Grace Covenant Church of Vista
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    • Sermons 2018 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Hope: Promised, Practiced and Perfected 1 Peter 1:10-16 >
        • April 15, 2018 Notes
      • Living In The Hope Of The Resurrection 1 Peter 1:3-9 >
        • April 8, 2018 Notes
      • There is No Plan B 1 Corinthians 15:17-28 >
        • April 1, 2018 Notes
      • The Procession of the King Psalm 24:1-10 >
        • March 25, 2018 Notes
      • Confronting Little "gods" Acts 17:16-34 >
        • March 18, 2018 Notes
      • As for Me, I will call upon the Lord. Principal scripture Psalm 55:22
      • Turned Of or Turned On Acts 17:1-15 >
        • March 4, 2018 Notes
      • Concessions Without Compromise Acts 15:19-35 >
        • February 25, 2018 Notes
      • The Dilemma of Grace Acts 15:1-18 >
        • February 18, 2018 Notes
      • The Model of God's Church at Work Acts 14:21-28 >
        • February 11, 2018 Notes
      • Election Is For Gentiles Too! Acts 13:38-52 >
        • February 4, 2018 Notes
      • The Spirit-Led Church Acts 13:1-12 >
        • January 28, 2018 Notes
      • What God's Church Should Look Like Acts 11:19-30 >
        • January 21, 2018 Notes
      • God Will Carry Us Through 2018 and Beyond Isaiah 46
      • Victory in Christ Psalm 98:1-9 >
        • January 7, 2018 Notes
    • Sermons 2017 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Yes! It's All Good!!! Psalm 73
      • What Love Is This? Psalm 89:1-4; 19-37 >
        • December 24, 2017 Notes
      • Advent: The Light of Joy Psalm 126:1-6 >
        • December 17, 2017 Notes
      • Christmas Story Psalm 85 and Matt. 1:18-25
      • Advent: The Light of Hope Psalm 80:1-7 >
        • December 3, 2027 Notes
      • Thanksgiving: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 26, 2017 Notes
      • To God Be the Glory Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 19, 2017 Notes
      • Christ Alone 1 Timothy 2:5-6 >
        • November 12, 2017 Notes
      • Justification: The Way God Forgives the Guilty Romans 3:21-26 >
        • November 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura - the rallying cry Selected Scripture Verses
      • Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church Galatians 2:1-16 >
        • October 22, 2017 Notes
      • Grace Trumps Race Acts 10:1-23 >
        • October 15, 2017 Notes
      • God's Amazing Transition Plan Acts 9:10-31 >
        • October 8, 2017 Notes
      • God's Strategic Conversion Acts 9:1-9 >
        • October 1, 2017 Notes
      • The Process of Evangelism Acts 8:26-40 >
        • September 24, 2017 Notes
      • Philip: The First Evangelist Acts 8:1-25 >
        • September 17, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: The First Dead Martyr Acts 7:1-60 >
        • September 10, 2017 Notes
      • Stephen: God's Servant Leader Acts 6:8-7:53 >
        • September 3, 2017 Notes
      • Pride the Greatest Sin and Humility the Greatest Healer Selected Scripture Verses
      • Wednesday Meeting, No Pie
      • The Model for Servant Leadership Acts 6:1-7 >
        • August 13, 2017 Notes
      • Man Proposes But God Disposes Proverbs 16:1-9 >
        • August 6, 2017 Notes
      • Truth or Consequences Acts 4:32-5:11 >
        • July 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Witness of Prayer Acts 4:23-37 >
        • July 23, 2017 Notes
      • The Irrationality of Unbelief Acts 4:1-14 >
        • July 16, 2017 Notes
      • The Healing Power of Jesus Acts 3:1-11 >
        • July 9, 2017 Notes
      • June 18, 2017 Notes
      • The Marks of Christ's Church Acts 2:42-47 >
        • July 2, 2017 Notes
      • No Other Option Acts 2:34-41 >
        • June 25, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus: The Resurrected and Exalted King Acts 2:24-33
      • The Message of Pentecost Acts 2:14-24 >
        • June 11, 2017 Notes
      • What A Feast Acts 2:1-13 >
        • June 4, 2017 Notes
      • The Work and Words of the Spirit John 16:5-15 >
        • May 28, 2017 Notes
      • Our Love/Hate Relationship John 15:18-27 >
        • May 21, 2017 Notes
      • Rooted In Christ's Love John 15,:9-17 >
        • May 14, 2017 Notes
      • The Purpose Driven Spirit John 15:1-8 >
        • May 7, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Promise John 14:23-31 >
        • April 30, 2017 Notes
      • The Spirit of Truth John 14:15-24 >
        • April 23, 2017 Notes
      • Song That the Angels Can't Sing 1 Peter 1:3,4:10-12 >
        • April 16, 2017 Notes
      • Jesus' March to the Cross John 12:12-19 >
        • April 9, 2017 Notes
      • THE IMPACT OF WORSHIPPING JESUS JOHN 12:1-11 >
        • April 2, 2017 Notes
      • The Reactions to Jesus John 11:45-57 >
        • March 26, 2017 Notes
      • The Compassionate Power of Jesus John 11:28-44 >
        • March 19, 2017 Notes
      • What kind of Retaliation is Best??? Matthew 5:28-42
      • The Focus of Faith John 11:17-27 >
        • March 5, 2017 Notes
      • The Hope of God's Glory John 11:1-16 >
        • February 26, 2017 Notes
      • Soli Deo Gloria: The Glory of God Alone >
        • February 19, 2017 Notes
