New Life in Christ Church Sermons

When something becomes clear and undeniable, we don’t always respond rightly. We tend to keep it at a distance, minimize its demands, or reinterpret it so it doesn’t disrupt us. In this passage, Jesus’ power and mercy are unmistakably on display, yet people respond in very different ways. This reveals something about us: when confronted with what is true and powerful, we are not naturally inclined to receive it. But this passage calls us to something different—not distance or reinterpretation, but humble faith. So, what does it look like to respond rightly?

There are moments in life when something breaks, and it does not come back. Not everything heals. Some problems linger, and many feel final. In Matthew 9:18–26, Jesus steps into those moments. He does not simply help people cope. He does what no one else can and shows that our only real hope is found in Him. He restores the broken and raises the dead. When life feels beyond repair, where will you turn and what does real hope look like then?

When something is wrong, it is natural to try to fix it and become who we think we should be. But over time, we begin to see that this does not truly change us or bring us closer to God. In Matthew 9:14–17, Jesus confronts that way of thinking and shows that we cannot relate to God through what we do but must receive what He gives. He did not come to improve our efforts, but to give us a new life by grace. When our approach isn’t working, how do we receive the new life Jesus gives?

We live in a world searching for healing and security, yet we instinctively look for salvation in things that cannot save. Many trust power, progress, and self-reliance instead of the Lord. Into that world God speaks, “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Because there is only one God, there is only one hope for the world, and we are called to make Him known. If there is only one God, what does that mean for the world and for us?

We often know something is wrong in our lives, but we do not always know what the real problem is. We focus on what hurts most, assuming relief will bring resolution. In Matthew 9:1–8, a man is brought to Jesus with an obvious need, but Jesus names a deeper one. Real restoration begins when Jesus exposes our true problem and reveals who He truly is. How does Jesus uncover our deepest need—and what does His revelation require of us?

How often do we see suffering and, instead of coming alongside it, avoid the discomfort it brings? In Matthew 8, Jesus steps into a place everyone else avoids—and refuses to leave things as they are. We have much to learn from Christ, who moves toward what is broken in order to restore it. What happens when Jesus confronts what others have learned to live with, and refuses to leave it unchanged?

Some of the most unsettling moments in life come not when we’re doing something wrong, but when we’re moving forward. That’s what we see in our passage this morning. The disciples are following Jesus, when a storm meets them there. It shows us something surprising: that faithful obedience can feel deeply unsettling. So, the question we need to ask is this: when following Jesus unsettles our lives, how can we know He is still leading us?

Many people want the life Jesus offers, his forgiveness, purpose, love, and joy, but remain unwilling to surrender what is required to truly have it. In Matthew 8:18–22, crowds press in around Jesus. Instead of welcoming their casual interest, Jesus reveals what real discipleship actually costs. Following Jesus means surrendering control over our lives because he claims lordship over every part of them. What happens when following Jesus stops being theoretical and starts costing something real?

Hebrews 2:10-14(ESV) 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

We live in a world marked by separation and the crippling shame that something is wrong with us. When we feel stained by sin, failure, or wounds, we often withdraw and quietly wonder whether God will receive us. As Jesus comes down from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew introduces a man who embodies this experience. He lived in shame, isolation, and uncertainty about whether he could ever be better. This passage shows us that because Jesus is willing to touch the unclean, we can go to Him and be restored. How do we know Jesus will actually receive people like us?

Entering 2026, let’s consider this passage as a sequel or second part to either Pastor Sean's sermon from three weeks ago (December 14; using the same text), or Kyle Ferguson’s sermon last week (December 28; Mark 4:21-25) which showed Christ as our measure of all things. Either way, you are invited to see for yourself how this passage speaks to the way to be filled with the Holy Spirit by considering two principles (see outline below. The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to evaluate your progress and to seek the LORD to begin anew. Additionally, consider using the bulletin insert for your own personal study through the week. 1. To be filled, you must be emptied. (Ephesians 5:15-18a) 2. To be filled, you must be seeking. (Ephesians 5:18b-21) Q. 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate? A. Although they that are regenerate, and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are neither justified nor condemned: yet, beside the general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of special use to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse thereof in their stead and for their good; and thereby to provoke them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience. Rom. 6:14; Rom. 7:4, 6; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 5:2

Genesis 38 interrupts the Joseph story with a surprising detour into the moral failure of Judah’s family. But this chapter reveals something deeper: when God's people forget their mission, He doesn’t abandon His plan—He works through surprising means to keep it going. God is committed to multiplying His covenant people; it’s our call to resist selfishness and join Him in that mission.

Jesus first sermon in Nazareth set the paradigm for His ministry-proclaiming freedom through Jubilee. As we celebrate 50 years of missions, we must recommit to proclaiming this freedom to the nations.

How do we deal with difficult people? Relationships are often broken by conflict, mis-trust, and sin. Yet, God calls us to follow Him, act with integrity, and pursue peace inHis covenant. In our passage today, we will see how God leads His people out of con-flict and into His promises.I. Following Gods Call in Difficult Relationships (Genesis 31:1-21) Recognizing When a Relationship Has Turned - Gen. 31:1-2Seeking Gods Direction in Conflict - Gen. 31:3James 3:16-18 Wisdom from above is pure and peaceable.Seeking Confirmation from Trusted Voices - Gen. 31:4-16Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22 The value of wise counsel.Making a Clean Break - Gen. 31:17-21 II. Acting with Integrity in Conflict (Genesis 31:22-42) 1 Peter 2:15-17 Integrity silences false accusations III. The Value of Covenant Relationships (Genesis 31:43-55) A covenant establishes an ongoing relationshipA covenant defines the boundaries and expectations of a relationshipA covenant establishes accountability in relationshipsGods new covenant of grace - Jeremiah 31:31-34; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Conclusion and Application: - Are you handling your conflicts with integrity?- How are you trusting Gods leadership in difficult relationships?- Are you honoring the covenants you have made with God,in marriage, in church, others?- How have you seen God's love in the covenant He has made with us in Christ?

