Advertise on podcast: Sermons from St. Andrew's ~ Mt. Pleasant

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 John 2:1-6; Hebrews 10:19–23   Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Tim Winkler ([email protected])

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . I. God's Character: God Is Light (1:5) A. Sin is understood in light of who God is "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."God's moral perfection: Truth, Goodness, Purity, Justice, No hidden darknessB. Sin distorts our purpose We were created to reflect God's glory.Illustration: a mirror reflecting light.Tarnished mirror = sin corrupting God's image.Turned mirror = idolatry and self-centeredness.Sin is anything that distorts or redirects God's light shining in and through us.C. Sin remains a reality for believers Christians have a new identity.Yet the possibility of sin remains."If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves." (v. 8)II. God's Provision: Jesus Cleanses Sin (1:7; 1:9; 2:1–2) A. The gospel's repeated refrain Sin is real...But God has provided a Savior.B. Jesus does what we cannot do "The blood of Jesus... cleanses us from all sin."We cannot cleanse ourselves.Christ's cross is God's answer to sin.C. The tragedy of denying sin It separates us from reality.It also keeps us from experiencing forgiveness.The joy of being fully known and fully loved is found only through Christ.III. Our Response: Walk in the Light Through Confession (1:9) A. What confession is not Not the basis of forgiveness.Not obsessive self-analysis.We confess from acceptance, not for acceptance.B. Practice confession corporately General confession in worship.Cultivates humility and dependence on God.C. Practice confession privately Invite the Spirit's examination.Psalm 139:23–24.Not self-condemnation, but repentance and renewal.D. Practice confession relationally "Fellowship with one another" (v. 7)."Confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16).Need a few trusted believers for Honesty, Accountability, Encouragement, and Gospel reassuranceE. The atmosphere of confession is grace The goal is not shame.The goal is walking in the light together."The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin."Discussion Questions Do you agree that there is a tendency in our culture to diminish or deny the reality of sin? If you agree, what are some examples that you have noticed?Why is understanding God's character important for a right understanding of sin? Also, how does the call to reflect God's image also help us understand sin?If I am a Christian, should I still call myself a sinner?What role does confession play in your life currently?Is it possible for a Christian to totally conquer sin in this life?Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . 1 John 1:1--4 -- Jesus, Our Fixed Point of Reference 1. We are often spiritually disoriented Ancient sailors relied on the stars to navigate.Without visible stars, they could lose their bearings—and even their lives.Likewise, modern people can be technologically connected yet spiritually adrift.We need fixed points of reference for life’s ultimate questions.2. 1 John gives us courageous clarity John speaks with courageous clarity about God, morality, love, sin, and Christian life.His words both challenge and comfort, helping us reorient our lives.3. The fixed point is not merely a truth—it is a person 1 John 1:1–4 points us to Jesus Christ.Jesus is:From the beginning.The Word of Life and Eternal Life.With the Father.The source of all life.Jesus reveals who God is and what life is about.4. The eternal Son became flesh Jesus did not remain distant or abstract—he was made manifest.John emphasizes his eyewitness experience: heard, seen, looked upon, touched.The reality of Jesus' life in the flesh is foundational to Christianity.Jesus is fully God and fully human.5. Jesus brings us into fellowship John proclaims what he experienced so that others might share in it.The goal is koinonia—fellowship:With the Father and the Son.With other believers.Christianity is not merely an individual transaction with God.Fellowship with God and love for fellow believers are inseparable.6. Fellowship around Jesus produces joy John writes so that “our joy” / “your joy” may be complete.Joy comes through sharing Christ and forming community around him.Discussion Questions Randy talked about how 1 John "rescues us from a foggy spirituality of mishmashed feelings, therapeutic platitudes, and cultural compromises." Can you think of any such examples of a "foggy spirituality"? How do they compare with the courageous clarity and conviction of 1 John?Read the Gospel of John 1:1-5. What are some connection points to 1 John 1:1-4? Why does John start both his Gospel and his letter in this way?John is an old man when he writes