Sermons by Brad Barrett
Pastor
1 Timothy 3–The Mystery of Godliness
When Jesus was on the earth the first time, the religious leaders knew many of the right answers. They had studied the Scriptures. Memorized them. Taught them to the people. But there was a huge problem. Jesus said, Matthew 23:2–4 CSB The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. They tie up heavy loads…
Revelation 15 & 16: Seven Bowls of Wrath
In Revelation 15 and 16, we are drawing near to the end of this world as we know it. Our holy, just God has been patient with this darkened, sinful world for centuries, even sending his own Son to redeem those under wrath. But a day is coming when his patience ends and his wrath is poured out. This serves as a warning to all those who have rejected him, but it strengthens his followers, for his pure and perfect justice will be revealed.
Revelation 8 & 9: The Trumpets of Judgment
In Week 5 of our series on the mysteriously remarkable book of Revelation, we read in chapters 8 & 9 of the seven trumpets of judgment. We will notice two crucial aspects of God’s nature that impact all of us. First, the Lord notices injustices on the earth and he will someday soon act with perfect and final justice. Second, even in his wrath we see hints of his offer of mercy, though people still refuse to repent and receive that mercy.
Chapter 2 & 3: Let Him Who Has Ears Hear
In Week 2 of our series through the mysteriously remarkable book of Revelation, we discover Jesus, the glorious head of all the churches as he directly speaks to his people who are engaged in holy war. He calls them to pay attention, walk with him, and place their hope in the glories of eternal life. In letters he wrote to seven Asian churches, we will find some words to challenge and strengthen us as individuals and as a church.
The Resistance Against Loneliness
The story of Christ coming to earth and taking on human nature—the Incarnation—impacts us more than we may realize. That momentous event shouts to us of the nearness of God by the prophetic name given to Christ—Immanuel, meaning God with us. God is with us. Heaven has come to earth. God is now very near. We are never alone. On those days we sense loneliness even in a crowd of people, we can be assured of the tender presence of our God to be to us all we need and long for.
The Resistance Against Worry (Advent week 3)
In this season, we may find that the worries of life distract us from eternal things and steal our peace. But the Advent of Christ tells us that God’s grace is enough, and we can discover a peace that surpasses our understanding.
The Story of God and Man Part 10: The Bible
SERMON POWERPOINT Sunday, November 20, 2022 Brad Barrett The Story of God and Man: The Bible— Week 11 I enjoy reading. Every night before bed I’m reading a chapter or two from a book. Usually it non-fiction. A biography. Some historical event. Something from World War II. But there is one Book I read every day that is completely different than any other book. It’s the Bible. This book is not peripheral or an add-on. Rather, it has been the…
The Story of God and Man Part 9: The Church
SERMON POWERPOINT Sunday, November 13, 2022 Brad Barrett The Story of God and Man: The Church— Week 10 Why are we here? Why are we gathered? Habit? We like people? It seems like a good thing to do? Someone invited me so I thought, “Why not?” Or perhaps we’re simply unsure. We are nearing the end of a sermon series going through what could be described as an overview of the Bible. It’s Stonebrook’s Statement of Faith where we examine…
The Story of God and Man Part 5: Blessings and Curses
In God’s glorious, unfolding plan to bring salvation to the earth, he patiently worked for centuries while dealing with his chosen but very stubborn people, Israel. They were God’s treasured possession, and he longed to pour out his heavenly blessings on them, but they repeatedly spurned him and so received judgment. This eventually revealed the need for something greater—actually, Someone greater—leading us to the New Covenant of Jesus Christ.
The Story of God and Man Part 3: The Flood of Noah
This Sunday we will read one of the more remarkable stories in biblical history—the Flood of God’s judgment on the entire world, saving only one man and his family. This event, while it may provoke skepticism due to its extraordinary and severe nature, is declared not only in Genesis but by the Lord Jesus as a true, historical event of judgment and mercy. It serves as a warning to a future day of judgment when Christ returns to earth and as a reminder of God’s great mercy to us when we believe in his great deliverance through his Son.
