Sam's Sunday Sermons

Pastor Sam looks at Micah's hope in the midst of "spiritual loneliness" found in waiting upon the ever-faithful Lord.

We find in the concluding scenes of Micah an invitation to turn back to the Lord. Pastor Sam suggests some ways in which we might have harbored subtle rebellion in our hearts.

Micah responds to the implication of the Lord being "un-indictable". His repentant response builds upon the context of Balaam and illustrates the insufficiency of anything we might seek to appease the Lord with and highlights the value and sufficiency of faith in the Lord.

God sets the stage for an unconventional legal drama and calls to witness Creation. The examples highlight the long-standing history of God's faithfulness.

The Lord discusses the remnant of Israel and their position and usefulness for His glory in the world. Further, God speaks to Israel and His people in all times, about the removal of anything that might represent a misplaced trust. This has implications for the believer and the non-believer alike.

Micah continues with hopeful prophecy regarding the victorious Shepherd. Pastor Sam links the Old and New Testaments together to fill out the significance of Micah's words.

Pastor Sam explores the biblical promise that a Ruler will be born in Bethlehem.

Pastor Sam continues through the dual intention of Micah 4.

Pastor Sam continues looking at the prophetic promises of hope to Israel and in the future for the believer.

The Prophet turns a corner and leaves behind the condemnations of Israel and focuses on the hope of restoration and eventual enthronement of Jesus.

Pastor Sam continues exploring God's rebuke of the leaders of Israel through the prophet Micah. Prophets and priests being the focus this week as we see these prefiguring the Faith and True fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Sam looks at the hope we find in the resurrection and the assurance our salvation and future hope because Jesus ever lives!

Micah shifts focus to the judges of Israel. They are condemned for their perversion of judgment. Pastor Sam discusses the historical context and the idea that the principles of God's Word are right and true because of the nature of God. His actions, words and attributes are perfect!

Pastor Sam looks at the rebuke of Micah against Jacob, who is near the Lord in word but far from Him in heart. We see parallels for the Church today as many profess faith, but deny the Gospel in life.

Micah shifts from the sins of the Nation to the sins of the individual. In particular, the people had grown in covetousness, which is idolatry.

Pastor Sam concludes chapter 1 with two applications relevant to our faith today.

We find that the prophetic announcement of judgment is a reminder of God's sovereign providence, His faithful "preaching of the gospel" throughout history and the provision of atoning sacrifice in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Sam introduces Micah with historical context of the two Kingdoms represented by Samaria and Jerusalem. He notes the clear Gospel connections furthering our hope found in Jesus.

Pastor Sam discusses the motivation for Christian obedience in contrast to the motivations other outside of relationship with Jesus might have.

Biblical obedience is often an uncomfortable topic. Very often it spirals into mere moralism or even legalism. Pastor Sam introduces the topic by examining how faith and obedience are intertwined.

In this conclusion to the epistle of 2 Timothy, Pastor Sam reviews the common threads of the book and how they are woven into the redemptive tapestry of the Gospel.

Pastor Sam uses the example of Demas as a cautionary tale. Paul also discusses the restoration and usefulness of Mark, serving as an example of the Lord's faithfulness to us in spite of our failures. In addition, we are encouraged to see the Lord's faithfulness in every circumstance and the surety of our salvation in Jesus.

Pastor Sam continues looking at the disciples charge in 2 Timothy 4. We see the need to be watchful, to endure hardship, serve in evangelism and fulfil the ministry the Lord calls us to.

Pastor Sam reminds us that the charge given to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1 is not only for pastors but is a charge for all disciples. The potential for false teachers and rejection of truth is age old and thus this charge just as important now as the day it was written!

Pastor Sam builds upon the idea of Jesus being the light of the world with the truth that Jesus has called the Church to be the light to the lost.

Pastor Sam further explores the Christmas Story found in Luke 2. We see that Simeon was expecting the "consolation of Israel". His expectation, and the expectation and consolation of believers is found in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Sam builds upon the truth of Jesus being the light of the world with the truth that the Church has been passed the torch of making him known.

Pastor Sam looks Isaiah 9:2 and how Jesus fulfills this prophecy as the light that has shown in the darkness.

Pastor Sam reviews the observable fruits that characterize false teachers. He concludes in discussion of a stratagem to prepare the Church to recognize and overcome false teachers.

We leave Paul's warnings about false teachers and look into Paul's exhortation to continue in the Word.

Pastor Sam continues looking at Paul's warning to Timothy about perilous times. Not only is the stage set for perilous times in the selfish hearts of people, but it is from these that false teachers arise and make prey of gullible and sin burdened people.

The stage for the perilous times in the Last Days is set in the hearts of men. Pastor Sam looks at the selfishness of mankind, both believers and non-believers. We are called to repentance from the characteristics of selfishness to the servant lifestyle of Jesus.