this letter. Do you think perspective would have been different if he had written it earlier in his life? In what ways has your perspective of Jesus changed over the years?John establishes a connection between fellowship (koinonia) and joy. What is the basis of Christian fellowship? How does it complete joy?1 John -- Study Resources: Introductory BibleProjectGuide--1, 2, 3 JohnIan Paul, "What do the letters of John teach us about faith, hope and love?"Commentaries John R. W. Stott, The Epistles of John (TNTC)Colin G. Kruse, The Epistles of John (PNTC)Notes for Small Group Leaders N.T. Wright, The Letters of JohnMichael LeFebvre, Knowing the Bible: 1--3 JohnWatch The First Hymn Documentary  - Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 18:15-20.Sermon Notes To seek peace when peace seems beyond reach, we need A humble spirit A tender heart A heavenly hopeSermon Questions In the story of Franz Jägerstätter, he stood resolved in his allegiance to Jesus despite compelling arguments from the state, the church, and even his family to simply “obey". How do we handle situations where the "wise" arguments of the world—or even fellow believers—counsel us away from pursuing Jesus’s path of peace? The sermon links the humility of a little child to the work of peacemaking, describing a humble spirit as having "no face to save, no dignity to defend, no justice to mete out". Which of these three areas—saving face, defending your dignity, or wanting to hand out justice—is the hardest for you to lay down when a relationship is strained? We are reminded that "a hard heart wants payback," but "a tender heart wants its brother back". If you are currently experiencing an "impaired" or "broken" relationship with a fellow believer, what is one practical way you can keep your heart tender toward them rather than letting it harden? Jesus promises to be uniquely present—"in the midst of them"—when we put on a humble spirit and a tender heart to seek reconciliation. How does the "heavenly hope" of Jesus’s direct, irresistible presence change how you view the high personal cost of pursuing peace? Resources Consulted Daniel Hallock, “Franz Jägerstätter, a Quiet Martyr,” The Plough (May 28, 2019) Gordon C. Zahn, In Solitary Witness: The Life and Death of Franz Jägerstätter (Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 1965) Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Volume II, Meditations on the Gospel according to St. Matthew W.D. Davies and D.C. Allison, Matthew 8–18, ICC (T&T Clark, 1991) Stanley Hauerwas, Matthew, BTC (Brazos, 2007) John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 4.12.5 Michael Kee, “Why Just War Theory Isn’t Enough” (Notre Dame’s Church Life Journal) L. Gregory Jones, “The Craft of Forgiveness,” in Embodying Forgiveness: A Theological Analysis (Eerdman’s, 1995)Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ([email protected]).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Luke 10:1-12 Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ([email protected]).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Colossians 1: 21–29; Luke 10:38–42Sermon Outline Our Shared Mission Defining Discipleship Your Next Step This FallSermon Questions Balancing Our Biases (Evangelism vs. Discipleship)The mission of St. Andrew’s is to connect people to Christ (evangelism) and grow them up in Christ (discipleship). The sermon suggests that we naturally tend to "major" in one and "minor" on the other. The "evangelism major" passionately shares the gospel but may struggle with how faith reshapes daily life, while the "discipleship major" focuses on patient spiritual growth but can easily forget the foundational ABCs of the gospel. Reflecting on your own spiritual walk, do you tend to lean more toward being an "evangelism major" or a "discipleship major"? How can our Life Group help us offset our individual biases so that we are actively pursuing both sharing Christ and growing together? Embracing Lifelong ApprenticeshipBiblical discipleship is "being with Jesus and becoming like him, together". This requires a shift from viewing faith as a past-tense, one-off event ("I got saved") to embracing a lifelong, present-tense process of sanctification. This process is like an apprenticeship under a master craftsman, where the daily reality of practicing our faith constantly reveals how much we have yet to learn. If you approach your faith as an ongoing "apprenticeship" rather than a past transaction, what is one daily area—such as your relationships, how you spend, or your workplace practices—where you sense a need to step back into "learning mode" from the Master this season? Leaving the Quarry to Build TogetherThe sermon calls us to shift our perspective from "me" to "us" because we are being saved together as a body. What