by faith – declared righteous and now have the right to stand before God and not be condemned. This changes everything – its implications are far reaching. In what ways has life changed for us as a result of our being justified by faith? It has dramatically changed our relationship with God, our outlook on the future, our attitude toward hardship, and our current experience of God’s love We are made right with God by faith – declared righteous and now have the right to stand before God and not be condemned. This changes everything – its implications are far reaching. In what ways has life changed for us as a result of our being justified by faith? It has dramatically changed our relationship with God, our outlook on the future, our attitude toward hardship, and our current experience of God’s love We are made right with God by faith – declared righteous and now have the right to stand before God and not be condemned. This changes everything – its implications are far reaching. In what ways has life changed for us as a result of our being justifi… Tim Dunham 2965 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572163/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_movingin/id/1856586.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572163 Faith, Scripture: Romans 5:1-5:5, Series: Romans Sun, 27 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Abraham gives us the first and foundational example of what it means to walk by faith. He is truly the father of all who follow in his footsteps. Abraham gives us the first and foundational example of what it means to walk by faith. He is truly the father of all who follow in his footsteps. Abraham gives us the first and foundational example of what it means to walk by faith. He is truly the father of all who follow in his footsteps.… Tim Dunham 2722 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572162/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_footstepsoffaith/id/1856585.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572162 Faith,Abraham, Scripture: Romans 4:9-4:25, Series: Romans Sun, 20 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is important to measure things - to see how we are doing. But, we need to be sure we are measuring the right things, or we will end up with the wrong idea of how we are doing! How do you measure up? It is important to measure things - to see how we are doing. But, we need to be sure we are measuring the right things, or we will end up with the wrong idea of how we are doing! How do you measure up? It is important to measure things - to see how we are doing. But, we need to be sure we are measuring the right things, or we will end up with the wrong idea of how we are doing! How do you measure up?… Tim Dunham 2594 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572161/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_measuringup/id/1856584.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572161 Faith,Law,Grace,Works, Scripture: Romans 3:27-4:8, Series: Romans Sun, 13 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Martin Lither considered this the most important passage in all the Bible. It spells out what it means to be made just right with God, and how we can live daily in that truth. Martin Lither considered this the most important passage in all the Bible. It spells out what it means to be made just right with God, and how we can live daily in that truth. Martin Lither considered this the most important passage in all the Bible. It spells out what it means to be made just right with God, and how we can live daily in that truth.… Tim Dunham 2766 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572160/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustright/id/1856583.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572160 Justified,Righteous,Redeemed, Scripture: Romans 3:21-3:26, Series: Romans Sun, 06 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is sometimes hard to reconcile that God is love, but that he will also judge the world. This message helps us understand how God can be both a God of unconditional love and perfect justice. It is sometimes hard to reconcile that God is love, but that he will also judge the world. This message helps us understand how God can be both a God of unconditional love and perfect justice. It is sometimes hard to reconcile that God is love, but that he will also judge the world. This message helps us understand how God can be both a God of unconditional love and perfect justice.… Tim Dunham 3052 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572159/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whereusticeandmercymeet/id/1856582.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572159 Love,Justice,Mercy,Wrath, Scripture: Romans 3:1-3:26, Series: Romans Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham How can a loving God be angry? How can he condemn those who have never heard of him? Find out what Paul says about these important truths. How can a loving God be angry? How can he condemn those who have never heard of him? Find out what Paul says about these important truths. How can a loving God be angry? How can he condemn those who have never heard of him? Find out what Paul says about these important truths.… Tim Dunham 2845 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572158/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_withoutexcuse/id/941351.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572158 Wrath,Excuse, Scripture: Romans 1:18-1:32, Series: Romans Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham A brief introduction to the book of Romans and a case for the Gospel centered life. A brief introduction to the book of Romans and a case for the Gospel centered life. A brief introduction to the book of Romans and a case for the Gospel centered life.… Tim Dunham 2483 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572156/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_introductions/id/941349.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572156 Gospel,Gospel Centered, Scripture: Romans 1:1-1:7, Series: Romans Sun, 26 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Our boldness in prayer with God is a matter of the depth of our relationship with God as our Father. Our boldness in prayer with God is a matter of the depth of our relationship with God as our Father. Our boldness in prayer with God is a matter of the depth of our relationship with God as our Father.… Tim Dunham 2942 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572157/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_boldprayer/id/941350.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572157 Prayer,Persistence , Scripture: Luke 11:1-11:11, Series: Prayer Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus promised repeatedly, that if we ask for anything in His Name he would do it. But, often that is not how prayer works for us. How can we be more effective in prayer and see God work with more power in answer to our petitions? Jesus promised repeatedly, that if we ask for anything in His Name he would do it. But, often that is not how prayer works for us. How can we be more effective in prayer and see God work with more power in answer to our petitions? Jesus promised repeatedly, that if we ask for anything in His Name he would do it. But, often that is not how prayer works for us. How can we be more effective in prayer and see God work with more power in answer to our petitions?… Tim Dunham 2967 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572155/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ustask/id/941348.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572155 Prayer,Holiness,Glory, Scripture: Matthew 7:7-7:12, Series: Prayer Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Do you suffer from Prayer ADD? Everyone prays, and most of us want to pray more, but it can be so hard staying focused. Learn how to keep yourself more focused in prayer. Do you suffer from Prayer ADD? Everyone prays, and most of us want to pray more, but it can be so hard staying focused. Learn how to keep yourself more focused in prayer. Do you suffer from Prayer ADD? Everyone prays, and most of us want to pray more, but it can be so hard staying focused. Learn how to keep yourself more focused in prayer.… Tim Dunham 2529 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572153/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayeradd/id/941346.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572153 Prayer,Distraction, Series: Prayer , Custom categories: Topic: Prayer Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We cannot escape the fact that sometimes life is hard. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we will respond. We cannot escape the fact that sometimes life is hard. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we will respond. We cannot escape the fact that sometimes life is hard. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can choose how we will respond.… Tim Dunham 3219 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572154/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_endurance/id/941347.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572154 Trials,Glorifying God, Scripture: James 1:1-1:5, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are all called to partner with God in accomplishing His mission in the World. What a wonderful privilege! We are all called to partner with God in accomplishing His mission in the World. What a wonderful privilege! We are all called to partner with God in accomplishing His mission in the World. What a wonderful privilege!… Tim Dunham 2962 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572152/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_commission/id/941345.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572152 Mission,Ministry,Commission, Scripture: Matthew 28:16-28:20, Series: School of Ministry Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus calls us to live in unity as the body of Christ. Is this possible? What does it mean? Find out how Jesus prayer for oneness of His followers should shape our values for community. Jesus calls us to live in unity as the body of Christ. Is this possible? What does it mean? Find out how Jesus prayer for oneness of His followers should shape our values for community. Jesus calls us to live in unity as the body of Christ. Is this possible? What does it mean? Find out how Jesus prayer for oneness of His followers should shape our values for community.… Tim Dunham 3159 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572151/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_community/id/941344.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572151 Community,Fellowship,Unity,Body of Christ, Scripture: John 17:1-17:26, Series: Church Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is the call of every follower of Christ to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Jesus explains that the only way to reach this goal is by abiding in Him. It is the call of every follower of Christ to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Jesus explains that the only way to reach this goal is by abiding in Him. It is the call of every follower of Christ to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Jesus explains that the only way to reach this goal is by abiding in Him.… Tim Dunham 2949 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572150/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_communionwithgod/id/941343.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572150 Fruitful,Abide,Vine, Scripture: John 15:1-15:17, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith, not by works. But, the Bible also says that we are to be obedient to God - how can we do both? Discover the truth of obeying the Gospel. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith, not by works. But, the Bible also says that we are to be obedient to God - how can we do both? Discover the truth of obeying the Gospel. The Bible is clear that we are saved by faith, not by works. But, the Bible also says that we are to be obedient to God - how can we do both? Discover the truth of obeying the Gospel.… Tim Dunham 2727 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572149/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_obeyingthegospel/id/941342.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572149 Gospel,Obey,Obedience,Faith, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We do not ever fully understand the true meaning of Christmas, until we understand - at least in part - the full meaning of the Incarnation. Also - a special Christmas medley included on this recording. We do not ever fully understand the true meaning of Christmas, until we understand - at least in part - the full meaning of the Incarnation. Also - a special Christmas medley included on this recording. We do not ever fully understand the true meaning of Christmas, until we understand - at least in part - the full meaning of the Incarnation. Also - a special Christmas medley included on this recording.… Tim Dunham 2273 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572147/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thehumilityofesus/id/941340.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572147 Christmas,Incarnation,Humility, Scripture: Philippians 2:7-2:11, Series: Humility Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Daniel was a remarkable Prophet and man of God. We can learn a great deal from his life and example! Daniel was a remarkable Prophet and man of God. We can learn a great deal from his life and example! Daniel was a remarkable Prophet and man of God. We can learn a great deal from his life and example!… Tim Dunham 2077 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572148/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_daretobeadaniel/id/941341.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572148 prayer, Scripture: Daniel 1:1-12:13, Series: Prayer , Custom categories: Guest Speaker: David Canon Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Living a life full of God's blessing is not a luxury reserved only for great saints, nor is it optional for a true child of God. It is what God calls us to in our walk with him! Living a life full of God's blessing is not a luxury reserved only for great saints, nor is it optional for a true child of God. It is what God calls us to in our walk with him! Living a life full of God's blessing is not a luxury reserved only for great saints, nor is it optional for a true child of God. It is what God calls us to in our walk with him!… Tim Dunham 3011 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572146/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_afathersblessing/id/941339.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572146 Blessing,Goodness, Scripture: Genesis 48:1-49:26, Series: Genesis Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sometimes it seems that life is full of detours. When obstacles keep us from moving forward it is easy to wonder if we have somehow missed God's will - his direction and leading in our life. But the truth is, God lives detours and uses them often to his own purpose! Sometimes it seems that life is full of detours. When obstacles keep us from moving forward it is easy to wonder if we have somehow missed God's will - his direction and leading in our life. But the truth is, God lives detours and uses them often to his own purpose! Sometimes it seems that life is full of detours. When obstacles keep us from moving forward it is easy to wonder if we have somehow missed God's will - his direction and leading in our life. But the truth is, God lives detours and uses them often to hi… Tim Dunham 2872 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572145/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_detours/id/941338.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572145 Detour,Obstacles,Patience, Scripture: Genesis 46:1-47:31, Series: Genesis Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Certainly, god's will is perfect, but what if we make bad choices and step out of God's will? Do we somehow lose God's best purposes for our life? Can we sabotage the prefect will of God and end up having to settle for His second best? The story of Joseph teaches us a great deal about the meaning of the Sovereign purposes of God. Certainly, god's will is perfect, but what if we make bad choices and step out of God's will? Do we somehow lose God's best purposes for our life? Can we sabotage the prefect will of God and end up having to settle for His second best? The story of Joseph teaches us a great deal about the meaning of the Sovereign purposes of God. Certainly, god's will is perfect, but what if we make bad choices and step out of God's will? Do we somehow lose God's best purposes for our life? Can we sabotage the prefect will of God and end up having to settle for His second best? The story of Jos… Tim Dunham 2940 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572144/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsperfectwill/id/941337.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572144 God's will, Scripture: Genesis 37:1-50:26, Series: Genesis Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The life transformation of Judah is one of the most remarkable in all of the Old Testament. Find out the source of his change of heart! The life transformation of Judah is one of the most remarkable in all of the Old Testament. Find out the source of his change of heart! The life transformation of Judah is one of the most remarkable in all of the Old Testament. Find out the source of his change of heart!… Tim Dunham 3020 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572143/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_changeofheart/id/941336.