South Bay Bible Church

Talk about money, people get funny. This can be even more true in church settings. That said, God Himself teaches us a lot about how to use our money for the Kingdom of God and the good of His church. In this sermon, we will think through why we give, how we give, and even what we give. Series - I Love My Church // Pastor - Matt Horne

In our next section of Mark, we are presented with multiple stories of opposition from the religious leaders of Jesus' day. Their disappointment and angst stemmed from the fact that Jesus did not fully play by their rules, but the rules and standards they were upholding were the results of man-made tradition, not God's statutes. Because of Jesus' refusal to adhere to their expectations, we learn something about the heart of God and His Law.

There's nothing more valuable than a faithful friend. In our next section of Mark, Jesus returns to Capernaum and, in the midst of preaching to a crowd, he is interrupted by a paralytic whose friends broke through the crowd on his behalf. As a result, we discover that Jesus is also a faithful friend to sinners. He is able to truly forgive our sins and bring healing, not by means of self-righteous religion, but by reconciliation.

What do you do when you're exhausted after a busy day? Many prefer to kick back and relax, but Jesus knows He must press forward in what He's been sent here to do. In our next section through the Gospel of Mark, we learn about Jesus' ministry priorities of prayer, preaching, and people, and we consider, not only how we might emulate his ministry, but how we've also received from it.

During the very early stages of Jesus' ministry, there were spectators who noticed something distinguishing him from the other Rabbis. He carried himself with a certain authority which would soon be proven in his miraculous powers over physical and spiritual opposition. Mark is reminding us that the Christ of the Bible was not a mere religious teacher, but One who possesses authority...One whose rule we can and must submit to.

Jesus begins his ministry by preaching the good news of God, telling everyone that the King and His Kingdom have come near, but with this good news there is an urgent call and invitation. He invites ordinary people, not only to believe His message, but to count the cost and see their lives changed by following after the Messenger Himself. What would it look like for you to truly believe the good news and commit yourself to Christ?

Continuing in our series through The Gospel of Mark, we arrive at a story telling of both beauty and difficulty. As Jesus navigates both of these experiences, He is revealed as a Son who pleases his Father in what He does and does not do. This is eternally significant for those who trust in Him, because even as we may fail God often, Jesus identifies with sinners and pleases God on our behalf.

As we start our journey through the Gospel of Mark, we are introduced to, not one, but two men, each with their own message. In the end, we see how these men give their lives and their words to point us toward another man - the man, Jesus Christ. Two questions arise: How will we respond to their message about Christ? Will we give our lives and our words to continue pointing others to Jesus?

In a world marked by loss and uncertainty, Christians are a people of unshakable hope. Because of Jesus Christ, we look beyond the grave to the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life in the world to come, where all things will be made new in Christ. Join us as we fix our eyes on the future God has prepared and learn how that hope transforms the way we live today.

In a fractured world, the Church stands as one, united in Christ across time, place, and culture. While different congregations may have their own distinctions, we are ultimately shaped by the same life-giving faith and message which has been passed down to us, and which we continue to pass on to others. What will preserve the Church's beauty and influence in the years to come? How might we be hindering it even now?

He has often been referred to as "the forgotten God," but while it is possible there may have been a "Christianity" without the Holy Spirit, there would certainly have been no Christians. As the third Person of the Triune God, the saints of old recognized and emphasized the vital role the Holy Spirit plays in the present age as the Lord and Giver of all spiritual life. How do Christians today think about Him? How should we?

Just 50 years ago, Time Magazine released its weekly issue with its most iconic cover, posing the question, "Is God Dead?" The first disciples were asking this same question when they saw their Lord die by way of Roman Crucifixion, but now it is the testimony of Christians everywhere that, not only did the God-Man rise from his grave, but He is alive even now in Heaven as we await His sure return. Why does the eternal life of Christ matter, and what are the consequences if Jesus is not presently alive?

Perhaps the most defining symbol of the Christian faith is one that is worn around the necks of believers and unbelievers alike. What is the true significance of the cross where Jesus died? What do Christians teach about the suffering of Jesus, and how does it have any affect upon our own suffering?

In an age of personal truth and shifting beliefs, why does the church still need historic creeds and confessions Join us as Pastor Matt explains how these faithful summaries of Scripture guard the gospel, shape our unity, and ground us in a faith that has stood firm through the centuries.

In 1995, the question came across radio stations everywhere - "What if God was one of us?" The irony is... Christians believe He was. The incarnation and human life of Jesus Christ is both central and necessary for the Christian faith. The scriptures remind us why the duration of his life on earth is just as important as the end of his life or what follows afterward.

