Orchard Community Church Sermon Audio
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We celebrate the most important, history-changing, life-altering event in the history of humanity. It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of the impact of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. We look at the greatest problem of humanity, the greatest act of love ever committed, the most profound act of both justice and mercy, the most life changing truth, the most agonizing death, and the greatest hope ever offered. No, it is simply not possible to make too much of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe it is the fact that we make too little of Christs death and resurrection that so many people are living with so little hope. I pray that you will carve out time this weekend to truly think about and praise God for the crucifixion and the resurrection of His Son, Jesus, for you and to join together in worship with other believers in Christ. Whether you come to Orchard, or any of the other gospel focused churches in the area, I implore you to get to church this Sunday. Attend in person. Interact with other people whose lives have been changed by Jesus. Lift your voice in praise with others who understand that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are our only and our greatest hope. Let us come together on Easter morning to loudly proclaim, "He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!"
There comes a point in a journey when you are almost to your destination. When the journey is long, that time when you are almost there is both exciting and agonizing. You long to be where you are going, but you still have a little ways to go before you get there. We conclude our sermon series called "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers" by looking at Numbers 33-36 in a sermon called "Almost Home." We see that God promises his people that they are almost at their new home, the Promised Land, and He emphasizes that this land is an incredible gift - an inheritance - that He is giving to them. Believers in Christ today also live in a time when we are "almost home." We know that Christ is coming back soon, and that we will be with Him forever, but we are not quite there yet. The things God tells His people at the end of Numbers helps us better understand the amazing inheritance we have in Jesus Christ as we find ourselves almost, but not quite yet, home.
There was a phrase I would often use with my kids as we pulled into whatever place we were going. It was the phrase, "Now, remember..." and then I would proceed to remind them about their manners, things they were allowed to do or not allowed to do, that they needed to stay where we could see them, or just anything that they needed to remember wherever we were. In Numbers chapter 33, God has Moses record all the places the Israelites camped between Egypt and the Promised Land. It is a list to help them remember just how far God has brought them. There are also other important things God wants them to remember as they enter the promised land. One thing he reminds them of is to not participate in the worship or ways of thinking of the people already living in the land. Today, Gods people are not to be taking land or setting up a nation, but we must still listen to the idea that we are to remember just how far God has brought us and that we must also remember to think, act, and certainly worship differently than the world around us. This sermon titled "Now Remember" looks at Numbers 33 as we continue our sermon series, "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace, and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers."
We look at a very difficult passage in the book of Numbers. In Numbers chapters 31 and 32 Gods people are faced with several very difficult choices. Understanding these chapters for us is very difficult as well, since the issues facing Gods people are very foreign to us. But by looking at the choices they made - some good, some not so good - we can better understand how we should approach difficult choices in our lives. In a sermon called "Difficult Choices" we look at at Numbers chapters 31 and 32 as we continue our sermon series called "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace, and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers."
The day I was leaving for college was a very memorable day because of the words my dad gave me. The conversation was direct and void of any waste. My dad wanted to give me some final advice before he dropped me off for college with the hope that I would remember some critical things to help me survive till I would see him again in November. What words would you give someone if time was short? Today, we look at a very similar situation where Paul, nearing the end of his life, gives his final encouragement to a young Timothy. What are the critical things that Paul wants Timothy to know? And how can those words help us to stand firm in our faith? In a sermon titled "Standing Tall" we look at one of Pauls final letters and discover how we can find encouragement in our walk with Christ.
We are forgetful people. This is why so often in the Old Testament God teaches His people to be intentional about remembering what He has done for them. In a sermon called "Intentional Remembering," we look at Numbers chapters 28-30 where God gives His people specific things to help them remember Him when they come into the Promised Land. We learn how we can build intentional remembering into our lives today.
Sometimes starting over is hard. You get to the end of a project and realize you made a mistake and you have to start over again. That can be frustrating. But sometimes starting over is exciting. You get a new beginning to avoid the mistakes you made the first time. In a sermon called "New Beginnings", we look at Numbers chapters 26 and 27 as part of our sermon series called "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers." In these two chapters we see a shift in the book of numbers from the failures the people went through as they traveled in the wilderness to the new beginning God gives them as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. We see them be reminded of lessons they need to learn, as well as reminders of the grace God has shown to them. We also see that God is still faithful to them in providing for them every step of the way.