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572143 Change,Grace,humble, Scripture: Genesis 43:1-44:34, Series: Genesis Sun, 30 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Everyone has a past, and everyone has things in their past they would love to forget. But, God does not want us to just bury the past, we wants to heal our past and redeem it for His glory. This is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Everyone has a past, and everyone has things in their past they would love to forget. But, God does not want us to just bury the past, we wants to heal our past and redeem it for His glory. This is the story of Joseph and his brothers. Everyone has a past, and everyone has things in their past they would love to forget. But, God does not want us to just bury the past, we wants to heal our past and redeem it for His glory. This is the story of Joseph and his brothers.… Tim Dunham 2883 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572141/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hauntedbythepast/id/941334.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572141 Past,Forgive,heal,Guilt, Scripture: Genesis 40:1-40:22, Series: Genesis Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This climactic finish to the Joseph story reminds us of God's faithfulness in carrying out all His good plans in our life! This climactic finish to the Joseph story reminds us of God's faithfulness in carrying out all His good plans in our life! This climactic finish to the Joseph story reminds us of God's faithfulness in carrying out all His good plans in our life!… Tim Dunham 3009 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572140/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prisontopower/id/941333.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572140 Joseph,Faith,Purpose,Mission , Scripture: Genesis 41:1-41:57, Series: Genesis Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sometimes life does not work at all like we had planned, and it can leave us feeling very discouraged. How do we live life when it seems that we have been cast into the dungeon? Sometimes life does not work at all like we had planned, and it can leave us feeling very discouraged. How do we live life when it seems that we have been cast into the dungeon? Sometimes life does not work at all like we had planned, and it can leave us feeling very discouraged. How do we live life when it seems that we have been cast into the dungeon?… Tim Dunham 2668 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572139/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_inthedungeon/id/941332.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572139 Despair, Scripture: Genesis 40:1-40:23, Series: Genesis Sun, 09 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all want to be successful, and this passage lifted from the life of Joseph spells out the true secret to success. We all want to be successful, and this passage lifted from the life of Joseph spells out the true secret to success. We all want to be successful, and this passage lifted from the life of Joseph spells out the true secret to success.… Tim Dunham 3038 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572138/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_bloodsweattears/id/941331.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572138 Success,Work,Grace, Scripture: Genesis 39:1-39:20, Series: Genesis Sun, 02 Oct 2011 03:38:22 +0000 Tim Dunham Often, people may question the method to our madness - as the saying goes. But perhaps a more important question is - what is the motive to our madness. This is more likely the issue that God is concerned with - as he is far more interested in our heart than our activity! Often, people may question the method to our madness - as the saying goes. But perhaps a more important question is - what is the motive to our madness. This is more likely the issue that God is concerned with - as he is far more interested in our heart than our activity! Often, people may question the method to our madness - as the saying goes. But perhaps a more important question is - what is the motive to our madness. This is more likely the issue that God is concerned with - as he is far more interested in our hear… Tim Dunham 3139 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572142/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_motivesandmethods/id/941335.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572142 Judah,Tamar,Motives, Scripture: Genesis 38:1-38:30, Series: Genesis Sun, 25 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all have an idea about our self - we call it our identity. It is shaped by many factors from both within and without. But, our true identity needs to be shaped by who and what we are to God. What is the basis for your identity - who are you? We all have an idea about our self - we call it our identity. It is shaped by many factors from both within and without. But, our true identity needs to be shaped by who and what we are to God. What is the basis for your identity - who are you? We all have an idea about our self - we call it our identity. It is shaped by many factors from both within and without. But, our true identity needs to be shaped by who and what we are to God. What is the basis for your identity - who are you?… Tim Dunham 2986 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572135/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_identitycrisis/id/941328.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572135 Identity,Jacob,Joseph, Scripture: Genesis 37:1-37:36, Series: Genesis Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We may often think of the OT prophets as marginally crazy people who lived on the extreme edge of faith. But, we can learn much from them, and this look at the life of Hosea will encourage you in your walk with Christ. We may often think of the OT prophets as marginally crazy people who lived on the extreme edge of faith. But, we can learn much from them, and this look at the life of Hosea will encourage you in your walk with Christ. We may often think of the OT prophets as marginally crazy people who lived on the extreme edge of faith. But, we can learn much from them, and this look at the life of Hosea will encourage you in your walk with Christ.… Tim Dunham 3328 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572137/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hosea/id/941330.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572137 Hosea, Scripture: Hosea 1:1-14:9, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 04 Sep 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Lessons from the story of Thomas. Lessons from the story of Thomas. Lessons from the story of Thomas.… Tim Dunham 2302 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572136/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_walkingcontradictions/id/941329.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572136 Thomas, Scripture: John 20:24-20:29, Series: John Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all like a story with a good ending, but it seems that the stories in Bible rarely end well! Why don't things seem to work out for people like Jacob and others in the Bible? Find out how to find your own good ending! We all like a story with a good ending, but it seems that the stories in Bible rarely end well! Why don't things seem to work out for people like Jacob and others in the Bible? Find out how to find your own good ending! We all like a story with a good ending, but it seems that the stories in Bible rarely end well! Why don't things seem to work out for people like Jacob and others in the Bible? Find out how to find your own good ending!… Tim Dunham 2485 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572132/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_insearchofagoodending/id/941325.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572132 Grace,Jacob,Redemption, Scripture: Genesis 35:16-35:29, Series: Genesis Sun, 21 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Guest Speaker - Presentation by new Pastor of Family and Youth, Tom Miyakawa. Guest Speaker - Presentation by new Pastor of Family and Youth, Tom Miyakawa. Guest Speaker - Presentation by new Pastor of Family and Youth, Tom Miyakawa.… Tim Dunham 1671 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572133/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turningpoints/id/941326.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572133 Change,Direction Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are all looking for joy in life, but it is far too easy to be looking in the wrong places. God is the ultimate source of all that is good. True joy can be found in Him alone. We are all looking for joy in life, but it is far too easy to be looking in the wrong places. God is the ultimate source of all that is good. True joy can be found in Him alone. We are all looking for joy in life, but it is far too easy to be looking in the wrong places. God is the ultimate source of all that is good. True joy can be found in Him alone.… Tim Dunham 2677 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572131/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_idolsandaltars/id/941324.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572131 Happiness,Joy,Worship, Scripture: Genesis 35:1-35:15, Series: Genesis Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We were created by God to worship Him. We are saved and called to bring Him worship and praise. But, it does not always come naturally to do what we were created for! We were created by God to worship Him. We are saved and called to bring Him worship and praise. But, it does not always come naturally to do what we were created for! We were created by God to worship Him. We are saved and called to bring Him worship and praise. But, it does not always come naturally to do what we were created for!… Tim Dunham 2981 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572134/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_calledtoworship/id/941327.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572134 Worship,Praise,Glorify God, Scripture: Genesis 35:1-35:3, Series: Genesis Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Scripture is brutally honest about the flaws of its main characters. Most of them fell into horrible sins at one point or another in their lives. Christianity is a faith for the lost - Jesus came to help the sick not the healthy. If you are feeling spiritually sick, you have come to the right place! Scripture is brutally honest about the flaws of its main characters. Most of them fell into horrible sins at one point or another in their lives. Christianity is a faith for the lost - Jesus came to help the sick not the healthy. If you are feeling spiritually sick, you have come to the right place! Scripture is brutally honest about the flaws of its main characters. Most of them fell into horrible sins at one point or another in their lives. Christianity is a faith for the lost - Jesus came to help the sick not the healthy. If you are feeling spi… Tim Dunham 2892 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572130/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_outofcontrol/id/941323.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572130 Rape,Pornography,Sin,Confession, Scripture: Genesis 34:1-34:31, Series: Genesis Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sin has not only broken our fellowship with God, but it damages human relationships as well - even some of our closest! But, God in His grace wants us to find reconciliation with both God and man! Sin has not only broken our fellowship with God, but it damages human relationships as well - even some of our closest! But, God in His grace wants us to find reconciliation with both God and man! Sin has not only broken our fellowship with God, but it damages human relationships as well - even some of our closest! But, God in His grace wants us to find reconciliation with both God and man!… Tim Dunham 2666 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572129/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_reconciled/id/941322.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572129 Reconciliation,Peace,Relationships, Scripture: Genesis 33:1-33:20, Series: Genesis Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all create an image of our self that probably has much more to do with what we would like to be, rather than what we are. But, living in this fictional reality about ourselves never ends well, as this story illustrates well! We all create an image of our self that probably has much more to do with what we would like to be, rather than what we are. But, living in this fictional reality about ourselves never ends well, as this story illustrates well! We all create an image of our self that probably has much more to do with what we would like to be, rather than what we are. But, living in this fictional reality about ourselves never ends well, as this story illustrates well!… Tim Dunham 2989 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572128/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_familyfiction/id/941321.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572128 Laban,Jacob,Self-identity, Scripture: Genesis 31:1-31:55, Series: Genesis Sun, 03 Jul 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is easy to separate work from our spiritual life, but this is a mistake. We spend a huge part of our life working, and all that we do is to be done to the glory of God. Find out how to make work a truly spiritual experience! It is easy to separate work from our spiritual life, but this is a mistake. We spend a huge part of our life working, and all that we do is to be done to the glory of God. Find out how to make work a truly spiritual experience! It is easy to separate work from our spiritual life, but this is a mistake. We spend a huge part of our life working, and all that we do is to be done to the glory of God. Find out how to make work a truly spiritual experience!… Tim Dunham 2936 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572127/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gettowork/id/941320.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572127 Work,Labor,Jacob, Scripture: Genesis 30:25-31:13, Series: Genesis Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is very tempting to think that the grass is indeed greener on the other side of the fence - and maybe we should feel that way!Not, because our neighbor holds the key to our happiness, but because God is calling us to seek the grass of his green pastures! It is very tempting to think that the grass is indeed greener on the other side of the fence - and maybe we should feel that way!Not, because our neighbor holds the key to our happiness, but because God is calling us to seek the grass of his green pastures! It is very tempting to think that the grass is indeed greener on the other side of the fence - and maybe we should feel that way!Not, because our neighbor holds the key to our happiness, but because God is calling us to seek the grass of his green past… Tim Dunham 2614 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572126/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_greenergrass/id/941319.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572126 Contentment,Happiness,Joy, Scripture: Genesis 29:31-30:24, Series: Genesis Sun, 12 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham When we turn to God ans seek to follow Him, He promises to walk with us and take care of us. But, sometimes things do not go at all according to our plans. Does God not really care for us? Why do we often meet with pain and difficulty if God loves us? This message answers these questions. When we turn to God ans seek to follow Him, He promises to walk with us and take care of us. But, sometimes things do not go at all according to our plans. Does God not really care for us? Why do we often meet with pain and difficulty if God loves us? This message answers these questions. When we turn to God ans seek to follow Him, He promises to walk with us and take care of us. But, sometimes things do not go at all according to our plans. Does God not really care for us? Why do we often meet with pain and difficulty if God loves us? … Tim Dunham 2997 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572125/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_happilyeverafter/id/941318.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572125 Hardship,trials,faith, Scripture: Genesis 29:1-29:30, Series: Genesis Sun, 05 Jun 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Temptation is a very real part of life. Learn how to help others overcome sin and temptation in their life. Temptation is a very real part of life. Learn how to help others overcome sin and temptation in their life. Temptation is a very real part of life. Learn how to help others overcome sin and temptation in their life.… Tim Dunham 2354 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572124/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_facingtemptation/id/941317.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572124 Temptation,Sin, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 29 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is always good practice to stop and evaluate where we are and if we are on the right track! This practical message gives us tools to see where we are in our walk of faith. It is always good practice to stop and evaluate where we are and if we are on the right track! This practical message gives us tools to see where we are in our walk of faith. It is always good practice to stop and evaluate where we are and if we are on the right track! This practical message gives us tools to see where we are in our walk of faith.… Tim Dunham 2933 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572123/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ontherighttrack/id/941316.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572123 Evaluation,Faith, Scripture: Genesis 28:14-28:22, Series: Genesis Sun, 22 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is one thing to be a religious person, is entirely something else to have a personal encounter with God. This is a message for those who want to meet God. It is one thing to be a religious person, is entirely something else to have a personal encounter with God. This is a message for those who want to meet God. It is one thing to be a religious person, is entirely something else to have a personal encounter with God. This is a message for those who want to meet God.