      • Solus Christos: Through Christ Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 12, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • February 5, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Fidi: By Faith Alone Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 29, 2017 Notes
      • Sola Scriptura: Why It Matters Selected Scripture Verses >
        • January 22, 2017 Notes
      • Doing What is Good Titus 3:8-15 >
        • January 15, 2017 Notes
      • The Quest for Wisdom Proverbs 4:5-9 >
        • January 8, 2017 Notes
      • REDEEM YOUR TIME Ephesians 5:15-21 >
        • January 1, 2017 Notes
    • Sermons 2016 (Click for Teasers) >
      • THE GLORY OF THE INCARNATION Galatians 4:4-7
      • THE ANGEL’S SONG OF PEACE Luke 2:8-14
      • Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:10 >
        • December 11, 2016 Notes
      • Do We Have Joseph's Faith?
      • A Panoramic View of Hope Romans 15:4-6;13 >
        • November 27, 2016 Notes
      • Who You Say We Are 1 John 3:1-3 >
        • November 20, 2016 Notes
      • Living Water John 4:1-42
      • Spiritual Oxygen in a Political Cesspool Titus 3:1-8 >
        • November 6, 2016 Notes
      • The Fruit of Justifying Faith Romans 5:1-11 >
        • October 30, 2016 Notes
      • Waiting for the Son Titus 2:11-15 >
        • October 23, 2016 Notes
      • Applying Sound Doctrine: Discipleship Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 16, 2016 Notes
      • The Beauty of the Church Titus 2:1-10 >
        • October 9, 2016 Notes
      • Zero Tolerance: The Way of Sanctification Titus 1:9-2:1 >
        • October 2, 2016 Notes
      • BE FOR TRUTH AND AGAINST FALSEHOOD TITUS 1:5-16 >
        • September 25, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Faith Titus 1:1-4 >
        • September 18, 2016 Notes
      • September 11, 2016 Notes
      • Remember What is Always Important 2 Timothy 4:9-22
      • Finishing Well 2 Timothy 4:5-8 >
        • September 4, 2016 Notes
      • THE PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 4:1-5 >
        • August 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Work of God's Word 2 Timothy 3:14-17 >
        • August 21, 2016 Notes
      • THE LOVE OF GOD’S WORD 2 Timothy 3:10-17 >
        • August 14, 2016 Notes
      • How long must the faithful live by sight? Habakkuk 2:4
      • RIVAL ATTRACTIONS 2 Timothy 3:6-17
      • Confronting Reality 2 Timothy 3:1-17 >
        • July 24, 2016 Notes
      • The Useful Christian 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • July 17, 2016 Notes
      • Should I Stay or Should I Go Selected Scripture Verses
      • Resurrection Perspective 2 Timothy 2:10-19 >
        • July 3, 2015 Notes
      • Our Strong Stand for the Gospel 2 Timothy 2:1-10 >
        • June 26, 2016 Notes
      • Our Confidence in the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:13-18 >
        • June 19, 2016 Notes
      • Our Courage From the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-12 >
        • June 12, 2016 Notes
      • Use What God Gives You 2 Timothy 1:1-7 >
        • June 2, 2016 Notes
      • The Way of Godliness 1 Timothy 6:1-10 >
        • May 8, 2016 Notes
      • Be Good Stewards 1 Timothy 6:17-21 >
        • The Courage of Our Confession 1 Timothy 6:11-16 >
          • May 22, 2016 Notes
        • May 29, 2016 Notes
      • The Fight of Faith 1 Timothy 6:6-11 >
        • May 15, 2016 Notes
      • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 >
        • May 1, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry - Part. 2 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • April 24, 2016 Notes
      • Principles of Mercy Ministry 1 Timothy 5:1-8 >
        • Know Your Mission; Keep the Faith 1 Timothy 1:18-20 >
          • January 31, 2016 Notes
        • April 17, 2016 Notes
      • Spiritual Diligence 1 Timothy 4:9-16 >
        • April 10, 2016 Notes
      • THE EXERCISE OF TRUTH 1 Timothy 4:1-8 >
        • April 3, 2016, Notes
      • The Glory of the Cross Selected Scripture Verses >
        • March 27, 2016 Notes
      • The Triumphant Entry
      • The Conduct and Confession of the Church 1 Timothy 3:14-16 >
        • March 13, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-13 >
        • March 6, 2016 Notes
      • Qualifications for Leaders in God's Church 1 Timothy 3:1-7 >
        • February 28, 2016 Notes
      • The Principle of Authority and Submissions 1 Timothy 2:11-15 >
        • February 21, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship Service: Regulative or Relative? 1 Timothy 2:7-15 >
        • February 14, 2016 Notes
      • The Worship of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-8 >
        • February 7, 2016 Notes
      • Know Yourself 1 Timothy 1:8-17 >
        • January 24, 2016 Notes
      • Contend For the Faith 1 Timothy 1:3-11 >
        • January 17, 2016 Notes
      • SPIRITUAL LEGACY 1 Timothy 1:1-2 >
        • January 10, 2016 Notes
      • God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year Selected Scripture Verses >
        • Audio - God's Church: Old Truths for a New Year
        • January 3, 2016 Notes
    • Sermons 2015 (Click for Teasers) >
      • For Christmas God wants…you! Selected Scripture Verses
      • PROMISES KEPT: LOVE 1 Corinthians 13:13
      • PROMISES KEPT: JOY Matthew 1:21 >
        • December 13, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: FAITH Romans 10:13-17 >