The person of Jesus is easily the most controversial person to ever walk the earth, not so much because of his morals or teachings, but because his followers claim he was God. Is this true? Did Jesus claim this to be true? What happens if it is true?

Some have suggested that the Nicene Creed is the most important document ever written outside of the Bible itself. Historic Christian creeds such as this help people to understand the most important Christian beliefs, and more importantly, to answer the question we're exploring today: Who is God?

Recent studies show that 72% of Americans are spiritually curious, and that 82% would come to church if personally invited. Our passage for this morning tells a true story reminding us what can happen when we decide to invite someone in and bring them along for the journey. Who can you invite to follow Christ with you? Series - I Love My Church // Pastor - Jon Moore

Many Christians feel as though they can't help their church because they don't have anything unique to offer. Not only is it not true, but it's wrongly built on the misconception that what you contribute has to be something extraordinary. Instead, the authors of scripture encourage us to use whatever gifts and abilities God has given us to His glory! Series - I Love My Church // Pastor - Matt Horne

One of Jesus' most radical teachings was rooted in the idea of his people being true family. The early church carried that idea forward, comparing the local church to a "household," and placing significant value on being together. How might the concept of "family" affect our attitude toward the local church and being fully present to one another? Series - I Love My Church // Pastor - Matt Horne

As worldly concerns (be it material wealth, status, or security) clamor for our attention, Jesus gently reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and promises to provide for us. Join us as we explore how living with Kingdom-oriented hearts can transform anxiety into assurance, and fleeting satisfaction into eternal joy. Speaker - Pastor Jon Moore // Stand Alone Sermon

When Zechariah and Elizabeth had been promised a child, it was almost too good to be true. Having doubted it, Zechariah was made mute, but the birth of his son, John, caused him to spring forth in song. It is his song which reminds us that our God is the Divine Orchestrator, not only of history, but of our story too. Series - Grace in Every Note // Pastor - Matt Horne

The scriptures tell us that before humanity ever lifted up a single melody to the Lord, the hosts of Heaven were already singing. At the arrival of Jesus, the song of the angels penetrated into the earth. In this short chorus, we are reminded of how Jesus came to give glory to God by bringing peace with God. Series - Grace in Every Note // Pastor - Matt Horne

What's your favorite Christmas song? Today, we look at the first of three "Christmas Songs" recorded in the gospel of Luke. It's singer is Mary, the blessed mother of Jesus, who reminds us of the great mercy of God which is freely given to the humble. Series - Grace in Every Note // Pastor - Matt Horne

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, we reflect on the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers. Whereas all of them received a favor from God, only one ultimately found internal and eternal favor with God. Why? Because of his faith in Christ, expressed in his humility, gratitude, and praise. // Stand Alone Sermon, Pastor Matt Horne

Christians often think of doing good in the world like moving furniture around on the Titanic. Paul, on the other hand, instructs the church to work hard as purposeful contributors instead of consumers who stand still, looking up at the sky. Although Paul holds the Thessalonians accountable, he says we should hold each other accountable in this as well. Series - Stand Firm // Pastor - Jon Moore

As we live in a chaotic world of sin and disobedience to God, one which may stay this way or become much worse, how do Christians stand firm in the Lord? In the next section of 2 Thessalonians, Paul reveals two ordinary means of grace which God uses to keep us grounded in Christ. Series - Stand Firm // Pastor - Matt Horne

No single component of the "end times" teachings across the church has stirred up more curiosity, confusion, or concern than that of the "Antichrist" figure. Perhaps it is due to a similar root cause as what was provoking controversy in Thessalonica - that of false teaching. We see how Paul's teaching around the Man of Lawlessness is, as one built on hope and not fear. Series - Stand Firm // Pastor - Matt Horne

One of the common questions raised by God's people throughout scripture, and even today, is "Why do the wicked prosper, even at the expense of God's own people?" In this passage, Paul comforts his persecuted readers by explaining the righteous judgement of God, which is a paycheck to the sinner who opposes Christ and His church, but a gift to the saints who have trusted and persevered in Him. Series - Stand Firm // Pastor - Matt Horne

Although we may not know the day or the hour, we do know that Jesus Christ is coming back. How can we live purposefully while we wait so that we are unashamed at His coming? God instructs us to live like we're anticipating the King's arrival. Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Matt Horne

Many have speculated about Paul’s words in this particular section of 1 Thessalonians, mostly concerning details which our author doesn’t care to discuss. The main and plain point of the passage is that Christians have a hope beyond the grave because Christ rose from His grave. Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Matt Horne

There have been many books, movies, teachings, and predictions about the Rapture. We must be discerning in what is true and not true. Join us for this special Deep Dive as Pastor Matt answers the question, What Does the Bible Say (or not say) about the Rapture?