… Tim Dunham 2827 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572122/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_acobmeetsgod/id/941315.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572122 Jacob,Ladder, Scripture: Genesis 28:10-28:22, Series: Genesis Sun, 15 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham A dysfunctional family is a family where each person is living for themselves and is not looking out for, or loving others. Our dysfunction comes in many flavors and styles, but the root of it is all the same. Isaac had a pretty dysfunctional family and gives us lots to think about regarding our own lives! A dysfunctional family is a family where each person is living for themselves and is not looking out for, or loving others. Our dysfunction comes in many flavors and styles, but the root of it is all the same. Isaac had a pretty dysfunctional family and gives us lots to think about regarding our own lives! A dysfunctional family is a family where each person is living for themselves and is not looking out for, or loving others. Our dysfunction comes in many flavors and styles, but the root of it is all the same. Isaac had a pretty dysfunctional family an… Tim Dunham 3148 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572121/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stolenblessing/id/941314.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572121 Dysfunction,Love,Mercy,Grace, Scripture: Genesis 2:34-28:9, Series: Genesis Sun, 08 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is never easy to follow int he footsteps of an extraordinary leader, especially if you are not all that extraordinary. But, God's work, blessing, and presence is never conditioned by our abilities. God often does the most extraordinary things through the most ordinary people - like me. It is never easy to follow int he footsteps of an extraordinary leader, especially if you are not all that extraordinary. But, God's work, blessing, and presence is never conditioned by our abilities. God often does the most extraordinary things through the most ordinary people - like me. It is never easy to follow int he footsteps of an extraordinary leader, especially if you are not all that extraordinary. But, God's work, blessing, and presence is never conditioned by our abilities. God often does the most extraordinary things throug… Tim Dunham 2463 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572118/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_ordinaryme/id/941311.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572118 Faith,Fear,Conflict,need, Scripture: Genesis 26:1-26:33, Series: Genesis Sun, 01 May 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it mean for God to be Sovereign, and what should we do with this truth? What does it mean for God to be Sovereign, and what should we do with this truth? What does it mean for God to be Sovereign, and what should we do with this truth?… Tim Dunham 2582 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572120/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sovereignlord/id/941313.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572120 Sovereign Sun, 24 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This special Easter Message invites you to see the resurrected Savior! This special Easter Message invites you to see the resurrected Savior! This special Easter Message invites you to see the resurrected Savior!… Tim Dunham 1553 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572119/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_emmausroad/id/941312.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572119 Resurrection, Scripture: Luke 24:13-24:35, Series: Easter , Custom categories: Topic: Easter Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Rivalry and conflict seem to be a part of life we cannot escape, and yet, it is clearly not God's plan. Rivalry and conflict seem to be a part of life we cannot escape, and yet, it is clearly not God's plan. Rivalry and conflict seem to be a part of life we cannot escape, and yet, it is clearly not God's plan. … Tim Dunham 2443 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572116/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_siblingrivalry/id/1852530.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572116 Conflict,Grace,Jacob, Scripture: Genesis 25:19-25:34, Series: Genesis Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is God's plan to use us, even though we really bring nothing to the table, so that in the end, God gets all the glory! It is God's plan to use us, even though we really bring nothing to the table, so that in the end, God gets all the glory! It is God's plan to use us, even though we really bring nothing to the table, so that in the end, God gets all the glory!… Tim Dunham 2686 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572115/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_boastingod/id/1852529.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572115 Weakness,Glory Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God has promised to be our refuge, but what does that means when there are floods, earthquakes and disasters. Does God really not care? Is He really not our protector? This challenging message answers these important questions. God has promised to be our refuge, but what does that means when there are floods, earthquakes and disasters. Does God really not care? Is He really not our protector? This challenging message answers these important questions. God has promised to be our refuge, but what does that means when there are floods, earthquakes and disasters. Does God really not care? Is He really not our protector? This challenging message answers these important questions.… Tim Dunham 3032 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572114/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_psalm13/id/1852528.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572114 Depression,Disasters,God's faithfulness, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The faithful followers of Jesus, in both the Old and New Testament, understood the vital importance of praying God's will and purpose into reality. We may feel that God is going to do what He is going to do, and we have no part in it - but that is far from the experience of the heroes of the faith. This message challenges us to gain a more biblical understanding of God's operation in the world. The faithful followers of Jesus, in both the Old and New Testament, understood the vital importance of praying God's will and purpose into reality. We may feel that God is going to do what He is going to do, and we have no part in it - but that is far from the experience of the heroes of the faith. This message challenges us to gain a more biblical understanding of God's operation in the world. The faithful followers of Jesus, in both the Old and New Testament, understood the vital importance of praying God's will and purpose into reality. We may feel that God is going to do what He is going to do, and we have no part in it - but that is far … Tim Dunham 3150 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572112/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_isaacrebekah/id/1852526.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572112 Prayer,Faith,God's will,Sovereignty , Scripture: Genesis 2:54-25:34, Series: Genesis Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham There is great confusion in the Church regarding the role of the Old Testament in the life of a New Testament follower of Jesus. What are we to do with all the old and seemingly disconnected stories under the old covenant. The life of Abraham reminds us that there is one story in the Bible and it is the story of the Gospel from beginning to end! There is great confusion in the Church regarding the role of the Old Testament in the life of a New Testament follower of Jesus. What are we to do with all the old and seemingly disconnected stories under the old covenant. The life of Abraham reminds us that there is one story in the Bible and it is the story of the Gospel from beginning to end! There is great confusion in the Church regarding the role of the Old Testament in the life of a New Testament follower of Jesus. What are we to do with all the old and seemingly disconnected stories under the old covenant. The life of Abraham reminds u… Tim Dunham 2145 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572113/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegospelaccordingtoabraham/id/1852527.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572113 Abraham,Gospel,Faith, Scripture: Genesis 25:1-25:11, Series: Genesis Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We know that God has a plan for our life, and we affirm that God knows best. Thus, we want to know God's will and follow it. But, how do we discover God's will? When we need to make an important decision, how do we know what God is leading us to do? We know that God has a plan for our life, and we affirm that God knows best. Thus, we want to know God's will and follow it. But, how do we discover God's will? When we need to make an important decision, how do we know what God is leading us to do? We know that God has a plan for our life, and we affirm that God knows best. Thus, we want to know God's will and follow it. But, how do we discover God's will? When we need to make an important decision, how do we know what God is leading us to do?… Tim Dunham 2841 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572111/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_discoveringgodswill/id/1852525.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572111 God's will,decisions,choosing, Scripture: Genesis 24:15-24:60, Series: Genesis Sun, 27 Feb 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Before Jesus heals the paralytic in John 5 he asks, "Do you want to be healed?" It seems rather unnecessary to ask such a thing, but the truth is we are often happy with our brokenness! Before Jesus heals the paralytic in John 5 he asks, "Do you want to be healed?" It seems rather unnecessary to ask such a thing, but the truth is we are often happy with our brokenness! Before Jesus heals the paralytic in John 5 he asks, "Do you want to be healed?" It seems rather unnecessary to ask such a thing, but the truth is we are often happy with our brokenness! … Tim Dunham 2068 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572110/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_doyouwanttogetwell/id/1852524.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572110 Jesus,Change, Scripture: John 5:1-5:17, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 20 Feb 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all want to be successful, at least I have never met any one who is hoping for a life of failure! The good ews is that God is also longs for us to be successful, and He has given us some very powerful tools to guarantee our success! We all want to be successful, at least I have never met any one who is hoping for a life of failure! The good ews is that God is also longs for us to be successful, and He has given us some very powerful tools to guarantee our success! We all want to be successful, at least I have never met any one who is hoping for a life of failure! The good ews is that God is also longs for us to be successful, and He has given us some very powerful tools to guarantee our success!… Tim Dunham 3066 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572109/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_successfulinprayer/id/1852523.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572109 Success,Prayer,Intercession , Scripture: Genesis 24:1-24:27, Series: Genesis Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The loss of a loved one is never easy and it is perhaps our greatest test of faith - it is when faith gains its greatest meaning. Abraham was a man of faith, and his faith is evident even in the loss of his wife. The loss of a loved one is never easy and it is perhaps our greatest test of faith - it is when faith gains its greatest meaning. Abraham was a man of faith, and his faith is evident even in the loss of his wife. The loss of a loved one is never easy and it is perhaps our greatest test of faith - it is when faith gains its greatest meaning. Abraham was a man of faith, and his faith is evident even in the loss of his wife.… Tim Dunham 2732 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572108/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hopeindeath/id/1852522.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572108 Death,Grief,Hope, Scripture: Genesis 23:1-23:20, Series: Genesis Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It seems to us unthinkable that God would ask Abraham to sacrifice his own son, but this story is a powerful testimony to Abraham's faith and God's amazing provision. It seems to us unthinkable that God would ask Abraham to sacrifice his own son, but this story is a powerful testimony to Abraham's faith and God's amazing provision. It seems to us unthinkable that God would ask Abraham to sacrifice his own son, but this story is a powerful testimony to Abraham's faith and God's amazing provision.… Tim Dunham 2967 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572107/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_puttothetest/id/1852521.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572107 Faith,Obedience,Love,Father, Scripture: Genesis 22:1-22:19, Series: Genesis Sun, 30 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Often, we find our selves drawing battle lines and choosing sides. We are certain God must be on our side - because we're right - right? But, whose side is God on?? The answer might surprise you! Often, we find our selves drawing battle lines and choosing sides. We are certain God must be on our side - because we're right - right? But, whose side is God on?? The answer might surprise you! Often, we find our selves drawing battle lines and choosing sides. We are certain God must be on our side - because we're right - right? But, whose side is God on?? The answer might surprise you!… Tim Dunham 2036 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572106/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whosesideareyouon/id/1852520.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572106 Faith,Joshua Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham When we put our faith in Christ we permanently change our citizenship from earth to heaven and we become sojourners on this earth. Abraham lived his life as a sojourner waiting for the promise of God. His life teaches us much about living as foreigners on planet earth. When we put our faith in Christ we permanently change our citizenship from earth to heaven and we become sojourners on this earth. Abraham lived his life as a sojourner waiting for the promise of God. His life teaches us much about living as foreigners on planet earth. When we put our faith in Christ we permanently change our citizenship from earth to heaven and we become sojourners on this earth. Abraham lived his life as a sojourner waiting for the promise of God. His life teaches us much about living as foreigners… Tim Dunham 2681 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572105/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_soourners/id/1852519.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572105 Sojourn,Foreigners, Scripture: Genesis 21:22-21:34, Series: Genesis Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham sermon sermon sermon… Tim Dunham 2474 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572102/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852516.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572102 sermon Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sermon Sermon Sermon… Tim Dunham 3579 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572101/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852515.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572101 sermon Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sermon Sermon Sermon… Tim Dunham 3321 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572100/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852514.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572100 Sermon January 02, 2011 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sermon Sermon Sermon… Tim Dunham 3278 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572099/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852513.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572099 Sermon December 26, 2010 Sun, 19 Dec 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham sermon sermon sermon… Tim Dunham 3754 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572104/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852518.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572104 sermon Sun, 12 Dec 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham sermon sermon sermon… Tim Dunham 3056 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572103/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sermon/id/1852517.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572103 sermon Sun, 05 Dec 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Life is full of difficult choices, and even more so if we take seriously the call to follow God and serve Him. Abraham is a great example of one who chose to obey God, even when it was very difficult. Life is full of difficult choices, and even more so if we take seriously the call to follow God and serve Him. Abraham is a great example of one who chose to obey God, even when it was very difficult. Life is full of difficult choices, and even more so if we take seriously the call to follow God and serve Him. Abraham is a great example of one who chose to obey God, even when it was very difficult.… Tim Dunham 3278 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572098/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thepromisedchild/id/1852512.