Sermon Archive

SUMMARY

Pastor Ron, preaching in sunny Vanderhoof, British Columbia, explores the concept of living in the "shadows of Christmas" through a rich tapestry of stories, metaphors, and biblical references. He begins with a personal anecdote about his daughter equating a shadow with Jesus, highlighting the theme of divine presence. Pastor Ron delves into the "shadow of a new day," the "shadow of the present day," and the "shadow of promise," emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies about the Messiah. Using vivid imagery, such as the sunrise symbolizing the dawn of Christ's kingdom and the noon day as God's present presence with us, he references biblical figures like Simeon and prophecies from Isaiah and Micah to show Jesus as the awaited Messiah. Pastor Ron also discusses the cosmic battle between light and darkness, promising further exploration. He concludes with the "shadow of the cross," urging listeners to live in the hope and promise of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

QUOTES

• ✨

  "I'm kissing Jesus." She equated the shadow with Jesus.

• 📖

  "We are living that promise. We are in the shadow of a new day."

• ✝️

  "When Christ came, the hourglass was turned over. We live in the shadow of promise."

• 🤝

  "Jesus went from a manger to a tomb. Very powerful."

• ✨

  "We're living in the shadow of the last days."

REFERENCES

2 Samuel 7:12
Jeremiah 23:5
Luke 2:10
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 9:2
Micah 5:2
John 1
Psalms 91; 23
Hebrews 10:1; 12:1-2
Jonah's story
Hebrews 11

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Pastor Ron encourages us to embrace the shadows of promise, prophecy, and the cross, living in the hope of Christ's fulfilled kingdom.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• ✨ Embrace the presence of God in everyday life, recognizing His shadows as symbols of divine presence and promise.
• 📖 Reflect on Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, deepening your understanding of God's faithfulness.
• ✝️ Live in the light of Christ’s resurrection, drawing strength and courage from His victory over sin and death.
• 🤝 Acknowledge your unique race set before you, inspired by the heroes of faith who have gone before.
• ✨ Seek comfort and refuge under the shadow of the Almighty, trusting in His protection and peace.
• 📖 Contemplate the journey from manger to cross, seeing it as a powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love.
• ✝️ Engage with Scripture regularly to understand the promises and prophecies that shape our faith.
• 🤝 Share the light of Christ with others, recognizing the urgency of the times in which we live.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES

• ✨ Theological Discussion: Explore the nature of prophecy and its fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
• 📖 Questions: How do the shadows in our lives reveal God's presence? What prophecies most impact your faith?
• ✝️ Cross-References: Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 53, Matthew 1:23.
• 🤝 Strong’s Concordance: Examine "shadow" (H6738 - tsel), "promise" (G1860 - epangelia).
• ✨ Historical Background: Understand the cultural significance of Bethlehem and the role of shepherds in first-century Judea.
• 📖 Imaginative Lens: Shadows as metaphors for God's presence and promise; the manger as a symbol of humility and sacrifice.

FURTHER STUDY NOTES

• ✨ Theology: Read C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" for insights on the incarnation and the nature of Christ.
• 📖 Literature: Explore Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" for themes of light and shadow.
• ✝️ Philosophy: Consider G.K. Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" for reflections on paradox and divine mystery.
• 🤝 Cultural Issues: Reflect on the tension between light and darkness in contemporary society.
• ✨ Prayerful Reflection: Meditate on the promises of God, seeking to live in the light of His fulfilled word.

SUMMARY

Special Speaker Jed Griggs explores Hebrews chapter 2, emphasizing the supremacy and majesty of Jesus Christ compared to angels and the old Judaic law. Jed portrays Jesus as co-reigning with God, the heir of all things, and the one who fulfills and surpasses the law given through angels. The sermon challenges believers to grasp the weight of their inheritance in Christ, urging them to live in the fullness of their salvation rather than drifting away. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, such as inheriting salvation and the banquet of God, the Jed warns against neglecting this great salvation, drawing parallels to the parable of the banquet where the unworthy are invited. The message calls for total commitment to Christ, stressing that while salvation is a free gift, it demands everything from the believer, echoing the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels about the cost of discipleship. The imagery of salt losing its saltiness and the metaphor of Esau selling his birthright underscore the dangers of prioritizing worldly desires over eternal inheritance.