        • December 6, 2015 Notes
      • PROMISES KEPT: HOPE Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 29, 2015 Notes
      • Change: Proactive or Reactive? Selected Scripture Verses >
        • November 22, 2015 Notes
      • REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! Psalm 33 >
        • November 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOY OF FORGIVENESS Psalm 32 >
        • November 8, 2015 Notes
      • THE “C’S” OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE 2 Cor. 5:17 >
        • November 1, 2015 Notes
      • SOLA FIDE: BY FAITH ALONE Romans 1:16-17 >
        • October 25, 2015 Notes
      • OUR GOD REIGNS Psalm 24 >
        • October 18, 2015 Notes
      • THE GLORY OF GOD REVEALED Psalm 19 >
        • October 11, 2015 Notes
      • A LIFE OF FAITHFULNESS Psalm 16 >
        • October 4, 2015 Notes
      • RIGHTEOUS CHARACTER: A LIFE OF INTEGRITY Psalm 15 >
        • September 27, 2015 Notes
      • PERSUASIVE SANCTIFICATION 2 Timothy 2:20-26 >
        • September 20, 2015 Notes
      • WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO? Psalm 11 >
        • September 13, 2015 Notes
      • A PRAYER FOR DIRECTION Psalm 5 >
        • September 6, 2015 Notes
      • THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: LIVING IN CHRIST Psalm 1 >
        • August 30, 2015 Notes
      • GOD’S FOREIGN POLICY Psalm 2 >
        • August 23, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN LIFE EVERLASTING Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 16, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 9, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • August 2, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 26, 2015 Notes
      • THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • July 19, 2015 Notes
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • Still Trusting Selected Scripture Verses
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 28, 2915 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 21, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE WILL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 14, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • June 7, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 31, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 24, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE; CRUCIFIED, DIED AND WAS BURIED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 17, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT; BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • May 10, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S SON AND OUR LORD Romans 1:1-6 >
        • May 3, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 26, 2015 Notes
      • I BELIEVE IN GOD: THE FATHER ALMIGHTY Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 19. 2015 Notes
      • WE BELIEVE AND WE KNOW: THE APOSTLES CREED Selected Scripture Verses >
        • April 12, 2015 Notes
      • THE PUPROSE AND GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION Hebrews 13:20-21 >
        • April 5, 2015 Notes
      • THE ANGER OF PALM SUNDAY Matthew 21:1-13 >
        • March 29, 2015 Notes
      • THE BOOK OF HEBREWS REVISITED >
        • March 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE Hebrews 13:15-19 >
        • March 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR UNCHANGEABLE SAVIOR Hebrews 13:7-14 >
        • March 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE PRACTICE OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 13:1-6 >
        • February 22, 2015 Notes
      • THE WAY OF TRUE WORSHIP Hebrews 12:22-29 >
        • February 15, 2015 Notes
      • THE TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS Hebrews 12:18-24 >
        • February 8, 2015 Notes
      • OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE RACE Hebrews 12:12-17 >
        • February 1, 2015 Notes
      • THE JOURNEY OF FAITH HEBREWS 12:1-11 >
        • January 25, 2015 Notes
      • Tolerance or is it Intolerance: the word(s) for our age
      • THE DISCIPLINE OF FAITH Hebrews 11:39-12:3 >
        • January 11, 2015 Notes
      • THE DIVINE CONTENTMENT OF GODLY ACTION Phil 4:11-14 >
        • January 4, 2015 Notes
    • Sermons 2014 (Click for Teasers) >
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: GOD’S GOSPEL Romans 1:1-6; 16-17 >
        • December 28, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: CHRIST Selected Scripture Verses
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: ANGELS Selected Scripture Verses >
        • December 21, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 >
        • December 14, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: BETHLEHEM Selected Verses >
        • December 7, 2014 Notes
      • DESIGNED FOR IMPACT: PROPHECY Luke 2:25-35 >
        • November 30, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH TAKES A VISION Hebrews 11:32-39 >
        • November 23, 2014 Notes
      • THE CHOICES OF FAITH - Hebrews 11:17-31 >
        • November 16, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNCERTAIN CERTAINTY OF FAITH Hebrews 11:8-19 >
        • November 9, 2014 Notes
      • FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD Hebrews 11:1-7 >