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572098 Obedience,Faith, Scripture: Genesis 21:1-21:21, Series: Genesis Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As Abraham grows in faith and moves closer to seeing God's purpose fulfilled in his life, he still struggles with human weakness and doubt. There is much in Abraham's life that an honest person can relate - and in the midst of the struggle, find God's grace! As Abraham grows in faith and moves closer to seeing God's purpose fulfilled in his life, he still struggles with human weakness and doubt. There is much in Abraham's life that an honest person can relate - and in the midst of the struggle, find God's grace! As Abraham grows in faith and moves closer to seeing God's purpose fulfilled in his life, he still struggles with human weakness and doubt. There is much in Abraham's life that an honest person can relate - and in the midst of the struggle, find God's … Tim Dunham 2644 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572097/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_abrahamtheprophet/id/1852511.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572097 Prophet,Prayer,Fear,Grace, Scripture: Genesis 20:1-20:18, Series: Genesis Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is often hard for us to understand how God can allow so much evil in the world, and at the same time make sense of God's judgment of evil in the world. This message helps us better understand how a loving God deals with an evil and sinful world. It is often hard for us to understand how God can allow so much evil in the world, and at the same time make sense of God's judgment of evil in the world. This message helps us better understand how a loving God deals with an evil and sinful world. It is often hard for us to understand how God can allow so much evil in the world, and at the same time make sense of God's judgment of evil in the world. This message helps us better understand how a loving God deals with an evil and sinful world.… Tim Dunham 2906 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572096/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hellfirebrimstone/id/1852510.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572096 Evil,Judgment,Wrath,Mercy, Scripture: Genesis 18:1-19:38, Series: Genesis Sun, 14 Nov 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation. What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation. What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation.… Tim Dunham 4467 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/video_lifewithgod/id/444299.mp4 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572095 Promise,Abraham,Covenant, Scripture: Genesis 17:1-17:27, Series: Genesis Sun, 14 Nov 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation. What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation. What does it mean to live life with God? Does God really intend for us to live with Him, and does the God of the universe really care about our everyday life? Not only does God desire that, but it is the highest goal of all creation.… Tim Dunham 2985 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572095/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifewithgod/id/1852509.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572095 Promise,Abraham,Covenant, Scripture: Genesis 17:1-17:27, Series: Genesis Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Are you ever too old for God to work in your life? Sometimes God does His best work when we are the weakest and least likely to be used by Him! Are you ever too old for God to work in your life? Sometimes God does His best work when we are the weakest and least likely to be used by Him! Are you ever too old for God to work in your life? Sometimes God does His best work when we are the weakest and least likely to be used by Him!… Tim Dunham 2784 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572094/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godspromisetosarah/id/1852508.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572094 Sarah,Promise, Scripture: Genesis 17:15-18:15, Series: Genesis , Custom categories: Guest Speaker: David Canon Sun, 31 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We often act - either by what we think or what we do - that God needs our help. Like Sarah in this story, we have our own plans to help God accomplish His purpose in the world. This message explores the error in this thinking We often act - either by what we think or what we do - that God needs our help. Like Sarah in this story, we have our own plans to help God accomplish His purpose in the world. This message explores the error in this thinking We often act - either by what we think or what we do - that God needs our help. Like Sarah in this story, we have our own plans to help God accomplish His purpose in the world. This message explores the error in this thinking… Tim Dunham 2829 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572093/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whengodneedshelp/id/1852507.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572093 Trust,Obedience, Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16:16, Series: Genesis Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why does it take so long? Trusting God would be so much easier, if God wasn't so slow! There are very good reasons why God works in our lives the way he does. This message at why God takes His time! Why does it take so long? Trusting God would be so much easier, if God wasn't so slow! There are very good reasons why God works in our lives the way he does. This message at why God takes His time! Why does it take so long? Trusting God would be so much easier, if God wasn't so slow! There are very good reasons why God works in our lives the way he does. This message at why God takes His time!… Tim Dunham 2816 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572092/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faiththatcounts/id/1852506.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572092 Trust,Faith,Waiting,Doubt, Scripture: Genesis 15:1-15:21, Series: Genesis Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We are called by God to be a blessing to those around us - to be His hands and feet to the lost world around us. But, exactly what does that mean and how can we really make a difference in the world? We are called by God to be a blessing to those around us - to be His hands and feet to the lost world around us. But, exactly what does that mean and how can we really make a difference in the world? We are called by God to be a blessing to those around us - to be His hands and feet to the lost world around us. But, exactly what does that mean and how can we really make a difference in the world?… Tim Dunham 2611 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572091/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blessingthenations/id/1852505.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572091 Blessing,Intercession,Prayer, Scripture: Genesis 14:17-14:244, Series: Genesis Sun, 10 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God in His grace has blessed us with many blessings, but it is not for us simply to consume for ourselves. We are to be a blessing to others - a channel by which God shows His love and goodness to the world. God in His grace has blessed us with many blessings, but it is not for us simply to consume for ourselves. We are to be a blessing to others - a channel by which God shows His love and goodness to the world. God in His grace has blessed us with many blessings, but it is not for us simply to consume for ourselves. We are to be a blessing to others - a channel by which God shows His love and goodness to the world.… Tim Dunham 2789 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572090/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makemeablessing/id/1852504.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572090 Blessing,Abraham,Spiritual warfare,Prayer, Scripture: Genesis 14:1-14:12, Series: Genesis Sun, 03 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What is in a promise? That all depends on who is making the promise. When it is God who is making the promise it is everything. Do we live daily in the light of God's promises to us? What is in a promise? That all depends on who is making the promise. When it is God who is making the promise it is everything. Do we live daily in the light of God's promises to us? What is in a promise? That all depends on who is making the promise. When it is God who is making the promise it is everything. Do we live daily in the light of God's promises to us?… Tim Dunham 2850 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572089/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_partingways/id/1852503.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572089 Covenant,Abraham,Promise, Scripture: Genesis 13:1-13:18, Series: Genesis Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God calls Abraham out of a life of idolatry and into a life with him. It is the beginning of an incredible journey that God takes with mankind! God calls Abraham out of a life of idolatry and into a life with him. It is the beginning of an incredible journey that God takes with mankind! God calls Abraham out of a life of idolatry and into a life with him. It is the beginning of an incredible journey that God takes with mankind!… Tim Dunham 2266 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572088/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thecallofabraham/id/1852502.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572088 Call,Abraham,idolatry , Scripture: Genesis 11:1-12:9, Series: Genesis Sun, 12 Sep 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is easy for us to be impressed with our selves - well, if not with our selves at least with the accomplishments of great people. But, God is not at all impressed with the works of mankind. In fact, God can bring to a complete stop the great works of humanity in the service of His own will and purpose! It is easy for us to be impressed with our selves - well, if not with our selves at least with the accomplishments of great people. But, God is not at all impressed with the works of mankind. In fact, God can bring to a complete stop the great works of humanity in the service of His own will and purpose! It is easy for us to be impressed with our selves - well, if not with our selves at least with the accomplishments of great people. But, God is not at all impressed with the works of mankind. In fact, God can bring to a complete stop the great works o… Tim Dunham 2659 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572087/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tribesandtongues/id/1852501.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572087 Sovereignty,Culture, Scripture: Genesis 10:1-11:19, Series: Genesis Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Can you imagine having influence with God? Is that even possible, or is it really something we would want? Noah had influence with God, in ways he was probably not even aware of, and this message shows us how we too can stir the heart of God! Can you imagine having influence with God? Is that even possible, or is it really something we would want? Noah had influence with God, in ways he was probably not even aware of, and this message shows us how we too can stir the heart of God! Can you imagine having influence with God? Is that even possible, or is it really something we would want? Noah had influence with God, in ways he was probably not even aware of, and this message shows us how we too can stir the heart of God!… Tim Dunham 3424 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572086/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewstart/id/1852500.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572086 Worship,Prayer,Priorities, Scripture: Genesis 8:15-9:19, Series: Genesis Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the most familiar stories of the Old Testament is Noah and the Ark - it is a favorite of children and main staple of Sunday School. But, in all it's familiarity have we missed the powerful message of the story, and what it says about almighty God and those who would follow and know Him? One of the most familiar stories of the Old Testament is Noah and the Ark - it is a favorite of children and main staple of Sunday School. But, in all it's familiarity have we missed the powerful message of the story, and what it says about almighty God and those who would follow and know Him? One of the most familiar stories of the Old Testament is Noah and the Ark - it is a favorite of children and main staple of Sunday School. But, in all it's familiarity have we missed the powerful message of the story, and what it says about almighty Go… Tim Dunham 2735 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572085/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatflood/id/1852499.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572085 Noah,Flood,Obedience,Faith, Scripture: Genesis 7:1-8:19, Series: Genesis Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We may often feel like the world keeps getting worse, and that sin is every where around us. How can we live a godly life in the midst of so many temptations and pressures to conform to the world? Noah was a man who stood apart from the wickedness of the world around him, and he is an example to us of how to do the same! We may often feel like the world keeps getting worse, and that sin is every where around us. How can we live a godly life in the midst of so many temptations and pressures to conform to the world? Noah was a man who stood apart from the wickedness of the world around him, and he is an example to us of how to do the same! We may often feel like the world keeps getting worse, and that sin is every where around us. How can we live a godly life in the midst of so many temptations and pressures to conform to the world? Noah was a man who stood apart from the wickedness of t… Tim Dunham 2901 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572084/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_awickedworldonemanofgod/id/1852498.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572084 Noah,Corruption, Scripture: Genesis 6:1-6:8, Series: Genesis Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We often skip over the long lists of genealogies in the Bible, but there is actually a great deal of truth and practical wisdom in these passages, as Pastor Nate illustrates in his teaching on this passage. We often skip over the long lists of genealogies in the Bible, but there is actually a great deal of truth and practical wisdom in these passages, as Pastor Nate illustrates in his teaching on this passage. We often skip over the long lists of genealogies in the Bible, but there is actually a great deal of truth and practical wisdom in these passages, as Pastor Nate illustrates in his teaching on this passage.… Tim Dunham 2553 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572083/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_generations/id/1852497.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572083 Family,Sin,Death, Scripture: Genesis 5:0-5:1, Series: Genesis Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all want to leave a lasting legacy, and there is no legacy as significant as the one we leave to our own children and grandchildren - but, what kind of legacy are we leaving behind?? We all want to leave a lasting legacy, and there is no legacy as significant as the one we leave to our own children and grandchildren - but, what kind of legacy are we leaving behind?? We all want to leave a lasting legacy, and there is no legacy as significant as the one we leave to our own children and grandchildren - but, what kind of legacy are we leaving behind??… Tim Dunham 3217 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572082/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_leavingalegacy/id/1852496.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572082 Parenting,kids,children, Scripture: Genesis 4:1-4:26, Series: Genesis Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham "It is not good for man to be alone" - this is God's evaluation of the human race. But, why? This passage reveals God's original design for the human race, and how we can still come to know Him! "It is not good for man to be alone" - this is God's evaluation of the human race. But, why? This passage reveals God's original design for the human race, and how we can still come to know Him! "It is not good for man to be alone" - this is God's evaluation of the human race. But, why? This passage reveals God's original design for the human race, and how we can still come to know Him!… Tim Dunham 2894 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572079/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_knowinggodthroughcompanionship/id/1852493.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572079 Relationship,Marriage,Companionship, Scripture: Genesis 2:18-2:25, Series: Genesis Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why would God put such a great temptation in the Garden of Eden, knowing the terrible consequences for mankind if Adam failed? Find out why the Commands of God are such a vital and important part of our relationship with Him. Why would God put such a great temptation in the Garden of Eden, knowing the terrible consequences for mankind if Adam failed? Find out why the Commands of God are such a vital and important part of our relationship with Him. Why would God put such a great temptation in the Garden of Eden, knowing the terrible consequences for mankind if Adam failed? Find out why the Commands of God are such a vital and important part of our relationship with Him.… Tim Dunham 3097 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572078/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thetreeoftrouble/id/1852492.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572078 Commands,The Fall, Scripture: Genesis 2:8-2:17, Series: Genesis Sun, 06 Jun 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We often picture paradise as a place where we can sit by the pool and never have to worry about work again. But, the Garden of Eden was a place where Adam and Eve were to work - what's up with that? We often picture paradise as a place where we can sit by the pool and never have to worry about work again. But, the Garden of Eden was a place where Adam and Eve were to work - what's up with that? We often picture paradise as a place where we can sit by the pool and never have to worry about work again. But, the Garden of Eden was a place where Adam and Eve were to work - what's up with that?