QUOTES

• ✨ "Jesus Christ is so much bigger and greater and more amazing and more powerful and more worthy than anything you can possibly imagine."
• 📖 "Don't sell your birthright for anything in this world because it lasts that long."
• ✝️ "If you've heard God's voice...and you walk away, you're like the guy who thought he could build a tower and didn't have enough to do it."
• 🤝 "It is free, but it will cost you everything and it will gain you more than you can imagine."
• ✨ "The rewards for this are eternal life things in heaven that we can't even dream about."

REFERENCES

• ✨ Hebrews 1–2
• 📖 Matthew 5:5; 19:28–29
• ✝️ Revelation 21
• 🤝 Luke 14:12–35
• 📖 Psalms 8

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Embrace the fullness of salvation in Christ, prioritizing eternal inheritance over fleeting worldly desires.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• ✨ Reflect on the majesty of Christ, allowing it to reshape your understanding of salvation.
• 📖 Prioritize your relationship with God above all earthly attachments, valuing eternal over temporal.
• ✝️ Consider the cost of discipleship, willingly surrendering all to gain everything in Christ.
• 🤝 Regularly engage with Scripture, ensuring you do not drift from the truth of the Gospel.
• ✨ Let your life be distinct and transformative, like salt, influencing those around you with Christ's love.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES

• Theological Discussion: Jesus as both divine and human, fulfilling the law and prophets (Hebrews 1–2).
• Questions: How does understanding Jesus' supremacy impact your daily life? What does it mean to inherit salvation?
• Cross-References: Matthew 5:5, Revelation 21:1–7, Luke 14:12–35.
• Strong’s Concordance: salvation (G4991), inheritance (G2817).
• Historical Background: Jewish respect for angels and the Mosaic law context.
• Imaginative Lens: The banquet imagery illustrates God's invitation to all, reflecting the joy of salvation and community with God.

Summary

In this week's message, Pastor Ron reflects on Ephesians 1, emphasizing the profound spiritual blessings believers receive through Christ. He invites us to recognize our dual citizenship: earthly and heavenly. Pastor Ron highlights that salvation and spiritual blessings are not earned but are gracious gifts from God, underscoring themes of grace, peace, and divine sovereignty. Using vivid imagery like a feast and the metaphor of being chosen by God, he illustrates the richness of divine grace. Pastor Ron warns against misunderstanding blessings as rewards for actions, instead presenting them as inherent to a life in Christ. He encourages us to trust God's heart even when His plan is unclear, emphasizing that grace precedes peace, and the Holy Spirit aids in our journey toward holiness. His message aims to inspire confidence in God's eternal promises and the assurance of salvation.

Quotes

• 📖 "Bring your spiritual appetite to this message. Come hungry, spiritually hungry to be fed by God's word."
• 📖 "Grace and peace summarize the essence of the gospel."
• 📖 "We bring nothing to the table. Our salvation is wholly and solely on Jesus Christ."
• 📖 "When you can't trust God's plan, trust God's heart."
• 📖 "Never forget the price that was paid for our sins. It's free and given but the cost is not free."

References

• ✨ Ephesians 1
• ✨ Romans 3:23
• ✨ 1 John 1:9
• ✨ Oswald Chambers
• ✨ Paul Tripp
• ✨ Hymn: "Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul"

One-Sentence Takeaway

Embrace the unearned grace of God, trusting His heart, and live in the assurance of His eternal promises.

Recommendations

• ✝️ Approach God with spiritual hunger, eager to be nourished by His word.
• ✝️ Recognize grace as the foundation for experiencing true peace in your life.
• ✝️ Trust God's heart when His plan seems unclear, knowing His sovereignty is at work.
• ✝️ Regularly reflect on the cost of your salvation to deepen your gratitude and humility.
• ✝️ Embrace your dual citizenship as both an earthly and heavenly being, living out your heavenly identity.

Bible Study Notes

• Theological Point: Salvation is by grace (G5485), not merit (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Literary Discussion: Paul's greeting in Ephesians reflects deep theological truths beyond a simple salutation.
• Questions: How does understanding grace change your perspective on life challenges? In what ways do you experience peace (G1515) through grace?
• Cross-References: Romans 5:1-2; John 14:27.
• Historical Background: Ephesus was a major city with diverse religious practices; understanding dual citizenship would have been relevant.
• Imaginative Lens: The metaphor of a feast symbolizes the abundance of God's blessings, inviting believers to partake with gratitude and humility.