Pastor Sam continues looking at Paul's exhortation to be approved workman. He emphasizes the idea of being specifically placed in the Body of Christ, the need to put off youthful lusts and the importance of following after righteousness.

Pastor Sam further delves into the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism, contrasting them with biblical Christianity. We review first three pillars of Mormonism and introduce the concept of eternal progression, the degrees of glory, and the necessity of works in the Mormon view of salvation.

Pastor Sam delves into the nature of scripture within Mormonism, exploring the significance of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the Bible. It highlights the unique beliefs of Mormons regarding revelation, the historical context of their texts, and the ongoing changes to their scripture. The discussion emphasizes the differences between Mormon and traditional Christian views on the Bible. Ultimately, we see a clear difference in the trustworthiness of Mormon scripture and the enduring and unchanging Word of God.

Paul shifts the conversation to the characteristics that Timothy is to remind elders, and ultimately faithful disciples, should be normal for those who will be "good hands" for the Lord.

In this conversation, Sam Andrew discusses the importance of endurance in the Christian faith, using examples from the lives of Jesus and Paul. He emphasizes the need to remember Jesus as our ultimate example of endurance and the significance of accessing God's grace during hardships. The conversation also touches on the reality of suffering for one's faith, the unbound nature of God's word, and the assurance found in faithful sayings. Ultimately, it encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of rejection and persecution, while trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness

In the second lecture about fundamental Mormon belief, Pastor Sam looks at who the person of God is. Mormons believe in a different god than the God of biblical Christianity who has revealed himself in the Bible.

Just like Biblical Christianity, Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), has fundamental beliefs. In this lecture, Pastor Sam gives a brief overview of the view of prophets held by the Mormon church and then spends time laying out the biblical standard for prophecy.

Pastor Sam explores the themes of perseverance and grace as outlined in 2 Timothy. He emphasizes the historical context of Paul's letters during a time of persecution, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The discussion includes the importance of teaching others, the examples of endurance through the soldier, athlete, and farmer metaphors, and the ultimate hope of eternal life that motivates Christians to continue their labor for God.

Pastor Sam emphasizes the significance of parental influence in nurturing faith, the call to stir up one's gifts, and the assurance of God's power amidst persecution. The discussion highlights the need for believers to remain steadfast in their calling and to trust in God's purpose and grace.

In this message, Pastor Sam discusses Paul's comment regarding the "forefathers" in the faith.

Pastor Sam introduces the book of 2nd Timothy, exploring its authorship by Paul, the significance of Timothy as the audience, and the historical context of persecution faced by early Christians. It emphasizes the themes of grace, mercy, and peace, and the importance of individual calling and faith in action amidst challenges.

Pastor Sam explores the significance of communion, emphasizing its accessibility to all believers and the importance of understanding worthiness in partaking. He contrasts the Old Covenant with the New Covenant established by Jesus, highlighting that our relationship with God is not based on performance but on grace. The discussion also addresses the need for self-examination when approaching the Lord's table, focusing on the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice rather than personal merit.

Pastor Sam explores the significance of communion, focusing on the theme of remembrance, not only of the past, but also of the present benefits of faith, and the hope for the future.

In this sermon, Pastor Sam discusses the purpose of the Lord's Table, remembrance. We look at the context of Passover and look at the Church's remembrance of the past in light of Jesus' incarnation, perfect life, sacrifice and resurrection.

In this first of series, we look at the institution of the Lord's Table by simple observation of Jesus' example. We are reminded of the communal nature of this ordinance.

Paul emphasizes the need for believers to support one another, serve selflessly, and engage in the lives of others, particularly those in need. The conversation also addresses the dangers of false teachings and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, urging listeners to remain grounded in the truth of the gospel. Throughout, there is a call to live wisely, redeem time, and embrace the new identity found in Christ.Chapters00:00Fellowship and Support in the Church05:25The Importance of Walking Wisely10:35Addressing False Teachings16:09Persecution and the Cost of Faith21:04Maintaining the Purity of the Gospel26:07The Wisdom of God vs. Human Wisdom30:57The Dangers of False Teachings37:56The Simplicity of the Gospel42:15Living for God in a World of Temptation46:48Abiding in Our Calling

Pastor Sam explores the biblical understanding of baptism, emphasizing its significance as a public declaration of faith and a response to the grace received through Jesus Christ. We discuss the meaning of being 'quick' or made alive in Christ, the role of faith in baptism, and the examples of baptism found in the New Testament. Pastor Sam also highlights the importance of obedience in baptism and the transformation that occurs in the believer's life as a result of their faith in Christ.Takeaways:Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ.Being 'quick' means being made alive in Christ.Baptism does not save; it is a response to faith.The Great Commission includes the command to baptize.Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ.Faith precedes baptism in the New Testament examples.Baptism is an act of obedience to God's command.The old man is crucified with Christ in baptism.Baptism represents the new life we have in Christ.We are justified and declared righteous through faith.

We discuss reaping and sowing in our lives and Paul's exhortation to persevere in well doing.