does it look like for us to move beyond solitary personal piety and instead to build a community of hope, servanthood, and new creation together? What's one practical step we can take as a Life Group this fall to ensure we are being "built into the temple" together, and not eroding alone in our individual routines? Discerning Your Next StepThe sermon invited us to set a timer for fifteen minutes to pray about how God wants them to grow up in Christ. After taking time to pray and seek the Lord, what specific area of growth or practice is God nudging you toward this fall? How can our Life Group support and encourage you in taking that step? Recommended Resources Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way M. Robert Mulholland Jr., Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual FormationQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ([email protected]).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes Core Purpose Statement: "To connect people to the presence and power of Jesus Christ." 1. Introduction & Historical Context Local History: St. Andrew's roots date back to 1834 ($250 lot purchase in Old Village, Mount Pleasant) and its growth through 1858 (Historic Church on Whilden Street).The Legacy: Nearly 200 years of faithful worship, keeping Christ at the center through life's milestones and hardships.The Question: Why do we exist as a church today, and where are we going?2. First Element: "Jesus Christ" Christ-Centered Anchor: Everything at St. Andrew's centers on Jesus, avoiding vague or trend-based spirituality.Exclusive Authority: Jesus is the only Savior and source of life (Acts 4; John 14:6).Loving Mission: Pointing people to Jesus—the source of abundant life—is the kindest and most loving thing the church can do.3. Second Element: "Presence and Power" Presence (Living Person): Because Jesus rose from the dead, believers can experience a real, living relationship and friendship with Him today (Emmanuel, "God with us").Power (Life-Changing Action): The power that raised Jesus from the dead works in believers by:Awakening faith in those who are spiritually dead.Overcoming sin, destructive habits, and addiction.Equipping believers for ministry, service, and daily work.4. Third Element: "Connect People" The Agent of Connection: The Holy Spirit sovereignly, creatively, and personally connects individuals to Jesus.Four Primary Channels of Connection:Scripture: Engaging the inspired Word of God.Spiritual Gifts: Exercising gifts (prophetic words, healing, teaching, serving, generous giving) for the good of others.Prayer: Engaging in persistent, practical Kingdom business.Fellowship: Living out faith together ("y'all") through Life Groups, as well as Children's and Youth Ministries.Target Audience ("People"): All people—regardless of age, background, status, or spiritual starting point—because everyone shares the same need for salvation and grace.5. Conclusion Call to Action: Participate in the ongoing mission by serving, leading Life Groups, and investing in the next generation.Future Vision: A prayer that 200 years from now, faithful believers will still gather in this place to connect all people to Jesus.Discussion Questions 1. What was your first impression of St. Andrew's when you visited (whether on a Sunday or a ministry event)? 2. Why might it be offensive to some to focus on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ? As a church, how can we be both sensitive to various viewpoints while also bold in proclaiming the offer of life found only in Jesus? 3. How have you experienced the presence and power of Jesus? 4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit connect us to Jesus? Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).

Sermon Outline Big Idea: We naturally hunger for more than mere existence. Jesus declares that He alone is the Bread of Life who satisfies our deepest hunger and gives eternal, abundant life.Key Verse: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” — John 6:35 I. We Hunger for More Than Mere Existence Central question: Where can that life be found? II. Bread Meant Life To understand John 6, we need to appreciate the significance of bread in the ancient world.Bread represented: Sustenance — wheat and barley bread were staples of everyday life.Provision — “bread” could represent food and physical necessities generally.Fellowship — breaking bread communicated hospitality, acceptance, friendship, and peace.Sacred memory — Passover bread recalled the Exodus; manna recalled God's provision in the wilderness.Throughout Scripture, therefore, bread points beyond itself to God as the One who provides life for His people.This background makes Jesus' declaration extraordinarily powerful: “I am the bread of life.”Jesus does not merely give the bread we ultimately