Category: Sermon Notes

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Taking God at His Word

Scripture: Psalm 108-145

(169 of the 176) verses make some reference to the Word of God.
It uses words like (laws),(statutes), (commandments), and others.

I. THE CHALLENGE PRESENTED

II. THE CHALLENGE ENABLED

Until you know the (importance of God’s Word) and unless you are willing to (take God at His
Word) all the rest won’t matter.

First question: What should I believe about the Word of God?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. God’s Word is (true). (vv.42, 142)
               2. God’s Word demands what is (right). (v.75)
               3. God’s Word provides what is (good). (vv.98-100)

Second question: What should I feel about the Word of God?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. He (delights) in it.
               2. He (desires) it.
               3. He (depends) on it.

Third question: What should I do with the Word of God?

Various Scriptures to read and remember: Ps. 119: 9, 11, 18, 37, 105, 89

Next week: Wise Advice
Scripture: Psalm 146-Proverbs 18

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: We are Being Watched!

Scripture: Psalm 78-107

I. BY OUTSIDERS (78-79, 96-102)

Two things we can learn from Psalm 78:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. We must learn (from the past)
               2. We must instruct (our children).

Asaph echoes Deut. 6:4-6

Psalm 101:1-4- Integrity is when there is no gap between (what we say we believe) and our
(actions, reactions, and responses).

II. BY AN INSIDER (80-95, 103-107)

Psalm 80:14-19 shows God uses (different means) to (get our attention), (change our focus),
(change our lives), and to turn us in the (right direction).

God will not (stop pursuing) us. We can run but we can’t hide. Ps. 84:1-4, 10-12

Want to know what God thinks of you? Ps. 89:1-2, 6-8, 13-18

“For many of us, a dangerous gap lies between what we say we believe and how we live.” (PDT-
June 26-p.222)

A person cannot recognize the awesome, magnificent, expansive, unending greatness of God
without seeing nothing compares to it.

Next week: Taking God at His Word
Scripture: Psalm 108-145

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: What to Pray For

Scripture: Psalm 40-77

I. A HEART THAT LONGS FOR GOD (42,66-69)

What is Psalm 42 about? A (longing for God) to fill us; to (erase the vacuum) that lives there.

“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any
created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” Pascal

II. A HEART THAT SEEKS PURITY (51)

Several thoughts stand out to me:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The (raw exposure) of David’s heart and soul
               2. He gives (no excuses) for his actions.
               3. He asks God (to do a work in his heart).
               4. Notice what was missing: (JOY).

III. A HEART THAT TRUSTS (62,73)

No matter who you are, we are all putting (our trust in something).

“To hear God’s voice, turn down the world’s volume.”

Psalm 62→ making God our (only object) of trust.

Psalm 73 concludes with two thoughts:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. A new awareness of (God’s presence) flowed into him.
               2. The wicked will (perish), but the righteous will (flourish).

Next week: We are Being Watched!
Scripture: Psalm 78-107

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: A Godly Man

Scripture: Job 21-42

I. A GODLY MAN LISTENS (Elijah)

Takeaway: Listening to God is often complicated, sometime easy. Stop to listen.

II. A GODLY MAN SEEKS JUSTICE (Amos)

Takeaway: Life seems unfair. Real men don’t seek revenge. Let God be the Judge.

III. A GODLY MAN PRAYS (Elisha)

Takeaway: Pray for a hedge around your family.

IV. A GODLY MAN TRUSTS (Jehoshaphat)

Takeaway: Trust God for direction and wisdom in times of indecision.

V. A GODLY MAN HAS A REAL FAITH (S, M, A)

Takeaway: Real faith stands its ground-it won’t bend, bow, or break.

VI. A GODLY MAN EXPERIENCES FORGIVENESS (Peter)

Takeaway: Forgiveness is for all, but for the godly man it is essential.

VII. A GODLY MAN LEARNS PATIENCE (Psalm 37:1-9)

Takeaway: Following Jesus is a challenge. Take the commitment seriously.

Next week: What to Pray For
Scripture: Psalm 40-77

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Why?