… Tim Dunham 3115 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572075/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_workinginthegarden/id/1852489.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572075 Work,Worship,Labor, Scripture: Genesis 2:5-2:17, Series: Genesis Sun, 30 May 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Garden of Eden was God's gift to mankind as his paradise. But, as we look into this account, paradise is not all that we might expect. It was made as a place for man to walk with God, and to know Him. The Garden of Eden was God's gift to mankind as his paradise. But, as we look into this account, paradise is not all that we might expect. It was made as a place for man to walk with God, and to know Him. The Garden of Eden was God's gift to mankind as his paradise. But, as we look into this account, paradise is not all that we might expect. It was made as a place for man to walk with God, and to know Him.… Tim Dunham 2774 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572074/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegardenofeden/id/1852488.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572074 Eden,Paradise,Knowing God, Scripture: Genesis 2:4-2:31, Series: Genesis Sun, 23 May 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Are you tired - need some rest? God wants you to take a break, get some rest, and make time for Him! Are you tired - need some rest? God wants you to take a break, get some rest, and make time for Him! Are you tired - need some rest? God wants you to take a break, get some rest, and make time for Him!… Tim Dunham 2770 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572069/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_adayofrest/id/1852487.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572069 Rest,Sabbath,Creation,Genesis, Scripture: Genesis 2:1-2:3, Series: Genesis Sun, 16 May 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Evolution tells us we are nothing more than a monkey that knows how to make coffee! What does the Bible say about who we are and how we are made? Evolution tells us we are nothing more than a monkey that knows how to make coffee! What does the Bible say about who we are and how we are made? Evolution tells us we are nothing more than a monkey that knows how to make coffee! What does the Bible say about who we are and how we are made?… Tim Dunham 2767 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572077/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_madeingodsimage/id/1852491.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572077 Evolution,Science,Creation, Scripture: Genesis 1:26-1:31, Series: Genesis Sun, 09 May 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Genesis and the account of creation raises all kinds of issues and problems for the modern reader who is dominated by a scientific world view. This message helps untangle some of the questions science raises about the creation account in Genesis. Genesis and the account of creation raises all kinds of issues and problems for the modern reader who is dominated by a scientific world view. This message helps untangle some of the questions science raises about the creation account in Genesis. Genesis and the account of creation raises all kinds of issues and problems for the modern reader who is dominated by a scientific world view. This message helps untangle some of the questions science raises about the creation account in Genesis.… Tim Dunham 2952 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572076/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegodofallcreation/id/1852490.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572076 Creation,Genesis,Evolution, Scripture: Genesis 1:3-1:31, Series: Genesis Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This concluding message on the book of Ephesians looks at the broad message and scope of the book, and how it applies to our daily life. This concluding message on the book of Ephesians looks at the broad message and scope of the book, and how it applies to our daily life. This concluding message on the book of Ephesians looks at the broad message and scope of the book, and how it applies to our daily life.… Tim Dunham 2904 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572068/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_drawneartogod/id/1852486.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572068 Summary,Grace,Kindness,Presence of God, Scripture: Ephesians 6:23-6:24, Series: Ephesians Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Prayer is the power to move God's hand and see His work and purpose accomplished in our lives and in the world. Prayer is the power to move God's hand and see His work and purpose accomplished in our lives and in the world. Prayer is the power to move God's hand and see His work and purpose accomplished in our lives and in the world. … Tim Dunham 2955 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572067/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_prayerwalking/id/1852485.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572067 Prayer,Intersession , Series: Prayer Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all know we need to pray, and that we are even to pray with out ceasing. But, how can we do that and still live life? Find practical help for a dynamic prayer life. We all know we need to pray, and that we are even to pray with out ceasing. But, how can we do that and still live life? Find practical help for a dynamic prayer life. We all know we need to pray, and that we are even to pray with out ceasing. But, how can we do that and still live life? Find practical help for a dynamic prayer life.… Tim Dunham 3214 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572065/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pray/id/1870172.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572065 Prayer,Intersession,Pray, Scripture: Ephesians 6:17-6:18, Series: Ephesians Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In order to stand firm in the battle it is essential to be adequately armed and know what to do with it! In this message you will gain practical instruction in how to use the armor of God. In order to stand firm in the battle it is essential to be adequately armed and know what to do with it! In this message you will gain practical instruction in how to use the armor of God. In order to stand firm in the battle it is essential to be adequately armed and know what to do with it! In this message you will gain practical instruction in how to use the armor of God.… Tim Dunham 3462 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572064/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thearmor/id/1870171.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572064 Armor,Battle,weapons, Scripture: Ephesians 6:13-6:17, Series: Ephesians Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham One of the worst things that can happen in a combat situation is to be caught by surprise. Every follower of Christ finds themselves in a spiritual battle - are we ready and aware of the attack that is upon us? One of the worst things that can happen in a combat situation is to be caught by surprise. Every follower of Christ finds themselves in a spiritual battle - are we ready and aware of the attack that is upon us? One of the worst things that can happen in a combat situation is to be caught by surprise. Every follower of Christ finds themselves in a spiritual battle - are we ready and aware of the attack that is upon us?… Tim Dunham 3002 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572063/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thebattle/id/1870170.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572063 Battle,Spiritual warfare,Armor, Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-6:12, Series: Ephesians Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Work is something we all do, and it makes up a huge part of our life. Is work just something we must endure in order to live, or is their a higher calling and purpose in work? Work is something we all do, and it makes up a huge part of our life. Is work just something we must endure in order to live, or is their a higher calling and purpose in work? Work is something we all do, and it makes up a huge part of our life. Is work just something we must endure in order to live, or is their a higher calling and purpose in work?… Tim Dunham 3006 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572066/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_work/id/1870173.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572066 Work,Worship,Submission , Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-6:9, Series: Ephesians Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul's instructions for wives to submit to their husbands seems very outdated and outmoded in our day. What is this teaching really about, and are wives really supposed to submit to their husbands in the modern world? Paul's instructions for wives to submit to their husbands seems very outdated and outmoded in our day. What is this teaching really about, and are wives really supposed to submit to their husbands in the modern world? Paul's instructions for wives to submit to their husbands seems very outdated and outmoded in our day. What is this teaching really about, and are wives really supposed to submit to their husbands in the modern world?… Tim Dunham 3194 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572061/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_followtheleader/id/941309.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572061 Submit,Wives,Husbands,Marriage, Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-5:33, Series: Ephesians Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Bible is very clear about how and why husbands are to love and care for their wives. This message is full of very practical help for husbands as they seek to love their wives better! The Bible is very clear about how and why husbands are to love and care for their wives. This message is full of very practical help for husbands as they seek to love their wives better! The Bible is very clear about how and why husbands are to love and care for their wives. This message is full of very practical help for husbands as they seek to love their wives better!… Tim Dunham 2626 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572062/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_husbandsloveyourwives/id/941310.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572062 Marriage,Husbands,Wives,Love, Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-5:33, Series: Ephesians Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The word "submit" is all but lost in modern vocabulary, and is a topic about as popular as snail racing. But, it is a matter of true relevance for the life of a true follower of Christ, as Jesus Himself is the highest example of the practice of submission. The word "submit" is all but lost in modern vocabulary, and is a topic about as popular as snail racing. But, it is a matter of true relevance for the life of a true follower of Christ, as Jesus Himself is the highest example of the practice of submission. The word "submit" is all but lost in modern vocabulary, and is a topic about as popular as snail racing. But, it is a matter of true relevance for the life of a true follower of Christ, as Jesus Himself is the highest example of the practice of submiss… Tim Dunham 3736 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572060/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_submittooneanother/id/941308.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572060 Submission,Submit,Authority,Follow, Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-5:21, Series: Ephesians Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul challenges the Ephesians to "redeem the time . . " This sermon dives into the very practical meaning and application of these timely words. Paul challenges the Ephesians to "redeem the time . . " This sermon dives into the very practical meaning and application of these timely words. Paul challenges the Ephesians to "redeem the time . . " This sermon dives into the very practical meaning and application of these timely words.… Tim Dunham 2759 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572058/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_buyingtime/id/941307.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572058 Time,New Years,God's will, Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-5:21, Series: Ephesians Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Big can be good, but sometimes bigger is not better. God loves to do big things with very small beginnings. Big can be good, but sometimes bigger is not better. God loves to do big things with very small beginnings. Big can be good, but sometimes bigger is not better. God loves to do big things with very small beginnings. … Tim Dunham 2048 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572057/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_olittletown/id/941306.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572057 Christmas,Bethlehem,Jesus birth, Scripture: Micah 5:1-5:4, Series: Christmas , Custom categories: Topic: Christmas Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God calls us to be like Him, which means that we must become less and less like the world in our thoughts and actions. We are called to turn our backs on the idols of this world and follow God wholeheartedly! God calls us to be like Him, which means that we must become less and less like the world in our thoughts and actions. We are called to turn our backs on the idols of this world and follow God wholeheartedly! God calls us to be like Him, which means that we must become less and less like the world in our thoughts and actions. We are called to turn our backs on the idols of this world and follow God wholeheartedly!… Tim Dunham 3077 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572056/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_imitategod/id/941305.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572056 Sex,Materialism,Greed,idolatry, Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:14, Series: Ephesians Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all know the struggle of seeking to do what is right, but battling old habits that do not go away easily. We are called to live differently, and this message gives very practical help in making significant change in our life. We all know the struggle of seeking to do what is right, but battling old habits that do not go away easily. We are called to live differently, and this message gives very practical help in making significant change in our life. We all know the struggle of seeking to do what is right, but battling old habits that do not go away easily. We are called to live differently, and this message gives very practical help in making significant change in our life.… Tim Dunham 2927 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572054/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingchange/id/941303.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572054 Change,Words,Thoughts ,New nature, Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-4:32, Series: Ephesians Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In order for the Church to fulfill its mission, we must be perfectly clear about what that mission is. In this passage Paul spells out clearly what the Church is to be all about. In order for the Church to fulfill its mission, we must be perfectly clear about what that mission is. In this passage Paul spells out clearly what the Church is to be all about. In order for the Church to fulfill its mission, we must be perfectly clear about what that mission is. In this passage Paul spells out clearly what the Church is to be all about.… Tim Dunham 2610 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572055/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_themission/id/941304.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572055 Mission,Goals,Church,Christ, Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-4:16, Series: Ephesians Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham There are countless books, seminars, and 'new methods' of Church growth - but Paul was very clear about God's plan to grow His Church! This message looks at Paul's vision for growing the body of Christ and bringing people to maturity in their faith! There are countless books, seminars, and 'new methods' of Church growth - but Paul was very clear about God's plan to grow His Church! This message looks at Paul's vision for growing the body of Christ and bringing people to maturity in their faith! There are countless books, seminars, and 'new methods' of Church growth - but Paul was very clear about God's plan to grow His Church! This message looks at Paul's vision for growing the body of Christ and bringing people to maturity in their faith!… Tim Dunham 3108 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572053/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_churchgrowth/id/941302.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572053 Maturity,Church growth,Body,Ministry, Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-4:22, Series: Ephesians Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Is it really possible to live at peace with other people - even with people who are fellow believers? Well, Paul knew that it was not easy, but God has given us the ability to live at peace with others. It is a top priority with God, and should be a chief pursuit of His followers! Is it really possible to live at peace with other people - even with people who are fellow believers? Well, Paul knew that it was not easy, but God has given us the ability to live at peace with others. It is a top priority with God, and should be a chief pursuit of His followers! Is it really possible to live at peace with other people - even with people who are fellow believers? Well, Paul knew that it was not easy, but God has given us the ability to live at peace with others. It is a top priority with God, and should be a ch… Tim Dunham 2895 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572052/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_keepingthepeace/id/941301.