need. Jesus is the Bread. III. The Crowd Wanted the Bread but Missed the Savior John 6:25–29 IV. Jesus Is Greater Than Moses John 6:30–34 V. Jesus Is the Bread of Life John 6:35 VI. Zoe Does Not Mean an Easy Life Jesus' promise of abundant life does not mean: our problems disappear,suffering ends,life becomes easy,Christians never experience sorrow.Jesus Himself says:“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 Sermon Application There are two responses to Jesus' words. For those who do not yet follow Christ: Do not make the mistake of the Galilean crowd—wanting what Jesus can provide while missing Jesus Himself. The Bread of Life is offered freely. Come to Christ, trust Him, repent, and receive the life only He can give. For followers of Christ: We can belong to Jesus while still clinging tightly to areas of our lives we refuse to surrender. Yet we cannot experience the fullness of life in Christ while deliberately withholding parts of ourselves from Him.The question becomes: What am I still trying to control that Christ is asking me to surrender? Sermon Questions What do you think people today most commonly pursue in an attempt to experience a meaningful and fulfilling life? How does Jesus' promise of zoe differ?Why is the cultural and biblical significance of bread important for understanding Jesus' statement, “I am the bread of life”?The crowd wanted what Jesus could give them without recognizing who He was. In what ways are we tempted to do the same thing today?What is the significance of Jesus contrasting the manna given in Moses' day with Himself as the “true bread from heaven”? What does this reveal about Jesus' identity?Jesus promises abundant life but does not promise an easy life. What area of your life might Christ be asking you to trust Him with or surrender more completely to Him?Resources Consulted Carson, D. A., R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, eds. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.Gaebelein, Frank E., ed. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol. 8. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1981.Got Questions Ministries. “What Can We Learn from Jesus’ Feeding of the 5,000?”Keller, Timothy. “The Feeding.” Gospel in Life. YouTube.Milne, Bruce. The Message of John: Here Is Your King! The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.Ryle, J. C. Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John. Various editions.Wesley, John. John Wesley’s Notes on the Whole Bible. Various editions.Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Tim Winkler ( ).

Guest Preacher: Joanne Ellison Joanne Ellison, a long-time member of St. Andrew’s, is the founder of through which women are equipped to draw near to God and experience the power of a life-changing community. She has reached tens of thousands of women through Christian radio, television, blogging, weekly Bible teachings, speaking events, books, and more. Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes God's sufficiency in compassion, love and power is more than enough. Three elements found in this Gospel text: Love and compassion fuels miracles.God's power, not our inadequacy fuels miracles.More than enough mentality fuels miracles.Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes so He miraculously healed and fed them. His love overruled His need for rest. God's power is our adequacy. A scarcity mentality prohibits our moving in faith. Discussion Questions When you are exhausted and see someone in need, what is your response?In what ways do you make space to stay filled with the Presence of God so when unexpected needs arise you have margin and peace to deal with them?Do you have an attitude of more than enough, or do you find yourself identifying more with a scarcity mentality (never enough)?What steps are you willing to take to open your eyes to every-day miracles?Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email the church office ( ).

Guest Preacher: The Rt. Rev'd Thad Barnum Bishop Barnum serves as Assisting Bishop to the Anglican Diocese of the Carolinas. His primary work recently has been to disciple and care for pastors in the Anglican Church of North America and beyond. During their nearly 39 years of marriage, Thad and his late wife, Erilynne, planted two churches and devoted themselves fully to the gospel work of "presenting everyone mature in Christ." (Col 1:28) It is this work of discipleship that brings people to saving faith, grows them in godly character, and empowers them in the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus. As Erilynne once said, "the strongest witness to a dying world is a transformed life." It is this work that Thad carries on through this ministry of . Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email the church office ( ).

