Carlton Landing Community Church Sermons

Though the Galatians had heard the good news and believed it, they were abandoning grace and distorting the Gospel. Paul writes with urgency to remind them of the truth they believed and defend the Gospel. Like the Galatians, we have a hard time with grace. Paul's words remind us of the free gift of grace.

There's one very important word in Galatians that's the key to the letter. It's the word, Gospel. When we hear that word, we might think of theology or ideas. When they heard that word, they thought of empire, life change, and good news. In this opening sermon on Galatians, Pastor Cole discusses the meaning of the Gospel and how it brought good news then and now to the world.  Watch on YouTube

In Psalm 112, the author says something astonishing: "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD." In our world today, how can anyone live without the fear of bad news? Blake Bastin searches these psalms to find that the fear of the Lord is the only path to true freedom.

At the end of the book of Joshua, as they settle into the Promised Land, Joshua has some final words for the people. First, he reminds them to consider all that God has done for them, bringing them out of Egypt and into Canaan. Second, he urges them to put away foreign gods and commit themselves wholly and completely to the Lord.

One of the greatest miracles in the Bible happens in Joshua 10; the sun stands still. Can we believe this? What was God teaching his people then, and what can we learn now?

The story of Jericho is well-known, but what about the message? God uses a set of unlikely people and unlikely methods to keep his promises.

The book of Joshua begins in a familiar place, on the banks of the Jordan River with Israel preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses has died and a new leader will take them into the land of promise. Joshua means "God Saves" and his life and the book that bears his name will demonstrate this theme to God's people then and now. 

The stone wasn't rolled away for Jesus; it was rolled away for us. Easter is a personal invitation to life with God.

What happens when you become a Christian? Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins and rose to give us eternal life, but God does something else as well. He forgives our sins and restores our relationship. Now, he sees us through the lens of his Son and welcomes us back into his family.

The Rich Man and Lazarus is the most unique among Jesus's parables. It's the only one with a named character and the only one that portrays the afterlife. It starts out with a simple reversal, but there's more to it than that. This parable is fundamentally about trust. Who will we trust? That will make all the difference now and in the life to come.

In one of Jesus's final parables, he warns the religious leaders about their self-reliance. God will demand fruit in his vineyard. This short parable tells the whole story of human history, beginning with creation and fall, highlighting God's patience and long-suffering, and culminating in Christ's death and resurrection. In spite of our rebellion against God, he welcomes us back to his family through the work of his Son.

The parable of the talents is often seen as a message about using your gifts. That is true, but there's a lot more to it. Jesus told this parable in the final week of his life, during a sermon on the end times. Like the other parables around it, this one teaches us to live in light of eternity. Our King will return, and we who have been entrusted with the kingdom should be faithful until he arrives. Preacher: Chris O'Neal

The Prodigal Son may be the greatest story ever told. In just a few paragraphs, Jesus tells the story of a lost son who goes away and wastes his inheritance, only to be welcomed home by a loving father. But there's so much more to the story than that. There are two sons in the story, and Jesus has a lesson for each. This parable has a lesson for each of us, whether we've heard it once or a thousand times.

Jesus is the greatest teacher who ever lived. He preached sermons, taught lessons, and told masterful parables. In the well-known story of the sower, seeds, and soils, Jesus gives us a pattern of the parables and reminds us to be careful how we hear the Word. 

There are stirrings of revival in our world today. People are giving Christianity a chance all over again. What should we do? How can we be ready? A few Greeks came to Jesus after the triumphal entry, asking the question of this rising generation, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus!"

The angels came to announce good news of great joy! But why did they come to the shepherds? This startling encounter shows us that God was bringing good news of great joy for all time, for all people, and for all of us.

God's people were praying and longing for the Messiah to come. After a baby was born, it was Jewish custom to bring them into the temple for dedication. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem, Simeon and Anna celebrated his birth as an answer to their prayers. God had come back into the temple! In this story, we see how to wait for God, receive the gift of Christ, and share it with others. Preacher: Chris O'Neal

The book of Deuteronomy ends with the death of Moses. There, looking over the Promised Land, God buries one of his most faithful servants. Moses's life shows us the character of God, the hope of salvation, and the plan of God that will only come to completion when we are face-to-face with Christ. 

