Sermons by Dave Bovenmyer (Page 3)

Sermons by Dave Bovenmyer (Page 3)

Jesus, the Suffering King

Who was Jesus? News magazines and TV documentaries regularly publish trendy theories of who Jesus really was. Invariably, the theories reflect their authors’ own modern philosophies rather than a realistic portrayal of Jesus as He was known in His own first-century, very-Jewish world. Today we will look at Jesus from a unique perspective, that of the Hebrew prophets who wrote about Him 700 to 1,000 years prior to His birth. The crystal clear message of these prophets verifies who Jesus was—both the Anointed King of the Jews and the Suffering Servant of Jehovah, who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and awaits the proper moment to return and rule as King the world.

Finding Joy and Peace in the Lord

No matter how difficult life becomes, those of us who believe in Jesus can find exultant joy and unfathomable peace as we bring our fears, desires and passions to the Lord in prayer and as we remember who Jesus is and what He has done, is doing, will do.

Work Out Your Own Salvation: Going Down In Order To Go Up

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Lessons from the Apostle Paul’s Fund Raiser

We know of one fundraiser in the New Testament; the apostle Paul took it upon himself to raise money for poor Christians in Jerusalem. He was led by the Lord to rally Christians and churches to give and was so successful that some gave generously out of extreme poverty.  We can learn a lot from Paul’s wise appeals that can help purify our motives and give us direction as we raise funds for Stonebrook’s Renew Campaign.

Lessons from the Apostle Paul's Fund Raiser

We know of one fundraiser in the New Testament; the apostle Paul took it upon himself to raise money for poor Christians in Jerusalem. He was led by the Lord to rally Christians and churches to give and was so successful that some gave generously out of extreme poverty.  We can learn a lot from Paul’s wise appeals that can help purify our motives and give us direction as we raise funds for Stonebrook’s Renew Campaign.

At a Crossroads: Deuteronomy Wrap Up – Be Careful and Watch Your Heart

Although Christians do not participate in the covenant that God made with Israel, there is much we can learn from that covenant. God rescued Israel from cruel bondage in Egypt, cared for them in the wilderness, and gave them the ten commandments and many other personal and societal laws. His purpose was to develop and instill faith and obedience in their hearts. We also can turn our hearts toward God and His blessing by loving His Word, sticking with the Church, remembering His works, and cultivating an honest, open heart.

At a Crossroads: Blessed or Cursed?

In His covenant with Israel, God promised amazing blessings to the nation if they remained loyal and obedient to Him and horrific curses if they forsook Him and turned to other gods. Christians are not under Israel’s covenant, but are under the New Covenant—which also contains promises and warnings, but with significant differences. Yet, Christians, too, must love and honor God in order to be blessed.

At a Crossroads: Completely Destroy the Canaanites

Israel was commanded by God to drive the Canaanites out of the land and completely destroy those who remain. Although appalling to modern sensibilities, this command can be harmonized with the Bible’s portrayal of a God of perfect love and justice. God has a duty to judge the world and sometimes judges people and nations in the course of history, not always waiting until the final judgment day. We should respect and appreciate God’s judgments, flee from anything that defiles…

At a Crossroads: The Ten Commandments

Along with thunder, lighting, earthquake, fire and smoke, the voice of God boomed out the Ten Commandments from the mountain as over three million Israelites trembled in fear. These commandments are the center of God’s covenant with Israel and a clear call to love God and our neighbor. They show us practically what love looks like. Although we are under a different covenant, nine of the ten commandments are repeated in the new covenant and we can learn much about how to live and please God through them.

Live in the Light of the Whole Gospel

Even in his highly exhortative book, James appeals to the truths of the gospel of Christ. When we authentically engage with the whole gospel–what God has done, is doing, and will do in Christ–our lives will be transformed.

Faith in Action

In James chapter two, we find that we become right with God by faith, but only by a faith that results in action – in loving God and others.