Belonging
Romans 12:4-6 Introduction: Today, at the end of the service, we will be welcoming new Members to the fellowship here at CLC. Leading up to that I want to share with you some thoughts about The Beauty of Belonging and how it is Experienced in Community. A biblical understanding of community goes beyond just being…
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings Text: Joshua 4–5; 1 Samuel 13 Introduction – Have you ever noticed how God often brings us back to the same place—not physically, but spiritually—again and again? In Scripture, there’s a place called Gilgal. What is Gilgal? Gilgal was the first place Israel camped after crossing the…
More Than Sometimes
Text: Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21; Lamentations 3:22–23 Introduction: Church, today I want to preach a simple word, but it is a weighty word. I want to preach about faithfulness. Not talent.Not charisma.Not giftedness.Not emotion.Not hype.Not moments.But faithfulness. Application: And one of the dangers in the church is that we can begin to call ourselves faithful…
Resurrection Life
John 11:17-27 A Central Truth – John 10:10 Jesus not only gives resurrection and life. He is the resurrection and the life. Introduction: The theology of the resurrection is well understood and embraced by not only the believing community but also those outside of genuine faith. Transition: Let me first address Martha and Mary, who…
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…