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572052 Peace,humility,patience,conflict, Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4:6, Series: Ephesians Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham There are many things that are important for us to know - our anniversary, what to get our wife her birthday, when to pay your taxes. But, there is nothing as important as knowing that God loves us. This is Paul's urgent prayer in Ephesians 3. There are many things that are important for us to know - our anniversary, what to get our wife her birthday, when to pay your taxes. But, there is nothing as important as knowing that God loves us. This is Paul's urgent prayer in Ephesians 3. There are many things that are important for us to know - our anniversary, what to get our wife her birthday, when to pay your taxes. But, there is nothing as important as knowing that God loves us. This is Paul's urgent prayer in Ephesians 3.… Tim Dunham 2703 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572051/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatisimportanttoknow/id/941300.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572051 Love,Prayer, Scripture: Ephesians 3:17-3:21, Series: Ephesians Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham True strength must come from within, from the depths of our inner being. But, much of our focus and effort is often on being strong on the outside. This message gives very practical help for finding true strength within. True strength must come from within, from the depths of our inner being. But, much of our focus and effort is often on being strong on the outside. This message gives very practical help for finding true strength within. True strength must come from within, from the depths of our inner being. But, much of our focus and effort is often on being strong on the outside. This message gives very practical help for finding true strength within.… Tim Dunham 3616 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572050/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_strongfromtheinsideout/id/941299.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572050 Power,Strength,Maturity, Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-3:17, Series: Ephesians Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The idea of a mystery in the Bible can often be, well a mystery. This message unfolds the wonderful and sometimes mysterious story of redemption with a unique focus on the 'Princess Bride" of Christ. The idea of a mystery in the Bible can often be, well a mystery. This message unfolds the wonderful and sometimes mysterious story of redemption with a unique focus on the 'Princess Bride" of Christ. The idea of a mystery in the Bible can often be, well a mystery. This message unfolds the wonderful and sometimes mysterious story of redemption with a unique focus on the 'Princess Bride" of Christ.… Tim Dunham 2705 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572049/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thegreatmystery/id/941298.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572049 Mystery,Gospel,Bride,grace, Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-3:13, Series: Ephesians Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In this passage Paul shows is stark contrast, how different our life is in Christ from what it was living in sin and death. All this made possible by God's amazing grace, and for His endless glory! In this passage Paul shows is stark contrast, how different our life is in Christ from what it was living in sin and death. All this made possible by God's amazing grace, and for His endless glory! In this passage Paul shows is stark contrast, how different our life is in Christ from what it was living in sin and death. All this made possible by God's amazing grace, and for His endless glory!… Tim Dunham 3489 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572048/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_mostamazinggrace/id/941297.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572048 grace,mercy,kindness,Love, Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-2:10, Series: Ephesians Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The gospel truly is good news, and it brings with it many benefits and blessings that are life changing. Paul prays that those who know Christ would experience true hope, worth, and power as they see these in operation in our daily life. The gospel truly is good news, and it brings with it many benefits and blessings that are life changing. Paul prays that those who know Christ would experience true hope, worth, and power as they see these in operation in our daily life. The gospel truly is good news, and it brings with it many benefits and blessings that are life changing. Paul prays that those who know Christ would experience true hope, worth, and power as they see these in operation in our daily life.… Tim Dunham 2564 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572047/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hopeworthpower/id/941296.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572047 hope,worth,power,treasure, Scripture: Ephesians 1:18-1:23, Series: Ephesians Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God has invited us all to pray, but what to pray for? Paul was a man who know how to pray after the heart of God. This message from Ephesians 1 will help us know how to pray more effectively. God has invited us all to pray, but what to pray for? Paul was a man who know how to pray after the heart of God. This message from Ephesians 1 will help us know how to pray more effectively. God has invited us all to pray, but what to pray for? Paul was a man who know how to pray after the heart of God. This message from Ephesians 1 will help us know how to pray more effectively.… Tim Dunham 2679 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572046/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareweprayingfor/id/941295.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572046 Prayer,Pray,Knowing God,Revelation, Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-1:18, Series: Ephesians Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us? These are truly the BIG questions of life. This message looks at how Paul answers these questions and gives us great hope that our life does matter in the grand scheme of things. Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us? These are truly the BIG questions of life. This message looks at how Paul answers these questions and gives us great hope that our life does matter in the grand scheme of things. Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us? These are truly the BIG questions of life. This message looks at how Paul answers these questions and gives us great hope that our life does matter in the grand scheme of things.… Tim Dunham 3994 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572044/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_godsgloriousgrace/id/941294.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572044 Grace,Election,purpose,meaning, Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-1:6, Series: Ephesians Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul begins this wonderful letter with a hymn of praise to God for all his great blessings. Paul speaks of spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. Listen and learn how we are called to life in a higher dimension! Paul begins this wonderful letter with a hymn of praise to God for all his great blessings. Paul speaks of spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. Listen and learn how we are called to life in a higher dimension! Paul begins this wonderful letter with a hymn of praise to God for all his great blessings. Paul speaks of spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms. Listen and learn how we are called to life in a higher dimension!… Tim Dunham 2951 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572043/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_countyourblessings/id/941293.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572043 Praise,Spiritual,blessings, Scripture: Ephesians 1:3, Series: Ephesians Tue, 26 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The God of the Old Testament often seems so harsh and even cruel. No wonder some have suggested the God of the Old Testament is a different God that the one in the new! But, this look into Haggai chapter one helps understand the true heart of God and the great lengths He will go to in order to win our hearts for Him alone! The God of the Old Testament often seems so harsh and even cruel. No wonder some have suggested the God of the Old Testament is a different God that the one in the new! But, this look into Haggai chapter one helps understand the true heart of God and the great lengths He will go to in order to win our hearts for Him alone! The God of the Old Testament often seems so harsh and even cruel. No wonder some have suggested the God of the Old Testament is a different God that the one in the new! But, this look into Haggai chapter one helps understand the true heart of God and t… Tim Dunham 2778 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572042/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theterriblegoodnessofgod/id/941292.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572042 Dedication,committment,Priorities, Scripture: Haggai 1:4-1:11, Series: Haggai Sun, 17 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In today's fast paced world there is just not enough time! But, this is not a new problem. Find some interesting perspectives on managing our busy life from the book of Haggai. In today's fast paced world there is just not enough time! But, this is not a new problem. Find some interesting perspectives on managing our busy life from the book of Haggai. In today's fast paced world there is just not enough time! But, this is not a new problem. Find some interesting perspectives on managing our busy life from the book of Haggai.… Tim Dunham 3829 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572041/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_makingtime/id/941291.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572041 Time,Priorities, Scripture: Haggai 1:1-1:4, Series: Haggai Sun, 10 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This final snapshot from the gospel of John gives a great pictures of God's restoring grace at work in the life of Peter. This final snapshot from the gospel of John gives a great pictures of God's restoring grace at work in the life of Peter. This final snapshot from the gospel of John gives a great pictures of God's restoring grace at work in the life of Peter.… Tim Dunham 3358 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572040/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_restored/id/941290.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572040 Jesus,restoration,grace,shepherd, Scripture: John 21:15-21:25, Series: John Sun, 03 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Of all Jesus post resurrection appearances, this is certainly one of the most personal and down to earth. It gives us a great glimpse of the character and nature of Jesus as the risen Lord! Of all Jesus post resurrection appearances, this is certainly one of the most personal and down to earth. It gives us a great glimpse of the character and nature of Jesus as the risen Lord! Of all Jesus post resurrection appearances, this is certainly one of the most personal and down to earth. It gives us a great glimpse of the character and nature of Jesus as the risen Lord!… Tim Dunham 2928 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572039/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comedine/id/941289.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572039 Resurrection, Scripture: John 21:1-21:14, Series: John Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham It is so easy to characterize "doubting Thomas" in very negative light and as the poorest example of faith. But, Thomas is a skeptic in the truest sense and is actually one of the great heroes in the gospel story. This message will be a great help to all those with the mind of a skeptic! It is so easy to characterize "doubting Thomas" in very negative light and as the poorest example of faith. But, Thomas is a skeptic in the truest sense and is actually one of the great heroes in the gospel story. This message will be a great help to all those with the mind of a skeptic! It is so easy to characterize "doubting Thomas" in very negative light and as the poorest example of faith. But, Thomas is a skeptic in the truest sense and is actually one of the great heroes in the gospel story. This message will be a great help to a… Tim Dunham 2738 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572038/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theskeptic/id/941288.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572038 Skeptic,Thomas, Scripture: John 20:19-20:24, Series: John Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The cross is the great event that guarantees our forgiveness and salvation. The resurrection is the great event that guarantees the cross! The cross is the great event that guarantees our forgiveness and salvation. The resurrection is the great event that guarantees the cross! The cross is the great event that guarantees our forgiveness and salvation. The resurrection is the great event that guarantees the cross! … Tim Dunham 2975 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572037/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whoareyoulookingfor/id/941287.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572037 Resurrection,Easter,Mary,Tomb, Scripture: John 20:1-20:21, Series: John Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As Jesus falls into the hands of His enemies it is clear that He is still in control and He is carrying out the Father's plans to bring salvation to the World As Jesus falls into the hands of His enemies it is clear that He is still in control and He is carrying out the Father's plans to bring salvation to the World As Jesus falls into the hands of His enemies it is clear that He is still in control and He is carrying out the Father's plans to bring salvation to the World … Tim Dunham 3064 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572036/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusontrial/id/941286.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572036 Suffering,Jesus,Trial, Scripture: John 18:1-18:40, Series: John Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We can learn a lot about a persons priorities and values by listening to them pray. How much more is this true of Jesus as we eaves drop on His prayer in John 17. We can learn a lot about a persons priorities and values by listening to them pray. How much more is this true of Jesus as we eaves drop on His prayer in John 17. We can learn a lot about a persons priorities and values by listening to them pray. How much more is this true of Jesus as we eaves drop on His prayer in John 17.… Tim Dunham 2829 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572035/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whenesusprays/id/941285.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572035 Prayer,Unity, Scripture: John 17:6-17:26, Series: John Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We can learn about prayer from no teacher greater than Jesus himself. In the message we get a glimpse of Jesus heart and priority in prayer. We can learn about prayer from no teacher greater than Jesus himself. In the message we get a glimpse of Jesus heart and priority in prayer. We can learn about prayer from no teacher greater than Jesus himself. In the message we get a glimpse of Jesus heart and priority in prayer.… Tim Dunham 2420 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572034/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_esusprays/id/941284.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572034 Jesus,Prayer, Series: Prayer Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We have all been told that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is easy to say, unless you are the one with the lemons. In this message, Jesus assures us that life will have troubles, but His purpose is to turn every sorrow into great and unending joy. We have all been told that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is easy to say, unless you are the one with the lemons. In this message, Jesus assures us that life will have troubles, but His purpose is to turn every sorrow into great and unending joy. We have all been told that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is easy to say, unless you are the one with the lemons. In this message, Jesus assures us that life will have troubles, but His purpose is to turn every sorrow into great and unen… Tim Dunham 3000 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572033/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_turningsorrowtooy/id/941283.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572033 Trials,Sorrow,Joy, Scripture: John 16:16-17:5, Series: John Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We often wish that we could experience Jesus the same way His disciples did, but Jesus assures His disciples that they aren't losing anything by His going away. These words should be a great encouragement for us as well! We often wish that we could experience Jesus the same way His disciples did, but Jesus assures His disciples that they aren't losing anything by His going away. These words should be a great encouragement for us as well! We often wish that we could experience Jesus the same way His disciples did, but Jesus assures His disciples that they aren't losing anything by His going away. These words should be a great encouragement for us as well!