Guerrilla Christianity

Sermon #209

Question: What does Jesus mean when he says "You have heard that it was said... But I say to you..."?

In part 2 of "This, Not That," we continue our look at the Sermon on the Mount and how Jesus calls his disciples to a deeper understanding of the law, rather than what was said in the oral tradition.

Matthew 5:21-37

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on February 12, 2017 (First published February 18, 2017)

S.D.G.

Sermon #209

As we continue our Great Invitation, Jesus begins to pick apart the contemporary interpretation of God's law by saying "You've heard that it was said... But I say to you..." both affirming the validity of the written word and his own authority as the Son of God.

Matthew 5:21-37

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on February 12, 2017 (First published February 15, 2017)

S.D.G.

Sermon #208

What does it mean to be the "salt of the earth?" Or what does it mean to be the "light of the world?" Jesus says WE are salt and light. We'll take a deeper look at just what that means in the life of a believer today.

Matthew 5:13-20

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on February 5, 2017 (Originally published February 7, 2017)

S.D.G.

Sermon #39

Have you ever wondered why the accounts of Jesus calling the disciples differ between John's gospel and the others? Well, today we look at this very question as we examine the way Jesus calls us all, and how we respond to his call.

Matthew 4:12-23

Recorded at Hudson UMC on January 26, 2014 (Originally published January 17, 2014)

S.D.G.

Sermon #534

[Sermon #533 was called "A New Name" but was never preached, as Pastor Bret was sick that week and services were cancelled.  The next in the series was preached the following week.]

Repentance is a core doctrine in the Christian church, so much so that it is the first sermon that Jesus ever preached.  We have talked a lot about what repentance is and what it is not.  In today's message, we cover what worldly repentance (attrition) is, and how it differs from godly repentance (contrition), and why only the regenerate heart can fully express the latter type.  It is the repentance we see in David's song of repentance (Psalm 51).  When God calls us to repentance, it is not for sorrow over the consequences of our sin, but the sin itself.

Matthew 4:12-23

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on January 22, 2023

S.D.G.

Sermon #207

Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount with a benediction, telling his disciples that they are blessed at times when the world may consider them cursed.  God's ways are not our ways.

Matthew 5:1-12

Recorded at Hudson UMC on January 29, 2017 (Originally published February 5, 2017)

S.D.G.

 

Sermon #38

There are many churches today that are welcoming churches, including the two that I serve. But today I challenge the congregation at Ebenezer United Methodist Church to be not just welcoming, but invitational. So grab your Bible, turn to John chapter one, and join us as we "Come and See."

John 1:29-42

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on January 19, 2014 (Originally published January 19, 2014)

S.D.G.

Sermon #532

The first Sunday after Epiphany is the day when we commemorate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In our churches, we take this day as a day not only to remember Jesus' baptism, but our own.  In today's message, we look at a doctrine that is essential to understanding how salvation works in the life of the believer - the doctrine of the new birth, or rebirth, or being born again.  There is much confusion over this topic, and has been much debate over the centuries among Christians.  But when we break down the Biblical text, we see that our spiritual rebirth, much like our physical birth, has little to do with our own efforts and everything to do with forces outside of us.  And when we remember this, then we can truly understand the doctrine of Prevenient Grace, as it is God acting on our behalf to open our blind eyes.  

Matthew 3:13-17

Recorded at Hudson UMC on January 8, 2023

S.D.G.

Sermon #206

Why did Jesus call fishermen to become his first disciples, calling them into ministry from their previous vocation?  As it turns out, God often calls the workers in His kingdom from ordinary people, not just from the priesthood.  

Matthew 4:12-23

Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on January 22, 2017 (Originally published January 26, 2017)

S.D.G.

January 22, 2023

Old Testament: Isaiah 9:1-4

Psalter: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 4:12-23

Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

S.D.G.