Have you ever wondered about God’s will for your life? Thankfully, Paul reveals it very explicitly in our passage today. As Christians, God’s will is that we would use our bodies to love Him and each other so that no one would make any accusation against us. Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Jon Moore

As Christians, we know that we must suffer until the day that our Lord returns. The Apostle Paul reminds us from his own experience how God has given us a great resource intended to encourage us in pressing forward - the local church. In what way can we find reassurance from God's work in the church body? Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Matt Horne

In a day when many in the church have heaped shame on God and His people, how can we be ministers of integrity and Christlike love? As we disciple the nations, we must be mindful of how our followers see us following (or not following) Jesus. Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Matt Horne

In the introductory words to a small local church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul takes the opportunity to celebrate what God has already done and is doing in their growing faith and ministry. They, like many churches, have reasons to waver, but we are reassured with them by the reality of God's saving work and empowering Spirit. Series - Children of the Day // Pastor - Matt Horne

The effectiveness of a church is incredibly dependent on what is accomplished when the members gather together. It is possible to have a church service that creates more harm than help. How can we best steward the time we've been given in our meetings? Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Speaker - Kevin Degnan

Most churches these days will either overencourage the gift of tongues or reject it completely. In our passage this morning, Paul corrects both approaches. Furthermore, he shows us the right and wrong uses of tongues-speech in the local church. Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Pastor - Matt Horne

Few spiritual gifts are as controversial as the spiritual gift of prophecy, but the Apostle Paul describes it as something especially desirable. What is the gift of prophecy? How is it used? What is the benefit of it in the local church? Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Pastor - Matt Horne

The Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13 are some of his most familiar, and yet they are misused in more ways than one. The message is plain: Godly stewardship of spiritual gifts will display both the power of God and the love of God as we leverage them, not to serve ourselves, but to serve each other until Jesus comes back. Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Pastor - Matt Horne

A prevalent issue in Corinth was that some who had particular gifts thought they were more spiritual than others, and therefore, less dependent on people with "lesser" gifts. Paul reminds us that everybody in the body is somebody that we need to grow in our faith, and God has brought them to our local church for that purpose. Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Pastor - Jon Moore

The members of the church in Corinth suffered no shortage of spiritual gifts, but they needed some guidance in their use and understanding of them. We often require some explanation too. In our passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us about the purpose, source, and various expressions of spiritual gifts. Series - Concerning Spiritual Gifts // Pastor - Matt Horne

Studies show that there are over two billion people on our planet today who have never heard the name of Jesus. How will God respond to people who were never able to respond to Him or His Son? Series - Deep Dive // Speaker - Pastor Matt Horne

Christian evangelism often looks like preaching the gospel, praying to "receive Christ," and then -- never speak again. This isn't the model we see in Paul. God's work is usually not seen in the immediate, but it comes in our obedience to follow-up with our original audience. Series - The Unknown God // Pastor - Matt Horne

While the message of the Gospel never changes, the method might because the people do. From Paul's sermon to the Athenians, we learn a very practical evangelism tactic called "contextualization." If we're going to be effective, we should be mindful of our listener's environment, demographic, and even their literature. Series - The Unknown God // Pastor - Matt Horne

If the Apostle Paul was anything, he was an opportunist. When he was simply willing to open his mouth and begin conversations with the spiritually hungry citizens of Athens, he discovered an open door by which he could help them find what (or Who) it is they were looking for. Like Paul, we must also seize the day that God might seize the hearts of sinful man. Series - The Unknown God // Pastor - Matt Horne

Christians often remember that this world is not our home, we are only "passing through." That was true of Paul in Athens as well, but even in unideal circumstances, he lifted his head and opened his eyes to see the spiritually needy people surrounding him. What can modern day Christians take from his example? Series - The Unknown God // Pastor - Matt Horne

Because we obey God, love His people, and confess His truth – we know that we are saved…. Now what? Having determined through biblical examination that we are in fact the redeemed children of God, John now gives us three additional assurances we can hold onto.  Series - Rest Assured // Speaker - Kevin Degnan

Jesus once described Himself as "the Truth," which tells us that those who have Jesus alive in them are also going to have truth in them. God reward awaits those who do not waver or cower back in declaring the truth. Be encouraged by the sound faith that you've been given. Series - Rest Assured // Pastor - Jon Moore

Some have famously said that they love Jesus but they do not like His people. While they may have their reasons, active love for the church is a defining mark of our salvation. Our fellowship is where God and His redemption in our lives is most obvious. Series - Rest Assured // Pastor - Jon Moore