Further Study Notes

• 🤝 Theological Works: "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis, exploring the essence of Christian faith.
• 🤝 Literature: "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis, examining choices between heaven and hell.
• 🤝 Philosophy: "The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis, discussing the eternal significance of glory.
• 🤝 Cultural Issues: Consider the tension between earthly and heavenly citizenship in today's globalized world.
• 🤝 Prayerful Reflection: Meditate on the unearned grace of God and how it transforms your daily interactions and decisions.

Summary

Pastor Ron explores the concept of blessing, drawing from both Old and New Testament scriptures. He begins with a personal anecdote about receiving and giving blessings, establishing a theme of reciprocal grace. Pastor Ron examines Psalm 28 and Matthew 5, particularly the Beatitudes, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' teachings on blessings. He highlights the use of the word bless throughout the Bible, illustrating its significance and frequency. Historical and biblical examples are provided to show how blessings manifest through obedience and God's favor. Pastor Ron underscores the idea that being a "conduit of blessing" is a core Christian duty, reflecting Jesus' nature. He concludes with an invitation to embrace forgiveness and become instruments of blessing through faith in Christ, encouraging listeners to extend God's grace to others.

Quotes

"We are never more like Jesus than when we are a conduit of blessing in Jesus's name."

"Sin has washed out that bridge, that bridge between us and God."

"The greatest blessing is forgiveness from sins."

"When God opens his mouth, we need to be listening; the words that he says are profound."

"You may be the only Bible that some people will ever read."

References

• 📖 Psalm 28
• 📖 Matthew 5:1-12 (Beatitudes)
• 📖 Genesis 12:3
• 📖 Numbers 24:9
• 📖 Psalm 122:6
• 📖 Deuteronomy 28
• 📖 Joshua 22:6
• 📖 Luke 24
• 📖 1 John 1:9

One-Sentence Takeaway

Embrace the calling to be conduits of God's blessings, embodying Christ’s love and grace to the world.

Recommendations

• ✨ Seek opportunities daily to bless others, reflecting Christ's love and compassion.
• ✨ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for all nations to recognize God's sovereignty.
• ✨ Be mindful of how your actions and words might be the only gospel some people encounter.
• ✨ Cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's blessings in both trials and triumphs.
• ✨ Embrace the transformative power of forgiveness, allowing God to heal and restore brokenness.
• ✨ Let the Beatitudes guide your interactions, fostering meekness, mercy, and peacemaking.
• ✨ Engage in regular Bible study to deepen your understanding of God’s promises and instructions.
• ✨ Be obedient to God’s commandments, trusting in His provision and protection.
• ✨ Encourage others to find their identity and purpose in Christ, not worldly success.
• ✨ Pray for those who are spiritually blind, that they may see the truth of God's love.

SUMMARY

The sermon explores the supremacy of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the first chapter of Hebrews. It emphasizes that Hebrews was written for Jewish believers, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment and culmination of Jewish religious history and prophecy. Jesus is depicted as the final word of God, surpassing prophets and angels. The sermon uses the parable of the tenants to illustrate Jesus as the beloved son, not just a messenger. Jesus is the heir of all things, the creator, and the exact imprint of God's nature. The imagery of a wax seal captures this concept vividly. The sermon contrasts Jesus with angels, noting that while angels are magnificent beings, they are servants, whereas Jesus is the Son of God, worthy of worship. The speaker delves into Jesus’ dual enthronement—by virtue of creation and His redemptive work. The eternal nature of Jesus is likened to an unchanging garment, while the world is described as perishable clothing. The sermon concludes with a call to remain attentive to the teachings of Jesus, using the metaphor of drifting away at sea to illustrate spiritual negligence.

QUOTES

• 📖 Jesus is the radiance, the shining of God's glory.
• 📖 Like a robe, you will roll them up; like a garment, they will be changed.
• 📖 He is the firstborn, meaning the one who is the heir, the one who has preeminence.
• 📖 He is enthroned by virtue of being the creator and by virtue of what he did on earth.
• 📖 You can't kill a man who invented life, not forever.