It is an amusing sight at a kids sporting event when someone takes the ball in the wrong direction and scores for the opposing team, but it would not be so funny if that happened this weekend in the Super Bowl! There comes a point when people understand what is at stake and should know better. In a sermon called "Helping the Enemy" we look at Numbers chapter 25. Here we see that while God fought for his people against those that wanted to cause them harm, the people end up inviting these enemies into their camp, joining with them in things they knew were wrong, and then end up paying dearly for it. They thought they were just pursuing their own happiness but they ended up helping their enemy. We see how we must be careful today not to get entangled by the ways of this world. We also see that even though many of them sinned and deserved judgement, the righteousness of one man saved many others.
In this sermon we look at a classic story from the book of Numbers - the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. It reminds me of Sunday School stories as a kid or illustrated childrens books. But the book of Numbers is no childrens book and the account of Balaam is much more complicated and sinister than what we might typically teach to kids. In a sermon called "Wise Donkey, Foolish Prophet," we look at Numbers chapters 22 to 24 as we continue our sermon series called "Are We There Yet: Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers." We see how this so-called prophet serves as a warning to each of us that God cannot be manipulated for our own benefit and that Gods promises are secure.
Where do we go when we need help? Where do we turn when things seem like they are falling apart? This sermon on Numbers 20:14 - 21:45 is titled "Look Up and Live" and looks at a time when the Israelites, once again, got themselves into trouble in the book of Numbers. God had done so much for them, yet again they grumble and complain against him. As we look at this convicting account of their sin, Gods discipline and then Gods amazing grace in saving his people yet again, we see glimpses of the power of Jesus who is our salvation.
We struggle with wanting to be first. Or maybe just wanting to be right. Or just wanting others to think that we are right. Every aspect of our culture feeds the flame within us that says we are right and we should get what we want. This sermon looks at a very difficult passage in Numbers 20:1-13. We need to look carefully at these 13 verses because there is something here we need to take to heart. It is a warning that says be careful not to make it all about you! In this passage Moses makes a big mistake that will have serious consequences for him and for Aaron. In a sermon called "Failure to Yield" we look at this passage as part of our sermon series called "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace, and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers." We see that Moses made a crucial moment be about his importance rather than Gods importance. I believe we also see that we face daily struggles where we are tempted to do the exact same thing.
We return to our sermon series "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace, and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers." We are stepping back into the wilderness between Egypt and Israel where Gods people struggled to accept Gods grace at work in their lives. In a sermon called "Life in a World of Death" we look at Numbers chapter 19.
We follow our annual tradition of using the first Sunday of the new year to look at an overview of the entire bible. This sermon iis called "The Big Picture" and we see that in Scripture God gives us one big picture of who He is, who we are, the relationship that God has created us for, as well as His plan and work to make that relationship possible. Join us as we look at the big picture of the bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Exploring Pauls letter to the Galatians where he reminds us that the Gospel was not a one time event but rather the thing that shapes our lives forever. As Christ followers, we should look at every aspect of our lives through the lens of the Gospel. Paul encourages us to remember that what we started in the Spirit, we finish in the Spirit, as the Gospel redeems every part of our lives.
What does peace mean? Is it a feeling when everything is calm and quiet? Is it a ceasefire between two enemies? As we continue our Christmas Sermon Series "Unto Us a Child is Born," we look at the last title used for the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 which is "Prince of Peace." We need peace in our lives and peace in this world, but we must truly understand what peace is and be sure that we are not settling for or seeking a false peace. Then, we can fully trust Christ as our Prince of Peace.
This sermon is called "Everlasting Father" as we continue to look at the titles for the coming Messiah given in Isaiah 9:6. It is interesting to think of the baby born in the manger on Christmas Day as being an "everlasting father". We see how we all need a true father to watch over us, teach us, and protect us. Sometimes we have great examples of this in our earthly fathers, but sometimes we dont. Jesus is, for us, the fulfillment of what all our earthly fathers should be, and he is "everlasting" meaning he never gives up on us, never leaves us or forsakes us.