        • November 2, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STOP BELIEVING Hebrews 10:32-39 >
        • October 26, 2014 Notes
      • APPROACHING JUDGMENT Hebrews 10:25-31 >
        • October 19, 2014 Notes
      • “HOW TO” LIVE HOLY Hebrews 10:19-25 >
        • October 12, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS Hebrews 10:11-18 >
        • October 5, 2014 Notes
      • THE BODY OF CHRIST Hebrews 10:1-10 >
        • September 28, 2014 Notes
      • NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS Hebrews 9:15-28 >
        • September 21, 2014 Notes
      • THE REAL THING Hebrews 9:1-14 >
        • September 14, 2014 Notes
      • GOD’S COMMITMENT TO SAVE SINNERS Hebrews 8:1-13 >
        • September 7, 2014 Notes
      • Me and My Pain Selected Scripture Verses
      • ACCESS TO GOD Hebrews 7:20-8:6 >
        • August 24, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PRIEST MAKES US PERFECT Hebrews 7;11-22 >
        • August 17, 2014 Notes
      • THE NEW PRIESTHOOD Hebrews 7:1-11 >
        • August 10, 2014 Notes
      • THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISE - Hebrews 6:13-20 >
        • August 3, 2014 Notes
      • DON’T STAY A BABY Hebrews 5:11-6:12 >
        • July 27, 2014 Notes
      • THE WAY TO ASSURANCE Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 >
        • July 20, 2014 Notes
      • OUR EFFECTIVE HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 5:1-10 >
        • July 13, 2014 Notes
      • THE CONFIDENCE OF TRUE COMPASSION Hebrews 4:14-16 >
        • July 6,2014 Notes
      • OBEY GOD’S WORD Hebrews 4:12-16 >
        • June 29, 2014 Notes
      • RESTING IN CHRIST Hebrews 4:1-11 >
        • June 22, 2014 Notes
      • THE UNREST OF UNBELIEF Hebrews 3:7-19 >
        • June 15, 2014 Notes
      • OUR FAITHFUL AND PERFECT SERVANT Hebrews 3:1-6 >
        • June 8, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS STANDS FOR US AND WITH US Hebrews 2:14-18 >
        • June 1, 2014 Notes
      • THE PERFECT PERFECTS THE IMPERFECT Hebrews 2;10-18 >
        • May 25, 2014 Notes
      • THE DESTINY OF REDEMPTION - HEBREWS 2:5-9 >
        • May 18, 2014 Notes
      • LISTEN TO THE SON - Hebrews 1:10-2:4 >
        • May 11, 2014 Notes
      • JESUS: BEGOTTEN, NOT CREATED - Hebrews 1:1-9 >
        • May 4, 2014 Notes
      • THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST - Hebrews 1:1-4
      • HE IS RISEN - Matthew 28:1-20
      • Jesus Washes the Disciples's Feet - John 13:1-15
      • THE PURSUIT OF GREATNESS - Matthew 20:17-28
      • THE EQUALITY OF GOD’S GRACE - Matthew 20:1-15
      • Childlike Humility - Matthew 18:1-14
      • Job : A Man for our Times and all Times - Selected Verses from Job
      • A Hard but Happy Chain of Events - Romans 5:3-5
      • The Divine Confession - Matthew 17:1-13
      • The Reason for Discipleship - Matthew 16:13-28
      • The Blessed Confession - Matthew 16:13-20
      • The Food of Faith - John 6:22-29
      • Our Divine Focus - Matthew 14:22-33
      • Kingdom Patience - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
      • A Sure Comfort - Psalm 91
      • Purpose Driven Parables - Matthew 13:10-17
      • Relevant Resolutions -- Philippians 3:12-14
    • Sermons 2013 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Our Savior Speaks At Advent - Hebrews 10:5-10
      • The Praise of Advent - Luke Chapter 2
      • The Peace of Advent - Micah 5:2-5
      • The Proclamation of Advent - Isaiah 12:1-6
      • The Preparation for Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
      • The Promise of Advent - Jeremiah 33:14 – 16
      • Jesus: The Servant Who Saves - Matthew 12:15-21
      • Kingdom Authority - Matthew 8:23-27
      • Jesus: Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-14
      • Resting in the Truth - Matthew 11:28-30
      • Rest for the Repentant - Matthew 11:20-30
      • Standing Upon Grace Romans 5:1-2
      • Prospecting For Sinners - Matthew 9:1-13
      • It’s easier to Covet than be Content - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Moved by Compassion - Matthew 9:35-38
      • Feasting Not Fasting - Matthew 9:14-17
      • Testimony to God's Grace - 1 Timothy 1:12-17
      • The Case for Following Jesus - Mathew 8:14-22
      • Two Foundations - Matthew 7:21-29
      • The Danger of Deception - Matthew 7:15-23
      • Jesus' Call to Enter the Kingdom - Mathew 7:13-14
      • Influence or Influenced? - Matthew 5:13-16
      • The Golden Rule - Matthew 7:12
      • Persistent Prayer - Matthew 7:7-12
      • Right and Wrong Judgmens - Matthew 7:1-6
      • Freedom From Worry - Matthew 6:25-34
      • Choices of the Heart - Matthew 6:19-24
      • Biblical Fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
      • The Responsibility of Forgiveness - Matthew 6:12,14,15
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Priorities of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Content of Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13
      • The Approach to Prayer - Matthew 6:5-8
      • Bad Actors - Matthew 6:1-4
      • The Power and Shame of Divine Love - Matthew 5:38-48
      • Speak Truth - Matthew 5:33-37
      • Murdering Marriage - Matthew 5:27-32
      • The Indictment and Restitution of Anger - Matthew 5:21-26
      • Affirming God's Standards - - Matthew 5:17-20