REFERENCES

• ✨ Hebrews Chapter 1
• ✨ Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)
• ✨ Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19
• ✨ Revelation 22:8, Psalm 104, Psalm 45
• ✨ Romans 8:12-17

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Jesus Christ, exalted above all creation, invites us to remain vigilant in our faith and relationship with Him.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• ✝️ Reflect on Jesus as the final word of God, surpassing all previous revelations.
• ✝️ Meditate on the imagery of Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature.
• ✝️ Consider the implications of Jesus being twice enthroned—by creation and redemption.
• ✝️ Contemplate your spiritual drift and realign your focus on Christ’s teachings.
• ✝️ Embrace your identity as a co-heir with Christ, called to reign in righteousness.
• ✝️ Recognize the eternal and unchangeable nature of Jesus amidst the world’s impermanence.
• ✝️ Seek a deeper understanding of the Trinity as revealed in Jesus' relationship with the Father and the Spirit.
• ✝️ Prioritize worship and reverence for Jesus, acknowledging His supremacy over all beings.
• ✝️ Engage with the biblical narrative of Jesus' resurrection as the foundation of new life.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES

• 🤝 Theological Points: Jesus as the final revelation (Hebrews 1:1-3), His divine nature and preexistence.
• 🤝 Questions: How does recognizing Jesus as the final word affect our understanding of Scripture? What does it mean to be a co-heir with Christ?
• 🤝 Cross-References: Colossians 1:15-20, John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-11.
• 🤝 Strong’s Concordance: begotten (G3439) - μονογενής, immutable (G276) - ἀμετάθετος.
• 🤝 Historical Background: Jewish reverence for angels and their role as intermediaries in delivering the law.
• 🤝 Imaginative Lens: The imagery of Jesus as a wax seal highlights His perfect representation of God. The worn-out garment symbolizes the transience of creation, contrasting with Jesus’ immutability.

FURTHER STUDY NOTES

• ✨ Suggested Works: "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis for insights on Jesus' divine nature; "The Weight of Glory" for exploration of eternal truths.
• ✨ Thematic Exploration: Allegory of the cave from Plato, comparing spiritual enlightenment with knowing Christ.
• ✨ Cultural Connections: The importance of vigilance in faith amidst a distracted, technology-driven society.
• ✨ Prayerful Reflection: Seek deeper intimacy with Christ, asking for strength to resist spiritual drift and embrace His eternal kingdom.

Sermon by Pastor Ron DeMoss

SUMMARY

The sermon explores Psalm 56 and its themes of fear and trust in God, using vivid imagery and historical context to deepen understanding. Pastor Ron draws parallels between David's experience while being pursued by Saul and finding refuge among the Philistines, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous assertion during the Great Depression: "The only thing we need to fear is fear itself." The sermon emphasizes fear's universality, reminding us that even believers experience it, yet their response should be grounded in intentional trust in God.

Pastor Ron uses the metaphor of walking on water, suggesting that like Peter, believers must step out of the boat in faith. The sermon encourages memorizing Scripture as "stones" to combat fear, just as David prepared to face Goliath. The preacher insists that faith and fear cannot coexist, and urges the congregation to rely on God’s promises and surround themselves with faithful companions. The sermon concludes with a call to face fears with the power of God, drawing strength from past victories and the community of believers.

QUOTES

• 📖 "Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you."
• 📖 "Faith and fear cannot rule together."
• 📖 "This is the only book that when we read it, it reads us."
• 📖 "Surround yourselves with believers who speak faith, not fear."
• 📖 "Goliath has brothers... you got to have more stones."

REFERENCES

• ✨ Bible Verses: Psalm 56, 1 Samuel 21, 27, 29, Genesis 3:10, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, 1 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18, Matthew 10:28, Psalm 118:6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, John 3:16-17
• ✨ Historical Allusion: Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 speech during the Great Depression
• ✨ Cultural Reference: Modern cars with heads-up displays

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Fear is universal, but intentional trust in God overcomes it, empowering believers to face life's giants with faith.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• ✝️ Memorize key Scriptures to anchor your faith and combat fear.
• ✝️ Surround yourself with a community that speaks faith and not fear.
• ✝️ Trust in God's past faithfulness to bolster your confidence in facing current challenges.
• ✝️ Step out in faith, even when afraid, to experience God's power.
• ✝️ Recognize fear as a common human experience and respond with intentional trust in God.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES

• 🤝 Theological Point: Fear is universal, but trust in God provides a unique response for believers.
• 🤝 Discussion Questions: How can you intentionally put your trust in God during fearful times? What "stones" can you gather to face your fears?
• 🤝 Cross-References: Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 41:10
• 🤝 Strong’s Concordance: fear (H3372 - Yara)
• 🤝 Historical Context: David's refuge among Philistines, Roosevelt's Depression-era speech
• 🤝 Imaginative Lens: The metaphor of "walking on water" illustrates stepping out in faith amidst fear, echoing the necessity of divine focus.