We continue our Christmas sermon series called "A Child is Born" as we look at the descriptions of the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. This sermon is called "Mighty God" and see that the baby born in the manger is actually the mighty God who created and sustains all things.
Over the next month, people will gather in places all around the world to sing the famous "Handels Messiah." In grand style they will declare "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." These are the words of Isaiah 9:6. As we walk toward Christmas over the next several weeks, in a sermon series called "Unto Us a Child is Born," we will be looking at the incredible titles from Isaiah 9:6 which help us to better understand Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This sermon is called "Wonderful Counselor" and we look at the powerful truth that in the darkness and lostness of this world Christ was born to bring the wisdom of God so that we might know who God is and know Gods incredible plan to save us.
We are taking a break from our sermon series on the book of Numbers until after the New Year so that we can focus on Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Giving thanks is an important biblical theme. In a sermon called "How to Give Thanks," we look at the powerful words of Psalm 100 where we are instructed to give thanks and given important ideas on how we should do this. I hope that we can be more intentional in giving thanks not just on a holiday, but on every day of our lives.
In this sermon we see the devastating effect of pride among Gods people. Pride is a destructive problem in our lives and in our society. Pride looks at what we have and says we deserve more. Pride looks at Gods authority and says we could do better. Pride looks at Gods Word and says we know better. In a sermon called "The Problem of Pride" we will look at Numbers chapters 16-18 as we continue our sermon series "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers." We see how a group of people thought that their leaders were claiming too much authority and they wanted to be equal to them. But it was God who set up who was in charge and so they were ultimately rejecting God. I suggest you read through Numbers chapters 16-18 because there is a lot going on!
We are looking at Numbers chapter 15 in a sermon called "Grace and Worship." Here we see that even though Gods people rebelled against him, He has not given up on them. In this chapter we also see that when God gives us grace we are to respond in worship. Worship is our purposeful response to who God is and what God has done. It becomes part of our daily attitude and actions as we live in recognition of the grace that God gives us. I pray that we will be made more aware of the greatness of Gods grace and more purposeful in living lives of worship.
Fear is a powerful force. It can grow inside of us and cause us to turn away from what is right. It can spread from us to others. It can wear us down and lead us astray. This sermon looks at Numbers chapters 13 and 14 where Gods people face a difficult choice. They must choose whether to respond out of fear or out of faith. Most of them respond in fear and ultimately rebel against God. We face choices daily and must decide if we will respond out of fear or out of faith. This sermon is called "Fear and Faith" and part of the " Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers" sermon series. Take some time to read Numbers chapters 13 and 14 and ask God to challenge you in ways that you are living in fear instead of faith.
We are all prone to complaining at times. Maybe something didnt go the way we thought it should. Maybe someone lets us down. The book of Numbers is full of times that Gods people complained. In a sermon called "Grumbling and Complaining," we be look at Numbers chapters 11 and 12. These chapters are the beginning of the 2nd main section in the book of Numbers. The Israelites begin to walk through the wilderness again to the promised land. At the end of chapter 10 it looks like things are going great, but right away in chapter 11 they start complaining. We see why they complain and we are challenged to look at our own bad attitudes. At the heart of all complaining is dissatisfaction with God and his goodness. But the greatest way to fight an attitude of grumbling and complaining is to realize the incredible goodness that we have in Jesus Christ. I encourage you to read Numbers chapters 11 and 12 in preparation for this sermon.
Sometimes, along the journey of our lives we grow weary. Sorrows might pile up. Situations can become difficult. Disappointment seems all too constant. What do we do when we lack motivation to get out of bed and face the day? As we continue our "Are We There Yet" sermon series on the book of Numbers, we look at Numbers chapters 9 and 10. In these two chapters we finish the first section of this book where we see God preparing His people for the rest of their journey to the Promised Land. In these last two chapters of this first section of the book, God gives them guidance on how to continue their journey. In a sermon called "Help for Weary Travelers," we look at four important ways where we see God helping His weary people keep going on their long journey. I encourage you to read Numbers chapters 9 and 10.