Guest Preacher The Rev'd Seb Cummings serves as the Lead Pastor at . Sermon Notes The question: if the Kingdom has come, why does evil persist? It is John the Baptist’s question from a prison cell (Matthew 11). It is ours, most days. The Kingdom is sought (a posture, not a project): It is the King ruling through his words and actions and it is here, in this world - inaugurated, and still coming. So the field is not the church. "The field is the world" (v. 38). Yes, a judgment is coming. No, it will not be now. How we live in the tension between the now and the then is of the utmost importance. 1. Don’t uproot — judgment is divine • The servants want to rip up the weeds. So do we. Every group in that crowd had a version of the same plan.• Discernment: yes. Naming evil and injustice: yes (Amos 5:24). The final verdict: not ours.• Our polarised age teaches us to sort each other. The Perception Gap research: those most certain they can tell wheat from weeds are the worst at it.• Volf: only from a comfortable distance can you afford a God who does not judge. We are released from the burden of retribution — handed to the One who will not miss. 2. Don’t withdraw — engage with the moment • The master’s "no" refuses two things: the purge, and the retreat.• Ours is not an age of unbelief but of rampant belief (Smith; Gray). The field is full of people, and none of them are empty.• The question is not "do you believe?" but "can what you believe carry the full weight of your life?” 3. Because the field is his and the harvest is coming • "An enemy has done this." The weeds were sown on top of the good seed. Evil is an intrusion, not a design feature - which is exactly why it can be taken out and the crop still stands. Otherwise there would be no harvest, only a bonfire.• The parable does not end with the furnace. It ends with the righteous shining like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father (v. 43). No explanation for the weeds — but a vision of justice, redemption, and life with him (Revelation 21). Discussion Questions Opening 1. Before hearing Jesus’ explanation, what did you assume the parable meant? Did the explanation surprise you anywhere?2. John the Baptist promised a fire that would come immediately (Matthew 3:12). By Matthew 11 he is in prison, asking whether Jesus is really the one. Where have you asked a version of John’s question? Don’t uproot 3. "Shall we go and pull them up?" is the most natural religious instinct there is. Where do you see it in yourself? Try to be specific — a person, a group, a platform.4. The master’s reason for waiting is that you would damage the wheat. Have you ever been damaged by someone else’s certainty about who the weeds were? Have you ever done the damaging?5. The research says the people most confident they can spot the weeds are the worst at it. Where might that be true of you — and what would it change?6. "We are released from the burden of retribution." Is that a relief or a frustration? What does it look like, practically, to hand a verdict up rather than carry it? Don’t withdraw 7. Jesus says the field is the world, not the church. What changes if you take that literally? 8. Where are you tempted to retreat — to keep your life among people who already agree with you? Name one relationship you would find it easier not to have. What would staying in it require this month? Because the field is his 9. "An enemy has done this." Does it help to know that the weeds are not the sower’s design? Where do you need to hear that?10. The parable gives no explanation for the weeds — only a promise about them. Is that enough? Be honest.11. Verse 43: the righteous will shine like the sun. Does that land as comfort, as pressure, or as nothing much? Why?12. Who would you find hardest to believe God is being patient with? Sit with that one before you answer. Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Seb Cummings ( ).

Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Romans 5:6-11; Luke 15:11-32 Sermon NotesFour elements of repentance found in the gospel text:1. Reflection 2. Resolution 3. Recognition of guilt 4. Return Discussion Questions1. What "far country" patterns, habits, or desires are we currently entertaining? 2. What would it look like this week to "come home" to the Father in a specific area in our lives? 3 Where do we need to trust God's welcome and grace more deeply this week? 4. Which son do we naturally identify with right now: the younger or the older? 5. is there somebody we have written off whom God is calling us to receive with joy? 6. How can we reflect the Father's grace to someone this week? Questions?Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Anthony Kowbeidu ([email protected]).Audio & VideoYou can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew's Sermon Podcast on iTunes and Spotify.

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Sermon Outline Jesus our messengerJesus our mediatorJesus our masterSermon Questions The Priority of Delight over Discipline: Delight is not the consequence of doctrine and discipline, but rather their foundation. Think of a craft or hobby you enjoy—like knitting, blacksmithing, or birdwatching. How does your delight in that activity naturally lead you to practice its "disciplines"? How might shifting your focus from "doing chores for God" to "delighting in God" change your spiritual life?The "Inarticulate" vs. the "Articulate": Jesus contrasts the "articulate" religious leaders—who are crafty—with the "inarticulate" who receive the kingdom. Why is it that those who think they have it all sorted out often miss the message, while those who have a "hard time tying their shoes" are able to receive Jesus?Discipleship as Apprenticeship: Following Jesus is apprenticeship to a Master who gets down on our level to show us how to live. In your life, how have you tried to follow a formula rather than "weaving together perception and movement" through a relationship with Jesus?The Yoke and the Cross: We often think of a "yoke" only as a burden of service, but Matthew links is both a nuptial embrace (a spouse) and the cross. How does viewing the cross as the "plough that upturns the soil of the soul" help you understand Jesus' invitation to "come to me" when you are weary and heavy-burdened?Resources Consulted John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew (NPNF i.10, Homily 38)Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word: Meditations on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Volume One (Ignatius Press, 1996)W.D. Davies and D.C. Allison, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Volume Two: Commentary on Matthew VIII–XVIII (T&T Clark,1991)Tim Ingold, “Of String Bags and Birds’ Nests: Skill and the Construction of Artefacts,” in The Perception of the Environment: Essays on Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill (Routledge, 2022), 439–455Brendan McInerny, “Unless You Become Like This Child Deification as Trinitarian Adoption,” in The Trinitarian Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar: An Introduction (Notre Dame, 2020), 85–124.Paul Tyson, Returning to Reality: Christian Platonism for Our Times (Wipf & Stock, 2013), chs. 1–2Rowan Williams, Looking East in Winter: Contemporary Thought and the Eastern Christian Tradition (Bloomsbury, 2021), ch.1.Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker ([email protected]).