FURTHER STUDY NOTES

• 📖 Theological Works: "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis
• 📖 Literature: "Pilgrim’s Progress" by John Bunyan explores faith's journey amid trials
• 📖 Philosophy: "Fear and Trembling" by Søren Kierkegaard on faith and existential fear
• 📖 Cultural Issues: Address how technology can create distractions that fuel fear
• 📖 Reflection: Contemplate times when fear paralyzed you and how faith can transform that experience

SUMMARY

Pastor Ron explores Romans 12, emphasizing the transformative power of living sacrificially in response to God's grace. Pastor Ron uses the metaphor of mirrors to illustrate how Scripture reflects our true selves, urging introspection and spiritual growth. The idea of hypocrisy is examined through historical context, emphasizing sincerity in love and devotion. The sermon highlights the call to be a "living sacrifice," contrasting the flawed Old Testament sacrificial system with the purity required by God. The narrative of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics serves as an allegory for overcoming hate with kindness. The sermon also references Matthew 5:48, challenging believers to strive for God's perfection. It concludes with a call to embody Christ's love and holiness in a world opposed to Christian values, encouraging practical acts of kindness as a witness to God's transformative power.

QUOTES

• 📖 "When we read God's word, it is a mirror when we're reading God's word."
• 📖 "God is not satisfied with our leftovers."
• 📖 "Kindness always overpowers hate. It's the greater force because love comes from God."
• 📖 "Be perfect just as your father in heaven is perfect."
• 📖 "We are called to be lights in this present darkness."

REFERENCES

• ✨ Romans 12
• ✨ Matthew 5:48
• ✨ Leviticus 19
• ✨ John 3:16
• ✨ 1 John 3:2-3
• ✨ Oswald Chambers
• ✨ Jesse Owens and the 1936 Olympics

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Live sacrificially and authentically, reflecting Christ’s love and holiness in a world resistant to His truth.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• ✝️ Regularly use Scripture as a mirror to examine and refine your spiritual life.
• ✝️ Embrace sincerity in your love and avoid hypocrisy by living genuinely.
• ✝️ Strive to be a "living sacrifice", embodying purity and dedication to God.
• ✝️ Respond to hate with kindness, demonstrating God’s love in action.
• ✝️ Pursue holiness and perfection as a reflection of God’s character.
• ✝️ Engage in acts of service and hospitality, embodying Christ’s sacrificial love.
• ✝️ In conflicts, choose peace and trust God for justice rather than seeking revenge.
• ✝️ Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your transformation into Christ-likeness.
• ✝️ Encourage and support fellow believers on their spiritual journeys.

BIBLE STUDY NOTES

• Theological Points: The concept of a living sacrifice; the call to holiness; overcoming evil with good.
• Questions: How does viewing Scripture as a mirror change your self-perception? In what ways can you practice being a living sacrifice daily?
• Cross-References: Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:15-16, James 1:22-25.
• Strong’s Concordance: sacrifice (G2378), transform (G3339).
• Historical Background: The flawed sacrificial system of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ.
• Imaginative Lens: The mirror as a symbol of self-examination and transformation; Jesse Owens’ story as a metaphor for triumphing over adversity with grace.

FURTHER STUDY NOTES

• 🤝 Theology: "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis on Christian behavior and transformation.
• 🤝 Literature: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom, exploring love and forgiveness in adversity.
• 🤝 Philosophy: "The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis on longing for holiness.
• 🤝 Cultural Issues: Explore how Christian kindness can counteract societal hostility.
• 🤝 Prayerful Reflection: Meditate on Romans 12 and Matthew 5:48, seeking God’s guidance for personal growth and community impact.

“Be perfect just as your father in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:48