… Tim Dunham 3594 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572032/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofthespirit/id/941282.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572032 Holy Spirit,John,Conviction, Scripture: John 16:5-16:15, Series: John Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In John 15 Jesus promises a truly amazing life of fruitfulness, joy, love, and abundance if we abide in Him. But, that is not all that he promises! He also promises that life will be difficult, there will be suffering and persecution, because we are hated by the world. In John 15 Jesus promises a truly amazing life of fruitfulness, joy, love, and abundance if we abide in Him. But, that is not all that he promises! He also promises that life will be difficult, there will be suffering and persecution, because we are hated by the world. In John 15 Jesus promises a truly amazing life of fruitfulness, joy, love, and abundance if we abide in Him. But, that is not all that he promises! He also promises that life will be difficult, there will be suffering and persecution, because we are ha… Tim Dunham 3138 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572031/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_hatedbytheworld/id/941281.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572031 Persecution, Scripture: John 15:18-16:4, Series: John Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Incredibly, Jesus offers to us not only His amazing salvation, but he even extends to us the offer of friendship. It is an amazing picture of the kind of relationship Jesus desires to have with His true followers Incredibly, Jesus offers to us not only His amazing salvation, but he even extends to us the offer of friendship. It is an amazing picture of the kind of relationship Jesus desires to have with His true followers Incredibly, Jesus offers to us not only His amazing salvation, but he even extends to us the offer of friendship. It is an amazing picture of the kind of relationship Jesus desires to have with His true followers… Tim Dunham 2631 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572030/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_friendofgod/id/941280.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572030 Freind,Friendship,Abiding, Scripture: John 15:14-15:17, Series: John Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God desires each one of His creation to experience the fullness of His own joy. Jesus affirms this promise to us. God desires each one of His creation to experience the fullness of His own joy. Jesus affirms this promise to us. God desires each one of His creation to experience the fullness of His own joy. Jesus affirms this promise to us.… Tim Dunham 2166 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572028/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_fullofoy/id/941278.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572028 Joy,Abiding, Scripture: John 15:11-15:15, Series: John Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham We all love to hear about God's love for us, but when it comes to obedience we would rather change the subject. In this message Jesus makes it clear that love and obedience are really the same thing once we understand how they are related. We all love to hear about God's love for us, but when it comes to obedience we would rather change the subject. In this message Jesus makes it clear that love and obedience are really the same thing once we understand how they are related. We all love to hear about God's love for us, but when it comes to obedience we would rather change the subject. In this message Jesus makes it clear that love and obedience are really the same thing once we understand how they are related.… Tim Dunham 2603 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572029/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_loveobedience/id/941279.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572029 Love,Obedience, Scripture: John 15:8-15:11, Series: John Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham An Extravagant Gift An Extravagant Gift An Extravagant Gift… Tim Dunham 3111 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572027/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anextravagantgift/id/941277.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572027 gift,Dunham, Scripture: John 12:1-12:2, Series: John , Custom categories: Pastor: Tim Dunham Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Pure Joy During Difficult Times Pure Joy During Difficult Times Pure Joy During Difficult Times… Tim Dunham 3359 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572026/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_pureoyduringdifficulttimes/id/941276.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572026 joy,difficulty,layman, Custom categories: Topic: Pure Joy During Difficult Times Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Worry and Anxiety Worry and Anxiety Worry and Anxiety… Tim Dunham 2128 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572025/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_worryandanxiety/id/941275.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572025 Worry,Anxiety,Walden, Custom categories: Elder: Rick Walden, Topic: Worry and Anxiety Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Dan Ecker shares from Romans Dan Ecker shares from Romans Dan Ecker shares from Romans… Tim Dunham 2953 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572024/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_advancingthekingdomofgod/id/941274.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572024 Romans,Ecker, Series: Romans , Custom categories: Topic: Advancing The Kingdom of God Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Forgiveness and Reconciliation Forgiveness and Reconciliation Forgiveness and Reconciliation… Tim Dunham 3414 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572023/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_forgivenessandreconciliation/id/941273.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572023 Forgiveness ,Reconciliation, Series: Forgiveness , Custom categories: Topic: Forgiveness and Reconciliation Sun, 17 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Walter Ridgley John16:38 Romans 5:8 Philippians 1:27-30 John16:38 Romans 5:8 Philippians 1:27-30 John16:38 Romans 5:8 Philippians 1:27-30… Walter Ridgley 2647 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572022/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_getoverit/id/941272.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572022 spritual warfare, Scripture: John 16:38-16:39, Series: John Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Staying Strong in Faith Staying Strong in Faith Staying Strong in Faith… Tim Dunham 2788 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572021/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_stayingstronginfaith/id/941271.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572021 Faith, Series: Abiding in Christ , Custom categories: Topic: Faith, Elder: Dan Ecker Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Guest speaker Don Layman speaks on Matthew 24 Guest speaker Don Layman speaks on Matthew 24 Guest speaker Don Layman speaks on Matthew 24… Tim Dunham 2845 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572020/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_faithfultothetask/id/941270.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572020 Matthew 24,Faith, Custom categories: Topic: Faith Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Sometimes life is hard, and sometimes terrible things can come into our lives. At the same time, we are the friends of Jesus = how do we reconcile that Jesus lets his friends suffer so much sometimes? This powerful message deals with this crucial question. Sometimes life is hard, and sometimes terrible things can come into our lives. At the same time, we are the friends of Jesus = how do we reconcile that Jesus lets his friends suffer so much sometimes? This powerful message deals with this crucial question. Sometimes life is hard, and sometimes terrible things can come into our lives. At the same time, we are the friends of Jesus = how do we reconcile that Jesus lets his friends suffer so much sometimes? This powerful message deals with this crucial quest… Tim Dunham 3211 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572019/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theslowloveofgod/id/941269.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572019 Suffering,Trials, Scripture: John 11:1-11:16, Series: John Sun, 11 May 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham With our finite minds and limited understanding it is hard (or impossible) to fully grasp God's great love for us. This message helps broaden the horizons of God's love and expand the breadth of its splendor in our lives! With our finite minds and limited understanding it is hard (or impossible) to fully grasp God's great love for us. This message helps broaden the horizons of God's love and expand the breadth of its splendor in our lives! With our finite minds and limited understanding it is hard (or impossible) to fully grasp God's great love for us. This message helps broaden the horizons of God's love and expand the breadth of its splendor in our lives!… Tim Dunham 1945 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572018/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_howwidehowlong/id/941268.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572018 Love, Series: Ephesians Sun, 04 May 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus is the good shepherd and he knows his sheep by name, and he assures us we will know his voice as he calls us to follow him! Jesus is the good shepherd and he knows his sheep by name, and he assures us we will know his voice as he calls us to follow him! Jesus is the good shepherd and he knows his sheep by name, and he assures us we will know his voice as he calls us to follow him!… Tim Dunham 2891 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572017/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theshepherdsvoice/id/941267.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572017 Sheep,Shepherd,disciple,Jesus, Scripture: John 10:1-10:12, Series: John Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus gives sight to one man and at the same time shows the blindness of a great many others. Jesus gives sight to one man and at the same time shows the blindness of a great many others. Jesus gives sight to one man and at the same time shows the blindness of a great many others.… Tim Dunham 3747 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572016/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_blinded/id/941266.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572016 Jesus,Blind,Light, Scripture: John 9:1-9:41, Series: John Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Guest speaker, Dan Ecker, shares from John regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus Guest speaker, Dan Ecker, shares from John regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus Guest speaker, Dan Ecker, shares from John regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus… Tim Dunham 3840 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572015/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theministryofthespirit/id/941265.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572015 Holy Spirit,John, Scripture: John, Series: John Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus again invites his hearers to come and drink from the fountain of living water - this time in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus again invites his hearers to come and drink from the fountain of living water - this time in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus again invites his hearers to come and drink from the fountain of living water - this time in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles.… Tim Dunham 4362 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572014/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_comeanddrink/id/941264.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572014 Thirst,Soul ,Jesus, Scripture: John 7:25-7:52, Series: John Sun, 30 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus calls us to live a life that is radically different from the world, a life that he himself lived and modeled for us! Jesus calls us to live a life that is radically different from the world, a life that he himself lived and modeled for us! Jesus calls us to live a life that is radically different from the world, a life that he himself lived and modeled for us!… Tim Dunham 3431 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572013/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_marchtoadifferentdrum/id/941263.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572013 counter-culture,life,John, Scripture: John 7:1-7:24, Series: John Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus explains the full meaning of his miraculous feeding of the 5,000. He is truly the bread that sustains our life at its deepest and most profound levels. Jesus explains the full meaning of his miraculous feeding of the 5,000. He is truly the bread that sustains our life at its deepest and most profound levels. Jesus explains the full meaning of his miraculous feeding of the 5,000. He is truly the bread that sustains our life at its deepest and most profound levels.… Tim Dunham 3490 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572012/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_breadoflife/id/941262.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572012 Soul,Thirst,Bread,John, Scripture: John 6:30-6:59, Series: John Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus defends His claim to equality with God by calling up key witnesses which confirm His divine claims. This passage also gives great insight to our own search for our true identity. Jesus defends His claim to equality with God by calling up key witnesses which confirm His divine claims. This passage also gives great insight to our own search for our true identity. Jesus defends His claim to equality with God by calling up key witnesses which confirm His divine claims. This passage also gives great insight to our own search for our true identity.… Tim Dunham 3250 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572011/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_identitycrisis/id/941261.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572011 Identity,Child of God,Witness,John, Scripture: John 5:31-5:47, Series: John Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In this rich theological passage Jesus sheds light on the nature of His divine nature through the Father - Son relationship he has shared with the Father for all eternity In this rich theological passage Jesus sheds light on the nature of His divine nature through the Father - Son relationship he has shared with the Father for all eternity In this rich theological passage Jesus sheds light on the nature of His divine nature through the Father - Son relationship he has shared with the Father for all eternity… Tim Dunham 3437 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572010/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thefathersbusiness/id/941260.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572010 Father,Son,Trinity , Scripture: John 5:19-5:30, Series: John Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In these days of fast paced living on the edge of burnout, Jesus invites us to get away for a time of rest and renewal with Him. In these days of fast paced living on the edge of burnout, Jesus invites us to get away for a time of rest and renewal with Him. In these days of fast paced living on the edge of burnout, Jesus invites us to get away for a time of rest and renewal with Him.… Tim Dunham 3559 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572009/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sabbathrest/id/941259.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572009 Sabbath,Rest,joy,John, Scripture: John 5:10-5:18, Series: John Sun, 06 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Why doesn't God do more to show the world that he is God, and that he has the power to do whatever he wants - then more people would believe in him - right? Why doesn't God do more to show the world that he is God, and that he has the power to do whatever he wants - then more people would believe in him - right? Why doesn't God do more to show the world that he is God, and that he has the power to do whatever he wants - then more people would believe in him - right?… Tim Dunham 3614 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572008/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_givemeasign/id/941258.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572008 Signs,Miracles,Faith, Scripture: John 4:43-5:15, Series: John Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus describes His joy at doing His Father's will and gives us great encouragement as we work at the best job ever! Jesus describes His joy at doing His Father's will and gives us great encouragement as we work at the best job ever! Jesus describes His joy at doing His Father's will and gives us great encouragement as we work at the best job ever!… Tim Dunham 2793 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572007/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dreamob/id/941257.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572007 Evangelism,Mission, Scripture: John 4:22-4:42, Series: John Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. Find out what that means and how we can be the genuine worshipers that God is searching for! Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. Find out what that means and how we can be the genuine worshipers that God is searching for! Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. Find out what that means and how we can be the genuine worshipers that God is searching for!… Tim Dunham 3144 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572006/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_trueworship/id/941256.