We all have preferences. For many things this is no problem as it is good for different people to like different things. We can learn from each other and be stretched in our own preferences. But what happens when we bring our preferences to worship? Is one style of worship better than another? Are there aspects of worship we can have preferences about and others that should be present no matter how people feel about it? In a sermon called "Gods Way of Worship", we look at Numbers chapters 7 and 8. Here we see that God gave meticulous instructions to the Israelites about how they were to worship Him. We look at some key themes that help us weigh our preferences against Gods instructions for worship.
This sermon looks at two very difficult chapters in the book of Numbers, chapters 5 and 6, which contain some very difficult to understand laws. Chapter 6 ends with an amazing blessing God commanded the priests to proclaim over His people. In a sermon called "The Way of Blessing," we see that God was explaining to His people that their personal choices impacted those around them and were a reflection of their relationship with Him. Living in Gods blessing means living according to Gods glory and Gods holiness. I encourage you to read Numbers chapters 5 and 6. You will probably have a lot of questions and thats OK. Take those to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you understand how this relates to our relationship with Him today. Lord willing, we will see how this fits in the big picture of what God is doing in the book of Numbers and what God is still doing today.
The Old Testament is full of rich examples that teach us about ourselves and about God. The Levites are a group of Gods people with a unique role and by looking at them we can understand what it means that we belong to God. We also see that the Levites served an important role in guarding the things of God. This sermon called "Guarding and Belonging" looks at Numbers chapters 3 and 4, as we continue our sermon series, "Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the book of Numbers." Take some time to read these chapters.
In our "Are We There Yet?" sermon series on the book of Numbers we are looking at chapter 2. It is another very simple chapter with a very profound meaning. In chapter 2 God gives the Israelites instructions on how to arrange their camp in the wilderness so that each tribe knows exactly where to set up their tents. What is most important about this chapter is that the entire camp is arranged around a center point and at that center is the Tabernacle - the dwelling place of God among His people at that time. God was teaching His people a profound truth in these simple instructions about how to arrange their camp - He was to be at the very center of everything they did. This sermon is called "God at the Center" and looks at why this was so important for the Israelites in the Old Testament and why this is still so important for us today.
I remember sitting in Sunday School as a child and watching the teacher move flannel graph characters on a flannel board to tell the stories of people like Abraham, Moses, or David. These cartoon-like figures seemed to be part of cartoon-like stories that we were supposed to learn as good Christian children. As I grew older I learned that these stories had great importance and deep theological meaning. But they still seemed like stories - or at least they seemed to be about people who were larger than life... people who were not like me at all. The more Ive studied Scripture, though, the more Ive realized an important truth - the people in Scripture are just people. They faced daily fears and doubts. They made mistakes and lived through the consequences. The first chapter of the book of Numbers is mostly a list of names and numbers, but, in a sermon called "Living a Life that Counts" we look at what some of these people went through and how they were involved in Gods amazing plans and what we can learn about living lives of faith in Gods amazing plans.
“Are we there yet?” – This question usually comes about half way through a long road trip in the family car. Often it comes from the kids in the backseat, but everyone in the car is thinking it. Long journeys are difficult. It is hard in the middle of the journey to keep sight of the destination, especially when mile after mile just keeps on looking the same. It is easy to grumble and complain. The book of Numbers is about a long and very difficult journey as God’s people walk through the wilderness for many years hoping to get to the land God promised them. Along the way they struggle, grumble and complain. They doubt God’s goodness and often want to go back to where they were before, no matter how awful it was. Through their times of grumbling, God shows them grace. He continues to lead them and to provide for them. Their grumbling has consequences, but God remains faithful to them. And through it all, God’s glorious presence is with them as he fulfills his promise to lead them to the land he will provide for them. In our new sermon series “Are We There Yet? Glory, Grace and Grumbling in the Book of Numbers" we walk through this great Old Testament book and see ourselves in this story. We are also on a journey from our old life, to being with God forever. We have also been saved by God and have His presence with us. But we are also prone to grumbling and need God’s constant grace. I pray we will learn about the greatness of God’s glory, as well as his grace toward grumbling people like us.