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes Jesus Defines His Mission "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:32) Jesus Did Not Come to Call the Righteous The spiritually self-sufficient do not hear the Gospel call.Christianity is not for people who think they have it all together.The Pharisees believed they could be righteous apart from Jesus.Grace begins when we recognize our need.Jesus Came to Call Sinners Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him.No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.Those who know their need are ready to hear His call.Jesus welcomes broken people into relationship with Himself.Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance Repentance means a change of mind and direction.It is part of God's gracious gift.Repentance leads to life, freedom, and flourishing.Following Jesus means leaving behind the old way of life.Discussion Questions 1. Does everyone need forgiveness of sins to be saved? Are there any truly righteous people? 2. If someone is not convinced of their need for forgiveness of sins (perhaps they don't identify as a sinner), how might you help them understand the gospel? 3. Define repentance. 4. In what way is repentance still part of God's gift of grace? Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes Fatherhood Revealed: The Biblical Story 1. Old Testament Foundations Israel as God’s “son” (Exodus 4:22–23)Covenant identity: treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:1–2)Metaphor of formation: God as potter, Father (Isaiah 64:8)Yet: limited use, reverence and distance remainRare usage suggests something still unfolding:  "there remains throughout the Old Testament a certain reserve about the father metaphor for God. There are nearly half a million words in the Hebrew Bible, yet God is only portrayed as a father some 15 times. It is almost as if these rare instances of the God of Israel being called (or calling Himself) 'father' are placeholders, awaiting some unforeseen future revelation that will cause them to take on a new resonance." Wesley Hill, The Lord’s Prayer: A Guide to Praying to Our Father (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019), 11.Jewish hesitation to speak of God as “Father”2. Jesus brings greater revelation Jesus in the Gospel of John: “my Father” → then extends to “your Father”In Matthew alone: “your Father” repeated constantlyFatherhood is not metaphorical projection—it is revealed truth made accessible in Christ. Three Blessings of Knowing God as Father 1. It teaches us the Gospel Post-resurrection clarity: John 20:17 — “My Father and your Father”Galatians 4:4–7We are not naturally children of God in relational sense, but enemiesWe are adopted through Christ’s redemption - God's grace makes former enemies into beloved children“No longer slaves, but sons” = full inheritance rightsIdentity is secured by grace, not performanceEven on bad days, we are not disownedSpirit enables “Abba, Father” prayer“Abba” = intimate, real relational address, even used by adult children for their dadsJesus himself uses this in GethsemaneEvery “Our Father” prayer is a gospel confession2. We come to him boldly Illustration: child (son) bringing soldier to Abraham LincolnHebrews 10:19–22 — confidence to enter the holy placeLord’s Prayer assumes boldness (imperative-like petitions):Hallowed be Your nameYour kingdom comeYour will be doneWe are not interrupting God—we are invited children3. We come to him calmly Contrast: pagan prayer = anxious repetitionJesus: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask” (Matthew 6:8)Children of a good father are not frantic for provisionAnxiety often reveals relational distrustKnowing the Father produces calm dependenceDiscussion Questions 1. When you pray, how do you typically address God? Dear God, Lord, Jesus ? Do you think it matters? Is there any advantage of directing our prayers specifically to "our Father?" 2. Recap how relating to God as Father shows us the gospel. 3. If someone has experienced a difficult relationship with an earthly father, would it be better to relate to God in some other way besides "Father?" 4. If the Father already knows our needs, why come to him in prayer? Questions? Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).