      • The Happyness Quotient - Matthew 5:3-12
      • When Glory Meets Our Suffering - Isaiah 53:10-12
      • The Conundrum of Palm Sunday - Matthew 5:10-12
      • The Call and Challenge of Peacemaking - Matthew 5:9-10
      • Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:8
      • The Way of Mercy - Matthew 5:7
      • The Pursuit of the Kingdom - Matthew 5:6
      • The Choice is Ours - Philippians 4:1-9
      • Be Meek, not Weak - Matthew 5:5
      • Kingdom Esteem - Matthew 5:3-5
      • A Sermon For the Ages - Matthew 5:1 - 7:29
      • Experiencing God's Kingdom - Matthew 4:12-25
      • You Said Yes, I Said No - Matthew 4:1-11
      • Salvation Through Sorrow - Matthew 2:13-16
    • Sermons 2012 (Click for Teasers) >
      • Standing Orders For A New Year - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Glory of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Love of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Joy of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Sufferinng: The Peace of Advent - Selected Scripture Verses
      • When Glory Meets My Suffering: The Hope of Avent - Selected Scpriture Verses
      • Thanksgiving for God's Compassion - Psalm 103:6-19
      • Does God watch the 5 o’clock news? Habakkuk 1:1-11
      • We Proclaim Christ! - Colossians 1:28-29
      • Crazy Days and Crazy Doctrines - 1 Timothy 4:1-10
      • The Good Reaper vs. the Grim Reaper - Galatians 6:7-10
      • Fact of Fiction? - Selected Scripture Verses
      • Tangled up in Blue (or red) - 2 Timothy 2:4
      • Order or Ordo - Salutis - Selected Scripture Verses >
        • sermons 2009 (Click for Teasers) >
          • The Gospel of Peace - Luke 2
          • He is Peace: The Peace of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is the Lamb of God: The Lamb of Advent - John 1:29-36
          • He is the Purifier: The Purifier of Advent - Malachi 3:1-4
          • He is our Shepherd: The Shepherd of Advent - Various Scripture Verses
          • He is Light: The Light of Advent - Isaiah 9:1-7
          • An Anniversary Charge - 2 Timothy 4:1-8
          • Jars of Joy - John 2:1-11
          • Always Remember God's Word - Psalm 119:169-176
          • Reformation Reflections - Romans 1:16-17
          • A Strong Defense - Psalm 119:153-168
          • Getting Things Right - Psalm 119:137-152
          • Divine Intervention - Psalm 119:121-136
          • Am I a Credible Witness - II Corinthians 13:1-6
          • Our Primary Source - Psalm 119:105-120
          • A Passion for Perfection - Psalm 119:89-96
          • Deliver Us From Evil - Psalm 119:73-80
          • The Discipline of Contentment - Psalm 119:57-64
          • Blessed are the Bold - Psalm 119:41-56
          • Understanding and Accepting God's Ways - Psalm 119:25-40
          • The Strength of My Life - Psalm 119:9-24
          • A Tribute to the Word of God - Psalm 119:1-8
          • The Greatness of Our God - Psalm 48
          • Love One Another (Part. 2) - 1 John 4:7-21
          • Love One Another - 1 John 4:7-21
          • John Calvin: Servant of Christ and His Church - Various Scripture Verses
          • Live Free; Not Fake - Galatians 5:1-11
          • The Trouble With the Truth - Acts 17:1-15
          • The Glory Road - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
          • The Work of the Word - I Thessalonians 2:10-16
          • Model Church: Motive and Manner - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
          • The Impact of Pentecost: Then and Now - I Thessalonians 1:2-10
          • Change You Can Really Believe In - Acts 2:37-41
          • The Accountability to and of Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25
          • The Testimony of David - Acts 2:25 -36
          • The Explanation of Pentecost - Acts 2:14-24
          • The Spirit of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-13
          • Preparation for Impact - Acts 2:12-26
          • After the Resurrection - Acts 1:1-11
          • Hope That Never Disappoints - Romans 5:1-5
          • Passover: Revisited and Revised - Mark 14:12-26
          • Presence, Power and Persecution - Acts 5:17-41
          • Watch Out! - Mark 13:1-37
          • Close to the Kingdom - Mark 12:28-32
          • Greatness in God's Eyes - Matthew 20:17-27
          • The Wrong Side of Mercy - Mark 11:12-33
          • Making the Impossible Possible - Mark 10:17-22
          • Commitment, Not Convenience - Mark 10:1-16
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      • Authority that Liberates - Ephesians 6:1-9
      • The Model of Marriage - Ephesians 5:21-33
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      • Imitator or Imitation? - Ephesians 5:1-7
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      • Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ -- Romans 13
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      • Delivered From Depravity - Ephesians 4:17-24
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      • Becoming a Legal Alien - Ephesians 2:14-22
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      • Our First Resurrection - Ephesians 2:1-10
      • Eye Opening Prayer - Ephesians 1:15-23
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The Movement of Love - Ephesians 5:8-21