What does it truly mean to be blessed? In our social media age of humble brags and #blessed posts, we've lost sight of the biblical understanding of blessing. Deuteronomy 28 and the Beatitudes reveal that true blessing isn't found in material prosperity or spiritual poverty alone, but in the fullness of life lived in God's presence. We discover that blessing is both physical and spiritual because it flows from enjoying God Himself.

If Israel had any hope to live up to the covenant in the land, they would need to be renewed. In his final address, Moses challenged the people to surrender their hearts fully to the Lord, repenting and receiving God's blessing. His Words remind us of our own need for renewal. We need new hearts to live for God and walk with him in all of life.   Preacher: Chris O'Neal

God speaks; he has from the very beginning. Throughout history, he has guided his people by his Word. Moses warned Israel to listen to the Word of God and obey it. But he also predicted that a new prophet would arise who would be even greater and would carry a greater message. In Deuteronomy 18, Moses was pointing the Jesus, the greatest and final prophet, who brought God's Word to us in its fullness and offered us life everlasting. 

All through the Bible, God tells his people, "Be holy because I am holy." What does that mean? In Deuteronomy, God reminds the Israelites that he chose them, he purifies them, and he will bless the world through them. For the church, the mission hasn't changed. Our holiness is one way we can display God to the world.

Right before He led his people into the Promised Land, God reminded them that they were to be a generous people. He had given them everything they needed, so they should give to others. Today, we've been given the same assurance and the same principles from God. All we have is his, and he wants us to bless the world through what we have.

What is worship? Jesus talks about it in terms of treasure. In the Old Testament, Moses warns against turning to idols. In this passage, God teaches us how to worship and what he requires. Our whole-hearted worship of God is unifying, acceptable, and sacrificial. 

When the people of Israel stood at the age of the Promised Land, Moses reflected on all God had taught them over their 40 years in the wilderness. God had been like a school teacher, molding and shaping them for life in the land. Through this passage, we can see how God teaches us, disciples us, and humbles us to live for him.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives the people his parting words. These four sermons remind them of all that God has done and challenge them to live as the people of God in the Promised Land. Here, in the most famous of all Old Testament texts, the Shema, Moses reminds the people to know, love, obey, and remember their God.

How do we hear the voice of God? In this Psalm, David teaches us to look at the word of God in the world, in his word, but then turns the tables and invites us to allow the Word to look at us. When we do, we come to know God fully and more deeply. Preacher: Chris O'Neal

Among the worship Psalms, something unique happens in Psalm 95. David begins by calling the people to worship, but in the middle, he begins to challenge the people, saying, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." How do we respond when we hear God's voice? How do we avoid the hardness of heart this psalm describes?

In the Psalms, we learn where to take our troubles. These ancient hymns of Israel are a school for our emotions and inner life. In these two Psalms, the author shows us how to deal with our souls when we feel downcast, far from God, and desperate for his presence. Three times, the Psalmist speaks to his own soul and faith begins to rise up out of despair.

Over and over, the Bible invites us to praise God. We do that through worshipping him, singing, surrendering, serving, and above all, finding our gladness in him. Psalm 100 lays out a template to teach us to praise God. 

How did Moses pray? Preserved in the Psalms, we have a prayer from Moses for the people of Israel. In this Psalm, we see the power of raising our esteem of God, so that we can gain a heart of wisdom.

The opening psalm is a gateway to the book. It describes the blessed life, someone who delights in God's Word and instruction. Then it gives a picture of the blessed life, like a tree, rooted and grounded, yielding fruit, and steadfast forever.

Saul started as a great king, but disobedience was his downfall. We can learn a lot about the root of disobedience, self-reliance, and how to trust God in difficult times through his story.    Preacher: Chris O'Neal

To wrap everything up, Paul gives the church one short piece of advice: continue in prayer. In the final chapter, Paul commands them to pray, provides a prayer request, and offers an example of how to pray. It's a fitting end to this powerful letter.

