Sermons from 2023 (Page 2)
Exodus 18
Burned Out or Poured Out? Turning the Rat Race into a Relay SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Please turn to Exodus 18. May I remind you that what we are about to read is not a myth spawned by an ancient people; it is not just great literature; nor is it the product of human ingenuity. This is the word of the Lord, and it is given to us that we might be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained in righteousness. May it be so today…
Exodus 19
The Meeting on the Mountain SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Please listen to the Word of the Lord, as found in Exodus 19:1-19: On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This…
Exodus 20:1-21
Ancient Commandments for Modern Living SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Note: There is a full series on the Ten Commandments on the website, which expands greatly on this sermon. Introduction: I grew up in evangelical churches all my life, then attended Bible college and seminary for eight years, but it wasn’t until about ten years ago that I realized a rather startling fact: I had never in my entire life heard a sermon on the Ten Commandments! In trying to understand the reason for that…
Exodus 31:1-11
You Belong in GTC! SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: When our older son, Eddie, was just starting school several teachers told us, “You ought to have this kid tested because he’s way ahead of his age level.” So we did. And the school psychologist came back with her verdict: he belongs in GTC! Well, that was music to the ears of young parents, for GTC was a special program in the Wichita School District for gifted, talented, and creative children. Even though Eddie had to be…
Exodus 20:22-23:33
The Rest of the Law SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: The Ten Commandments were the subject of our study last week from Exodus 20. Josh made it clear that these timeless and universal principles of moral behavior are essential for true liberation. He gave a great overview of the purpose of the Decalogue and explained how these ten laws are not only for God’s glory but also for our good. But it is important for us to realize that the Ten Commandments represent only…
Exodus 32
Moses: The Man in the Middle SPEAKER: Brad Harper Note: The manuscript of this sermon is unavailable. However, the outline is below. Introduction: In Exodus 32 we are confronted with the very familiar story of the golden calf. It is an event that shows us how life under pressure brought God’s people to a time of crisis. In the midst of this crisis, we are shown the reactions of God, God’s people, and Moses, the man in the middle. The people’s reaction to God’s absence…
Exodus 33
A Heart Not Satisfied SPEAKER: Michael P. Andrus Introduction: Have you had a good argument with God lately? Maybe you think the question is impertinent and out of order, but the fact is, many great biblical characters took God on. Some won, some lost. Job lost. Haggai lost. But Moses is one who came out ahead. I believe many of us are far too passive in our relationship with God. We assume that it’s God’s job to pursue us, not ours to pursue Him. And make no mistake about…
Exodus 34:9-35, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
From Commandments to the Cross SPEAKER: Brad Harper Introduction: As a pastor to young single people through the last few years, I have often talked about dating and marriage. As I talk to single people about the joys and challenges of marriage, I have frequently told them that one of the best things about marriage is not having to date anymore. Oh, I don’t mean that I didn’t enjoy dating. Dating was fun. Especially when I was attending a Christian college, spending…
Nehemiah 1:1-2:5
Kneehemiah, Man of Prayer, or Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There Introduction: The crisis hits in your life…. You are informed that your company doesn’t need your service any longer. Or, you discover that your father is leaving your mother and their thirty-five year marriage. Or, in the happy aftermath of the birth of your new baby, the pediatrician lets you know there is a problem. Perhaps, it’s one of the more common everyday crises …. You run out of…
Nehemiah 2
Do You Have a Plan? Introduction: I want to talk to you today about broken-down walls. The particular broken walls that generated this message are the walls of Jerusalem, but each of us has walls in our own lives that need repair. They may be walls in our emotional life or family or career or finances or personal habits or ministry. These walls are structures needed to support, protect, defend, and strengthen our character and relationships. If you are hurting today because of some…
Nehemiah 3, 4
Trust in God, and Keep Your Powder Dry! Introduction: When my wife heard my sermon title yesterday, she responded, “A 4th of July sermon, huh?” I was surprised at the question because I hadn’t even thought of this message in those terms, but perhaps it could be related. Please listen to the Word of God as found in Ezra 4. When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel…
Nehemiah 5
The Scylla and Charybdis of Christian Leadership Introduction: You’re probably shaking your head at the strange title of today’s sermon. Well, it’s an allusion to Greek mythology. Between the toe of the boot of Italy and the island of Sicily is a narrow passageway of water known as the Straits of Messina. Though this constituted by far the shortest route between Rome and Athens, it was also very dangerous for ancient sailors because of Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla was a dangerous rock formation, which, according…