Where does true prosperity come from? Many seek wealth through luck, dishonesty, or personal schemes, but Scripture teaches that prosperity comes through God's blessing, wisdom, and faithful diligence. Jacob's story illustrates how God provides through hard work and trust in Him.

2 Samuel 16:5-14 (ESV) Shimei Curses David 5When King David came toBahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name wasShimei, the son of Gera, and as he camehe cursed continually.6And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.7And Shimei said as hecursed, Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!8TheLordhas avenged on you allthe blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and theLordhas given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood. 9Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, Why should thisdead dogcurse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head.10But the king said,What have I to do with you,you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because theLordhas said to him, Curse David, who then shall say, Why have you done so?11And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold,my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for theLordhas told him to.12It may be that theLordwill look on the wrong done to me,and that theLordwill repay me with good for his cursing today.13So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him andcursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.14And the king, and all the people who were with him,arrived weary at the Jordan.And there he refreshed himself.

2 Samuel 13:39-14:17 (ESV) 39And the spirit of the kinglonged to go outto Absalom, becausehe was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead. Absalom Returns to Jerusalem 14Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knewthat the king's heart went out to Absalom.2And Joab sent toTekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments.Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead.3Go to the king and speak thus to him. So Joabput the words in her mouth. 4When the woman of Tekoa came to the king,she fell on her face to the ground and paid homage and said,Save me, O king.5And the king said to her, What is your trouble? She answered,Alas, I am a widow; my husband is dead.6And your servant had two sons, and they quarreled with one another in the field. There was no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him.7And now the whole clan has risen against your servant, and they say, Give up the man who struck his brother, that we may put him to death for the life of his brother whom he killed. And so they woulddestroy the heir also. Thus they would quench my coal that is left and leave to my husband neither name norremnant on the face of the earth. 8Then the king said to the woman, Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you.9And the woman of Tekoa said to the king,On me be the guilt, my lord the king, and on my father's house; let the king and his throne be guiltless.10The king said, If anyone says anything to you, bring him to me, and he shall never touch you again.11Then she said, Please let the king invoke theLordyour God, thatthe avenger of blood kill no more, and my son be not destroyed. He said,As theLordlives,not one hair of your son shall fall to the ground. 12Then the woman said, Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king. He said, Speak.13And the woman said, Why then have you planned such a thing againstthe people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bringhis banished one home again.14We must all die; we arelike water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises meansso that the banished one will not remain an outcast.15Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant.16For the king will hear and deliver his servant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together fromthe heritage of God.17And your servant thought, The word of my lord the king will set me at rest, for my lord the king islike the angel of God to discern good and evil. TheLordyour God be with you!

2 Samuel 13:11-33 11And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. 12And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 13And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. 14Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. 15Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. 16And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her. 17Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her. 18And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her. 19And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. 20And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. 21But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. 22And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 23And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons. 24And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant. 25And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. 26Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? 27But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him. 28Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. 29And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. 30And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. 31Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 32And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. 33Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

Continuing the series called Counseling from the Whole Counsel of God, today we consider trials of various kinds (1:2) and Gods design for such trials. All peoples are created to worship (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 1:20-21). Instinctively, we give ourselves (our thoughts, feelings, choices, actions; i.e., our worth) to the people and things valued most. And the ways we spend ourselves demonstrate who or what we worship. James 1:1-5 reveals a prescription for godly worship in the midst of and even because of these trials of various kinds (1:2).

Sometimes we have to make a change which means we will feel alone, like when we leave home, start something new, or experience loss. Jacobs journey in Genesis 28 reminds us that even when we feel alone, God is with us. These are the times we must find assurance in Gods presence, promises, and purposes. How should we respond spiritually when we need to step out on our own?

Isaacs family had been torn by manipulation, deception, rejection, and mistrust. After theevents of Genesis 27:1-40 the family was a mess and our passage today shows theresponse to the mess they were in, with some good responses and some poor responses.When we find ourselves in a mess, what do we do? This passage gives us a picture of goodresponses and bad, and reminds us of our God who is greater than our messes.

2 Samuel 13:1-21 Amnon and Tamar 13NowAbsalom, David's son, had a beautiful sister, whose name wasTamar. And after a time Amnon, David's son, loved her.2And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.3But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son ofShimeah, David's brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man.4And he said to him, O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me? Amnon said to him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.5Jonadab said to him, Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.6So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, Please let my sister Tamar come andmake a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand. 7Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go to your brother Amnon's house and prepare food for him.8So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes.9And she took the pan and emptied it out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said,Send out everyone from me. So everyone went out from him.10Then Amnon said to Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand. And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.11But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, Come, lie with me, my sister.12She answered him, No, my brother, do not violateme, forsuch a thing is not done in Israel; do not do thisoutrageous thing.13As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one ofthe outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.14But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her. 15Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, Get up! Go!16But she said to him, No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.But he would not listen to her.17He called the young man who served him and said, Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.18Now she was wearinga long robe with sleeves,for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her.19And Tamarput ashes on her head andtore the long robe that she wore. Andshe laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. 20And her brother Absalom said to her, Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart. So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house.21When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry.22But Absalom spoke to Amnonneither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.