The Story of God and Man: Series Intro
Brad introduces our series on the Story of God and Man.
Luke 24 – The Resurrection: From Suffering to Glory
Though Jesus’ own disciples were highly skeptical that he actually rose from the dead, they were persuaded when they saw him and when he proved from the Scriptures what they should have already seen and believed. This Sunday we will read about what is arguably the most important event in history: the resurrection. We’ll discover some powerful implications for us in our daily lives, such as addressing our doubts and our source for truth.
Luke 22:1-38 – The Betrayal of the Son
SERMON POWERPOINT Sunday, July 31, 2022 Brad Barrett Luke 22:1-38 The Betrayal of the Son The setting from the text of Scriptures this morning is just hours before Jesus is crucified. Brutally murdered. A more unjust treatment the world has never seen. But it’s no surprise, for Jesus had previously told the disciples that this day was coming. Luke 9:22 ESV “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes,…
Luke 19:11-48 – Do His Business Until He Comes
Have you ever wondered, “What is God’s will for me?” Just one week before he is crucified and resurrected, Jesus tells his followers in a parable what his will for them is after he ascends into heaven. He says, “Engage in my business until I come back,” and he promises great reward to all who do. This Sunday’s passage will look at this parable plus some other words from Jesus that may surprise us, pleasantly so.
Luke 18:35-19:10 – Salvation for the Outcast
Though few of us like to admit that we are weak and even lost, such an admission is a beautiful place to find intimacy, strength, and help from the God of all power and mercy. This Sunday we will look at two stories that will powerfully inspire us to humbly seek after our merciful Savior.
Luke 16:18-17:19 – Rich man and Lazarus, servants and lepers
Rich Man and Lazarus, Servants and Lepers
Luke 15 – Lost, But Now Found
Jesus was frequently accused of being friends with the worst sinners in society. The outcasts. The untouchables. And the accusations were true. So he opens wide the heart of God in an astonishing trio of parables, including his best known one, the Prodigal Son. This Sunday from Luke 15 we will seek to have hearts full of gratitude, for God has diligently and actively sought us out in the gospel story. And we will seek to have great joy, for God joyfully loves and welcomes us.
Luke 14:7-35 – The Way of a Disciple
The way of a disciple of Jesus—the life and heart of a disciple—is not intuitive due to our sinful tendencies and the world’s influences, but it is beautiful and glorious. This Sunday in our sermon we will examine Jesus’ surprising words as he calls us to be true disciples.
Luke 12:13-34 – Be Heavenly Minded
The natural way to look at life is from a short-term, temporary view, and when this is connected to the topic of money, two outcomes result: greed and worry. In this passage from Luke 12, Jesus calls us to an eternal and heavenly-minded view that leads to something glorious: a contented and peace-filled life that centers its trust in our great God and Father.
Luke 11:14-36 – Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Obey
From our passage, we will learn of the simplicity and beauty of following Jesus: whoever hears and obeys him will have God’s rich blessings upon us. And there is no middle ground, for we are either for him or against him.
Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan
In our sermon text this Sunday we will read the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the purpose and meaning behind the story may surprise us. However, an application from the story may not surprise us: that God would empower us through the gospel to show Good Samaritan type of compassion, even to someone who may not like us. How can we prepare ourselves in the Spirit for opportunities—expected or unexpected—to show life-giving compassion?
Luke 9:28-36 – The Transfiguration: The Coming Glory
What awaits us after we die? Is there life beyond the grave? In one of the more unusual events in Scripture, Jesus’ earthly body is glorified in blazing light—he is transfigured—and then Moses and Elijah appear with him. This unique experience points us today to the glory of Christ in heaven, strengthens our faith in all that Christ did and will do, and increases our hope in God’s promised resurrection life for us after death.