Pastor Dennis Bone

5/9/10

THE MOVEMENT OF LOVE 5-9-10

Mother’s Day illustrates for us the difference between having a certain status or position – like status of mother – and the responsibility that goes with this status. A mother is honored, and the day celebrated, simply by virtue of the fact that she had a child or children. She is a mother. God calls us to honor our mothers, not on the basis of their actions, but on the basis of their position. But we all know that a woman who has motherhood status also has inherited huge responsibilities. Thus how they respond to this new status, and how they seek to live up to the responsibilities of this new position, will vary in proportion to their commitment and understanding of motherhood. Mothers should be mothers, in both their position and in their practice.

God has given us the status of “Christian” by virtue of our faith in Jesus Christ. Christ has made us children of God, not on the basis of our actions, but solely on the basis of God’s grace. Paul has made this clear in the first two chapters of Ephesians, but in receiving this status we have inherited huge responsibilities as well. You and I are Christians. We are now called to live up to the responsibilities and calling of our new position or status as children of God, and similar to motherhood, how we respond will be in proportion to our commitment and understanding of the Christian life. In these last three chapters of Ephesians, Paul is explaining what it means to be a Christian, so we can understand it, and as we better understand it we are then also being exhorted to do it. Christians should be Christians, in both their position and their practice.