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572006 worship,truth,spirit, Scripture: John 4:12-4:21, Series: John Sun, 02 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What are you thirsty for? What are you doing to quench that thirst? Jesus offers to quench the deepest longings of our heart so that we will never thirst again! What are you thirsty for? What are you doing to quench that thirst? Jesus offers to quench the deepest longings of our heart so that we will never thirst again! What are you thirsty for? What are you doing to quench that thirst? Jesus offers to quench the deepest longings of our heart so that we will never thirst again!… Tim Dunham 3322 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572005/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_thirsty/id/941255.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572005 Joy,thirst,eternal life, Scripture: John 4:1-4:21, Series: John Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Disciples of John the Baptist were struggling with Jesus ministry surpassing that of their leader. The Disciples of John the Baptist were struggling with Jesus ministry surpassing that of their leader. The Disciples of John the Baptist were struggling with Jesus ministry surpassing that of their leader.… Tim Dunham 3234 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572004/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_theoyoflosing/id/941254.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572004 Envy,Jealousy,Joy, Scripture: John 3:22-3:36, Series: John Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This famous encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus unfolds tremendous truths about the wonderful work of God as He saves us and makes us a new creation in Christ. This famous encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus unfolds tremendous truths about the wonderful work of God as He saves us and makes us a new creation in Christ. This famous encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus unfolds tremendous truths about the wonderful work of God as He saves us and makes us a new creation in Christ.… Tim Dunham 3393 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572003/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_savedbyworks/id/941253.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572003 Born again,salvation,saved, Scripture: John 3:1-3:21, Series: John Sun, 04 Nov 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What pushes your buttons and sets you off, and what does it say about you? In this sermon we find out what sets Jesus off, and what is most dear to his heart! What pushes your buttons and sets you off, and what does it say about you? In this sermon we find out what sets Jesus off, and what is most dear to his heart! What pushes your buttons and sets you off, and what does it say about you? In this sermon we find out what sets Jesus off, and what is most dear to his heart!… Tim Dunham 3734 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572002/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_myfathershouse/id/941252.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572002 Father, Scripture: John 2:13-2:22, Series: John Thu, 01 Nov 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus presence at the wedding in Cana and his first miracle reveal a great deal about His mission in the world! Jesus presence at the wedding in Cana and his first miracle reveal a great deal about His mission in the world! Jesus presence at the wedding in Cana and his first miracle reveal a great deal about His mission in the world!… Tim Dunham 3105 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572001/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_lifeoftheparty/id/941251.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572001 Joy,Celebration,Wine, Scripture: John 2:1-2:12, Series: John Sun, 21 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus opens the door to heaven to us in a way never before possible. This message explores all that Jesus is as the one who reveals the fullness of God to us! Jesus opens the door to heaven to us in a way never before possible. This message explores all that Jesus is as the one who reveals the fullness of God to us! Jesus opens the door to heaven to us in a way never before possible. This message explores all that Jesus is as the one who reveals the fullness of God to us!… Tim Dunham 3439 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572000/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_youwillseeheavenopened/id/941250.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9572000 Jacob, Scripture: John 1:43-1:51, Series: John Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What are we looking for in life? What we are looking for has a great impact on what we actually find! What are we looking for in life? What we are looking for has a great impact on what we actually find! What are we looking for in life? What we are looking for has a great impact on what we actually find!… Tim Dunham 3791 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571999/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_whatareyoulookingfor/id/941249.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571999 Jesus,discipleship,life, Scripture: John 1:19-1:39, Series: John Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people. This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people. This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people.… Tim Dunham 3634 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571997/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giving1/id/941247.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571997 Giving,tithe,offering,generous, Series: Giving , Custom categories: Topic: Giving Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people. This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people. This two part series takes a close look at the Biblical mandate, purpose, and blessings of being generous people.… Tim Dunham 2866 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571998/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_giving2/id/941248.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571998 Giving,tithe,offering,generosity, Series: Giving , Custom categories: Topic: Giving Sun, 09 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul describes what our new resurrected body and life will be like on the day of Jesus' glorious return! Paul describes what our new resurrected body and life will be like on the day of Jesus' glorious return! Paul describes what our new resurrected body and life will be like on the day of Jesus' glorious return!… Tim Dunham 2988 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571995/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anewyou/id/941245.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571995 Resurrection, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-15:58, Series: Thy Kingdom Come Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Pastor Tim gives a clear and Biblical presentation of Paul's instructions on the purpose and use of the more controversial gifts. Pastor Tim gives a clear and Biblical presentation of Paul's instructions on the purpose and use of the more controversial gifts. Pastor Tim gives a clear and Biblical presentation of Paul's instructions on the purpose and use of the more controversial gifts.… Tim Dunham 3836 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571996/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tongues/id/941246.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571996 tongues,prophecy,spiritual gifts, Series: Church Sun, 22 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What does it mean to be a member of a Church? Do I have to give more? Will I have to teach Sunday School? Find out what it really means to be a member of the Body of Christ in this message! What does it mean to be a member of a Church? Do I have to give more? Will I have to teach Sunday School? Find out what it really means to be a member of the Body of Christ in this message! What does it mean to be a member of a Church? Do I have to give more? Will I have to teach Sunday School? Find out what it really means to be a member of the Body of Christ in this message!… Tim Dunham 2896 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571994/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_membership/id/941244.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571994 membership,body,gifts,church, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-12:24, Series: Church Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This follow-up message on God's design for leadership in our personal lives, our families, and the Church focuses on some of the voices in society that have other plans for how the world should run, and how we are to respond. This follow-up message on God's design for leadership in our personal lives, our families, and the Church focuses on some of the voices in society that have other plans for how the world should run, and how we are to respond. This follow-up message on God's design for leadership in our personal lives, our families, and the Church focuses on some of the voices in society that have other plans for how the world should run, and how we are to respond.… Tim Dunham 3471 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571993/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_headshippart2/id/941243.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571993 feminism authority submission headship leadership, Series: Marriage Sun, 17 Jun 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Does God have set roles for men and women, or are gender differences just a product of culture? This message lays a Biblical foundation for headship based on the example of Jesus. Does God have set roles for men and women, or are gender differences just a product of culture? This message lays a Biblical foundation for headship based on the example of Jesus. Does God have set roles for men and women, or are gender differences just a product of culture? This message lays a Biblical foundation for headship based on the example of Jesus.… Tim Dunham 3447 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571992/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_headship/id/941242.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571992 Authority headship marriage submission men women, Series: Marriage Sun, 10 Jun 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham This tour through John's Gospel looks at various ways we can deceive ourselves and miss out on all that God has for us. This tour through John's Gospel looks at various ways we can deceive ourselves and miss out on all that God has for us. This tour through John's Gospel looks at various ways we can deceive ourselves and miss out on all that God has for us.… Tim Dunham 1932 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571991/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_selfdeception/id/941241.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571991 deception , Series: John , Custom categories: Featuring: Guest speaker Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham In Jesus prayer for His disciples we get a glimpse of Jesus' most urgent priorities for our lives as we week to follow him. In Jesus prayer for His disciples we get a glimpse of Jesus' most urgent priorities for our lives as we week to follow him. In Jesus prayer for His disciples we get a glimpse of Jesus' most urgent priorities for our lives as we week to follow him.… Tim Dunham 3047 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571990/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_graduationprayer/id/941240.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571990 Word prayer joy unity, Series: Prayer , Custom categories: Topic: Graduation Sunday Sun, 27 May 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham What tempts you? Do you feel like you have it under control? This message give great encouragement for everyone who wrestles with tempations! What tempts you? Do you feel like you have it under control? This message give great encouragement for everyone who wrestles with tempations! What tempts you? Do you feel like you have it under control? This message give great encouragement for everyone who wrestles with tempations!… Tim Dunham 3302 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571989/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_tempted/id/941239.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571989 temptation sin lust enduring, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-10:22, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 13 May 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Paul challenges us to be completely gospel driven in all that we do. How this is fleshed out in everyday life may surprise you! Paul challenges us to be completely gospel driven in all that we do. How this is fleshed out in everyday life may surprise you! Paul challenges us to be completely gospel driven in all that we do. How this is fleshed out in everyday life may surprise you!… Tim Dunham 3712 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571988/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_gospeldrivenlife/id/941238.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571988 gospel evangelism wittness , Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 22 Apr 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Jesus comforts his disciples in the face of the cross with the promise of joy and peace. He offers us the same joy in peace that is unshaken in the worst times of life. Jesus comforts his disciples in the face of the cross with the promise of joy and peace. He offers us the same joy in peace that is unshaken in the worst times of life. Jesus comforts his disciples in the face of the cross with the promise of joy and peace. He offers us the same joy in peace that is unshaken in the worst times of life.… Tim Dunham 3595 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571987/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anothertasteofheaven/id/941237.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571987 trials joy peace happiness , Scripture: John 14:27-14:29, Series: John Sun, 15 Apr 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham God's love for us and our love for Him is what will make heaven a great place to be. But, God wants us to have a taste of heaven here and now! This meesage explains how you can enjoy more of God today! God's love for us and our love for Him is what will make heaven a great place to be. But, God wants us to have a taste of heaven here and now! This meesage explains how you can enjoy more of God today! God's love for us and our love for Him is what will make heaven a great place to be. But, God wants us to have a taste of heaven here and now! This meesage explains how you can enjoy more of God today!… Tim Dunham 3564 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571985/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_atasteofheaven/id/941235.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571985 Love Heaven Joy Obedience Commands, Series: Easter , Custom categories: Topic: Easter Sun, 08 Apr 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As Jesus is about to go to the Cross he encourages and comforts the disciples with the hope of the Resurrection. He offers to us the same comfort and hope today! As Jesus is about to go to the Cross he encourages and comforts the disciples with the hope of the Resurrection. He offers to us the same comfort and hope today! As Jesus is about to go to the Cross he encourages and comforts the disciples with the hope of the Resurrection. He offers to us the same comfort and hope today!… Tim Dunham 2992 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571986/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_dontbetroubled/id/941236.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571986 resurrection cross comfort hope discouragement, Scripture: John 14:1-14:19, Series: John Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham As Jesus approaches Jerusalem on "Palm Sunday" many poeple have differing ideas about who Jesus is. Only Mary gets it right! As Jesus approaches Jerusalem on "Palm Sunday" many poeple have differing ideas about who Jesus is. Only Mary gets it right! As Jesus approaches Jerusalem on "Palm Sunday" many poeple have differing ideas about who Jesus is. Only Mary gets it right!… Tim Dunham 3531 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571982/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_anointedforburial/id/941232.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571982 Cross Death Jesus Mary, Series: Easter , Custom categories: Topic: Easter Sun, 11 Feb 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham Maintaining sexual purity in a sexually charged world! Maintaining sexual purity in a sexually charged world! Maintaining sexual purity in a sexually charged world!… Tim Dunham 2840 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571984/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sexualpuritypart2/id/941234.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571984 Sex purity morality sexuality, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9-6:20, Series: Abiding in Christ Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:00:00 +0000 Tim Dunham The Corinthians faced many of the same social presures to their moral purity that we face today. Paul gives great advice in keeping our lives pure in Christ. The Corinthians faced many of the same social presures to their moral purity that we face today. Paul gives great advice in keeping our lives pure in Christ. The Corinthians faced many of the same social presures to their moral purity that we face today. Paul gives great advice in keeping our lives pure in Christ.… Tim Dunham 3247 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571983/controller/link/action/podcast/type/audio_sexualpuritypart1/id/941233.mp3 https://ccf.sermon.net/9571983 Sex Purity Single Marriage, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9-6:20, Series: Abiding in Christ