The engine of growth in the Christian life is the Word. Paul says to let the Word make a home in you, dwelling on it, and meditating on it. It's easy to say, but how do we do this in everyday life? As we continue to grow in the Lord, we experience the gratitude that only God can give. 

When we come to Christ, our life completely changes. Paul talks about it like putting on a new set of clothes, and on top of everything else, we put on love. How could this not change the way we live as families? In this passage, Paul talks about the Christian family and the opportunities we have to be a witness to the world by how we love each other at home. 

How do we change? God promises that through Jesus Christ we will be transformed, but how does he do it? In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul shows us how we change. Because of our new home in heaven, our new life in Christ, and the new love in our hearts, God slowly transforms us to look like Jesus. 

After a short time, false teachers came into Colossae, adding to what Jesus had already done. In Paul's rebuke of the false teachers, we see some timeless principles for living out the freedom we have in Christ.

One of the oldest errors in the church is to add to the work of Jesus. In this section of the letter, Paul turns his attention to addressing the false teaching affecting the Colossians. Paul's reminder for them is true for us, Jesus paid it all. Nothing we add will ever improve the work of Christ.

What is faith? In the Bible, faith is more than just believing something to be true; it's trusting. Abraham is the great exemplar of faith in the Bible, and he has a lot to teach us about how to trust in the promises of God.

How can Paul say, "I rejoice in my suffering?" His perspective is as necessary now as it was then. Part of maturity comes through seeing our suffering as an opportunity to grow. By drawing near to God, even our suffering can be used for God's glory and our good.

More than anything else, the church in Colossae needed a picture of Jesus. In one of the most beautiful passages in the New Testament, Paul reminds them of the power, majesty, and glory of Jesus. Because he is supreme over all things, he is sufficient for all our needs.

Colossae was not a prominent town, but it had a healthy church. Paul praised them for their faith, hope, and love, cornerstones of the Christian life. In these opening lines, we find the central components of following Jesus Christ.

When the spies came into Jericho and knocked at her door, Rahab had a choice. Should she trust in everything she knew and the powerful people in her town, or this unknown God of Israel? Rahab had heard of God's might and his character, and when she trusted him, her life changed forever. A crimson cord marked her house safe from destruction, a sign of the coming savior who would be in her bloodline.   Preacher: Lance Ward

Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead, but that's not all. After 40 days, Jesus ascended into heaven. Though we don't talk about it as much, the ascension is an essential piece of Jesus' ministry and our faith. In it, we see Jesus exalted to the right hand of the Father, present by his Spirit, and empowering his people to build his Kingdom on Earth. 

Jesus joins two travelers on Easter afternoon. As they talk about the Messiah, Jesus walks through the Bible showing them how all of the Scriptures point to him. It's a reminder to us of where Jesus can be found. Then, when they arrive for dinner, Jesus joins them, and their eyes are opened to see Jesus across the table. This story gives us confidence today that we can find him in his Word and around his table. 

Most of us have trouble asking for help, especially in our spiritual life. In Psalm 121, the author provides a vivid picture of seeking God for our needs. He encourages us to turn to God by showing us who helps us, how He helps, and when we can depend on Him. In the end, we see a loving God ready to meet our needs and preserve us for eternity.   Preacher: Chris O'Neal

On Easter morning, the world changed forever. When Jesus rose from the dead, things would never be the same. We celebrate his resurrection, but we also celebrate the new life we can live in him. We have life in his name, faith in his finished work, and we can be forgiven, accepted, and restored to the family of God. 

In the final hours of Jesus's life he goes up to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Even as his disciples are falling asleep, Jesus is in agony, wrestling with his Father in prayer, arriving at the conclusion, "your will be done." Like the other events of his final week, Jesus is living out a parable for us that explains his death and his resurrection. He is teaching us obedience and submission to God's will for his glory and our joy.

On the night Jesus was betrayed, Jesus gathered his disciples for a final meal. Gathered around the table, Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples and instructed them to share this meal when they gathered together. How should we celebrate communion today? What does it mean for us when we take the bread and the cup? This celebration is a tangible reminder of Jesus's death and resurrection, the Gospel of our salvation.