Last week we looked at the model of Christ’s love from Ephesians 5:1, 2 – Christ shows us how to love in His person and in His work. We also looked at the misrepresentation of love by the unbelieving world around us in verses 3 – 7. As Christians we are called to put off false love and put on true love. This morning I want to look at the movement of love – that is the way we are to manifest the love of Christ in our lives as Christians. So let’s begin this morning with verses 8 – 14 of Ephesians 5:

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

The theme of this section is “Living in the light of Christ’s salvation” and again we reminded of the difference between believers and unbelievers. Paul tells us that it’s like the difference between light and darkness. The contrast is vivid; and the contrast is specifically between where we once were – darkness; and where we are now in Christ – light. Christ’s love has shined upon us; He has woken us up from our spiritual slumber, and raised us from the dead – that is our spiritual deadness due to sin – and made us alive. Thus the first point we see is that Christ has transferred our loyalty. As Peter said, “God has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” As I mentioned in my introduction, God has changed our status or position, as well as our allegiance. Paul reminds us in verse 8 of Ephesians 5 that “light” is now our status; and we have this status according to Colossians 1:13 because – “God has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son.”

It’s appropriate that Paul uses the word “light” in exhorting us to life a life of love, because throughout the Scripture light symbolizes truth and holiness. God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. The light of His Word reveals to us His truth and His holiness. In contrast to this, “darkness” often symbolizes ignorance and evil, thus through our faith in Christ – our conversion – God has moved us into a new position, and given us a new loyalty; and a new awareness of sin, and a new call to live in truth and in holiness. For light also exposes the darkness of deceit and disobedience. We see and experience the work of the kingdom of darkness in the unbelieving world around us. We talked about this last week in the context of love – the misrepresentation of love; the false expressions of love – and how as Christians we are to reject such things, and even as light in a dark room, we should expose it. Paul says the best way to expose it is to live in the light – the last phrase of verse 8 – “Live as children of the light.”

Secondly, not only has Christ transferred our loyalty, but He is transforming our lifestyle – “Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Our goal should not longer to first please ourselves, but it should be to please the Lord. And we do this by putting on the new characteristics of Christ-likeness in our lives. Paul calls this the “fruit of the light” and the three words or qualities Paul mentions here summarize or encapsulate our relationships as Christians. First, goodness – a spiritual or moral excellence towards others. Second, righteousness – a steadfastness towards God and His truth. Third, truth – the integrity and honesty you have towards your self. Christ transforms us in these three relationships. Paul expands on this fruit in Galatians 5 when he speaks about the fruit of the Spirit, and how these Christ-like attitudes and actions are set in contrast to the attitudes and actions of the sinful nature.

In Romans 13 Paul says, “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Paul uses the metaphor of armor because living the Christian life is at times a battle. Spiritual transformation is a process of putting off the old and putting on the new. Clothe yourselves with Christ. Jesus told us in John 8, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As Christians we have been rescued and delivered from the realm of darkness, and have been given the light of new life by following Jesus Christ. We are now called to walk in this light; to live in the light of Christ’s salvation. In verse 11 Paul points out to us that our lives testify to a change of status and a new way of life. Verse 11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” We are to be fruitful as Christians, and it’s the fruit of our Christian lifestyle that exposes the darkness.

Christ not only transferred our loyalty and is now transforming our lifestyle, but thirdly He makes transparent our love – verse 13 – “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light the makes everything visible.” Transparency means that you can “see-through” and see the real thing. Paul is saying that the fruit of light demonstrates our love. When we live out these characteristics in our lives it becomes evident and clear to the people around us that Christ has changed our lives; and this change explicitly exposes the darkness of sin and unbelief. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Our lifestyle should speak against sin and the deeds of darkness, because we speak for our Savior Jesus Christ and the fruit of light. And so in both our words and deeds we are to be shining the light of Christ’s love on dark and dead people. This is why it is said, “Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.” It’s God’s love through Christ that woke us up from spiritual deadness and brought us into the light of salvation. As God’s redeemed people we are to shine the light of the gospel into people eyes and into people’s lives.

