Advertise on podcast: Pastor Simons’ Simple Sermons

Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God, yet our own attitudes and desires can hinder it. In James 4:1–3, we find two obstacles that can affect our prayer lives: neglecting to pray and praying with selfish motives. As we begin examining the hindrances to prayer, we are reminded that God invites us to depend on Him, bring our needs before Him, and seek what pleases Him rather than simply pursuing our own desires.

How should Christ's coming judgment seat influence how we live today? In this message, we consider three ways to prepare for Christ's evaluation: aim to please Him, build with lasting quality, and expect His evaluation of our lives and service. Although salvation is by grace through faith, our service matters to the Lord. Discover how the certainty of standing before Christ should shape our priorities, guide our service, and encourage us to remain faithful in the work He has entrusted to us.

In Matthew 9:35–38, Jesus sees the crowds as sheep without a shepherd and recognizes that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. In this message, we consider how we can participate in God’s work of reaching people with the gospel by following Christ’s example, sharing His compassion, and praying for laborers. As we consider Jesus’ ministry to Israel and the application of these principles to the church today, we are challenged to look beyond ourselves, recognize the spiritual needs around us, and be willing to serve in the work God has entrusted to us.

Romans 5:6–11 reminds us of the remarkable love of God: while we were still helpless, ungodly, and sinners, Christ died for us. In this message, we consider why Christians can rejoice in what Christ has done—He died for us, reconciled us to God, and gives us reason to rejoice in God. Our salvation rests not on our worthiness or works, but on the gracious work of Christ on our behalf.

This week's Guest Speaker challenges us to be wary of how our enemy, the devil, operates. He also reminds us that the Lord is on our side, giving us His Word, discernment, and forgiveness when we stumble.

What should biblical truth about Israel change about the way Christians treat Jewish people? It should change more than our theology. It should shape how we think, pray, speak, and love. From Genesis 12, Psalm 122, and Romans 11, this message considers three responsibilities: think biblically, pray faithfully, and love humbly. The gospel calls Christians to reject prejudice and pride while seeking the good and salvation of the Jewish people through Jesus Christ.

Has the church replaced Israel? In Matthew 21:33–46, Jesus speaks of judgment upon Israel’s leaders, but does this mean that God has permanently rejected Israel and transferred His promises to the church? This message examines replacement theology in light of Scripture, showing the distinction between judgment and replacement, Israel and the church, and present circumstances and God’s enduring promises. It also considers the importance of interpreting biblical promises according to their historical context and allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. Ultimately, our confidence rests in the faithfulness of God, who keeps His promises.

Israel’s present unbelief raises an important question: Has God rejected the people He chose and to whom He gave His promises? In Romans 9–11, Paul answers that question by showing that Israel’s election, present unbelief, and future restoration all fit within God’s sovereign purposes. In this sermon, we consider how God’s sovereignty helps us understand Israel’s present condition and gives us confidence that His promises have not failed. Rather than judging God’s faithfulness by what we presently see, we are called to trust the God whose gifts and calling are irrevocable. God wants us to recognize His sovereignty over Israel and trust His purposes.

In the opening sermon of the series God’s Program for Israel, we examine the biblical foundation for understanding Israel’s place in God’s purposes. Beginning with God’s call of Abraham, we consider Israel’s distinct identity, God’s covenant program, and Israel’s role among the nations. Israel was not chosen because of its size, strength, or righteousness. God sovereignly chose Israel and set the nation apart for His purposes. Through Israel, God revealed His Word, testified to His character, brought forth the Messiah, and provided blessing to the nations. Understanding these foundational truths is essential for interpreting the rest of Scripture faithfully and for approaching questions about Israel according to what God has revealed rather than according to our assumptions or circumstances.

God keeps His promises. In Galatians 3:15–18, Paul explains why believers can have confidence in what God has said. His promises are not temporary or subject to cancellation, nor do they depend upon human performance. They are established by God, preserved through the unfolding of His revelation, and secured by His grace. This message examines the faithfulness of God and calls us to trust His Word even when circumstances change or we cannot yet see how His purposes will be fulfilled.

In a world filled with competing voices and claims about truth, how can Christians recognize what is true and guard against spiritual deception? In 2 Peter 1:19–2:3, Peter points believers to the sure and authoritative Word of God. Scripture provides reliable guidance in a spiritually dark world, comes from God through the work of the Holy Spirit, and exposes the false teaching that seeks to lead God's people astray. In this sermon, we consider how believers can stand firm by paying attention to Scripture, trusting its divine authority, testing teaching against its truth, and examining the fruit of those who teach. God's people do not have to navigate spiritual darkness by their own wisdom. God has given us His Word as a sure foundation.

In Acts 6:1–7, the early church faced a practical problem that threatened its unity: some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The apostles responded by involving the congregation and appointing qualified, godly servants to meet the need. In "Serving the Body Well," we examine how the church serves faithfully by meeting needs with wisdom, fulfilling the ministries God has entrusted to us, and advancing the mission of the gospel together. Acts 6 reminds us that ministry is not the responsibility of pastors or a select few. Christ has designed His church so that every believer has a part to play. As we seek to be About the Father's Business, we are challenged to serve faithfully wherever God has placed us, strengthening the body of Christ and removing obstacles to the advance of the gospel.

Many Christians view ministry as the responsibility of pastors, missionaries, or church leaders. But in Ephesians 4:11–16, Paul presents a different picture. Christ has designed His church so that leaders equip believers, believers serve one another, and the entire body grows together in unity, maturity, and love. In this message, we'll discover three ways Christ equips every believer to serve and see how each member plays a vital role in building up the body of Christ. Whether you've wondered where you fit in the church or how God intends to use you, this passage reminds us that Christ is actively building His church through the faithful service of His people.

After completing a verse-by-verse journey through the book of Hebrews, this concluding message steps back to view the epistle as a whole. Following a public reading of Hebrews, this sermon traces the book's four major movements, highlighting Christ's superior person, His perfect priesthood and sacrifice, the call to persevere in faith, and the practical outworking of faithful Christian living. Above all, Hebrews reminds us that Jesus Christ is better in every way, and because He is better, believers are called to hold fast, draw near, and persevere in faith until the end.

As the book of Hebrews comes to its conclusion, the author leaves believers with more than a farewell. His final words remind us how God enables His people to persevere in the faith. Through the prayers of His people, the sustaining work of our Great Shepherd, and the encouragement of His Word and the fellowship of the church, God provides everything we need to stand firm. In this concluding message from Hebrews, we will see that perseverance is not achieved by human determination but by God's grace at work in and among His people. Join us as we consider the final exhortations of Hebrews and are encouraged to stand firm until the end.