In the next section of Ephesians 5 Paul teaches us that in order to live in the light effectively as Christians we must be living in the power of the Holy Spirit. The one who provides the fruit of the light – the Spirit of God – is the same one who gives us the ability and the power to apply this fruit to our lives. So let’s hear what Paul says about this in verses 15 – 21 of Ephesians chapter 5:

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

God has turned the light on in our hearts, and has given us spiritual fruit to live in the light, and has called us to shine forth His light; and so now Paul gives us some very specific ways in which we are to do this as Christians. Last week in Sunday school we were reminded by CS Lewis of the “cardinal virtues” and the first one was prudence. His definition of prudence was, “practical, common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it.” Well, this is exactly what Paul calls us to do in verses 15 – 17: We are called to make prudent selections. Verse 15 – “Be very careful, then how you live – not as unwise but as wise.” A prudent person is a wise person. The Christian is to make wise selections or choices in how they live, not unwise or foolish decisions. Paul is calling us to think through each decision that we make and the consequences or possible results of these decisions. We should start every decision-making process by turning on the light of God’s Word. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

The wise person is alert and careful. In other words we are to pay attention to the circumstances and people around us; and pressures or temptations of the darkness that seek to influence our decision making. We need to realize that the days are evil – meaning that sin and Satan do not take days off, thus as Christians we need to be on top of our game all of the time – we are to make the most of every opportunity God gives us to shine the light of Christ, through the choices and decisions that we make. The wise person is the one who “redeems” the time, and knows God’s will. We “buy back” or exchange the time God gives us by understanding and doing His will. As Paul said back in verse 10 – we find out what pleases the Lord, and we choose to do it.

In I Thessalonians chapter 5 Paul tells us that the person who lives in the light of Christ is the one who makes prudent decisions. He says, “You are sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (We have been delivered and transferred out of this kingdom) So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” Again, practice your position. Live is a way that is consistent with you status as a Christians. The key to doing this is found in verse 18 of Ephesians 5 – we are called to be filled with the Spirit – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

You will notice that Paul purposefully associates drunkenness with the darkness in the I Thessalonians passage I just referred to and in this passage, not because it’s the worst sin, but because it makes a powerful and vivid point about what as Christians should control our lives and our decision-making process. To be filled with the Spirit means to be continually led and controlled by the Holy Spirit, who we possess by faith. This leads to fruit – fruitful characteristics and activities in our lives – in contrast to debauchery, which means wickedness or corruption or self-indulgence characterizing your life. As Christians we possess the Holy Spirit; He is the gift of Christ who indwells us by faith, so we don’t need more of the Spirit, we need to access the power of the Spirit. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we make foolish choices; when we are not alert or careful; when we don’t seek God’s will or choose not to follow it.

Paul’s exhortation to be Spirit-filled does not mean that you should speak in languages no one understands; it does not mean that you get some spiritual “high” based on some bizarre experience, but it means that our lives are moving in the direction of obedience to God, based upon His Word, through our worship and our witness and our service. In order to be filled with the Spirit you don’t sit in a corner and pray for an “experience” instead you read God’s Word, you pray and you obey it and live it out in your life. In this passage Paul specifically tells us that the Spirit-filled life leads to fellowship, worship and thanksgiving. Speak to one another in positive and beneficial ways; sing to the Lord; and give thanks for everything.

This Spirit-filled life is in contrast to the pagan religions and rituals within the first century culture. Pagan religions used alcohol and drunkenness as a way to communicate with the gods. Paul addresses this in I Corinthians 10 and 11, when people were coming to the Lord’s Supper drunk. They were mixing the Lord’s cup with the demon cup of drunkenness. In contrast to false or idol worship – which misuses wine – we are to worship in truth by being filled with the Spirit. The Spirit not only affects our worship but He affects every relationship, as Paul will begin to address in verse 22, but before he does he reminds us in verse 21 that we are called to mutual submission – “Submit to one another our of reverence for Christ.” As Christians we are to be clothed in humility and respect for each other. This forms the foundation for the fruit of the Spirit and is a fundamental principle of being filled with the Spirit.

The word “submission” often has negative connotations today because it’s wrongly defined and misused by many in our culture, but when we understand it and see it in the context of love, and in the context of the church, and in the context of the Spirit-filled life, it becomes a positive and practical truth. As we will see in these next sections, mutual submission is essential in all our relationships; and how we practice this will determine how good or bad those relationships may be.

Someone once said that as Christians we are often like the Amish farmer who won a car and then hooked his horse to the bumper to pull him around. Let us put off the old way of life, and put on the new way of life by being filled with the Spirit and live effectively in the light of our salvation.

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