Scripture: Job 21-42

There are three kinds of people:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Those facing problems now.
               2. Those who have just faced problems
               3. Those about to face problems

I. AN EARTHLY PERSPECTIVE

Zophar’s cockeyed logic:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The wicked don’t (live long) (20:4-11)
                  2. The wicked always (suffer calamity) (20:12-19)
                  3. (Death) falls hard on the wicked (20:20-29)

Earthly attempts to understand fall short:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Eliphaz claims (special revelation).
                  2. Bildad uses (history and tradition).
                  3. Zophar uses his (“wisdom”).

II. A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE

Elihu reminds Job of God’s (justice). He reminds Job of God’s (power).

Four applications:

• • • • • • • We never know what God (planned for us).
            • Having a (vertical perspective) is must better than a horizontal one.
            • Take your cue (from God not man).
            • Trust the God who is (always in charge).

Next week: week: A Godly Man
Scripture: Psalm 1-39

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: When All Seems Lost

Scripture: Esther 6-Job 20

Understanding God is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack

I. GOD’S INTERVENTION IN ESTHER

The key verse of Esther: 4:17

While Xerxes could not rescind the order of the annihilation of the Jews, he did write a decree that (allowed them to defend themselves).

Chapter 9- Observation of the (Feast of Purim).

II. GOD’S INTEREST IN JOB

First challenge of Satan- Chapter 1
Second challenge of Satan- Chapter 2

Three cycles of speeches by his “friends.”

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Chapters 4-14
               2. Chapters 15-21
               3. Chapters 22-31

First cycle: Eliphaz assumes (Job’s suffering is God’s discipline) for his sin. Bildad and Zophar are
“same song, second verse.”

Second cycle: More of same drivel only (more vicious).

How about us?

1. 1. 1. 1. We can come off as (opinionated and judgmental).
         2. Until we have experienced the same, let’s (keep our mouth shut).
         3. Be careful of (pat answers) and (pat words).

Next week: Job 21-42

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: God is Still Working

Scripture: Ezra 1-Esther 5

I. EZRA- The priest who brought a fresh start

4 lessons to learn from Ezra:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Ezra firmly resolved to (study the Law) (7:10)
               2. Ezra (depended) on God. (8:21)
               3. Ezra refused to (compromise). (9:1-4)
               4. Ezra wanted (confession and separation). (10:11)

II. NEHEMIAH-The cupbearer who built a wall

While Ezra is in charge of the (spiritual lives), Nehemiah dons a (construction hat).
Nehemiah faces fierce opposition:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Temple storage used for (personal possessions). (13:6,8-9)
               2. People stopped (tithing). 13:10-14
               3. Working on the (Sabbath). (15-22)
               4. (Intermarrying). (v.25)

III. ESTHER-The queen who saved a nation

4 principles we can learn from Esther:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Waiting on God) is better than a bull in a china shop.
               2. If someone is unpredictable or unreasonable, allow God (time to work).
               3. If the situation is unpleasant, trust God by (being patient).
               4. If the enemy has no scruples, don’t (go down) to their level. Ask God for (courage) to
                  stand your ground with (integrity).

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: When All Seems Lost
Scripture: Esther 6-Job 20

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Not From Concentrate

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 13 – 36

Not From Concentrate

“The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the Lord?’ The judges ignored me, the rulers turned against me, and
the prophets spoke in the name of Baal, WASTING THEIR TIME ON NONSENSE.” (Jer 2:8 NLT)

FIVE TAKEAWAYS:

1. 1. 1. 1. As the (leaders go), so go the people.
         2. When we stray, it’s (time to repent).
         3. Learn to (delight) in the LORD [Sandwiched in the middle of the list because it should be CENTRAL!]
         4. Hope in the LORD, no matter (what the odds). Trust in Him, (not in yourself).
         5. Discerning the Lord’s will is not always easy because he often uses (unlikely and unusual)
            instruments to advance his eternal mission of grace. [PDT]

Where in your life are you concerning yourself with “lesser” things while the most important things suffer
from the lack of your attention? Where are you distracted from what matters most?

Which of these five takeaways was for you today?

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: A Godly Woman!

Scripture: I Chron. 18-2 Chron. 12

I. A GODLY WOMAN…

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Prays) Hannah- I Sam. 1:1-18; 2:1-11
               Takeaway: It is easy to quit. Don’t. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t stop praying.
            2. Receives and Gives (Grace)- Samaritan Woman- John 4
               Takeaway: She was shown and given grace and wanted to be the one who gives it. The
               testimony you have to share may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
            3. (Worships) with Passion- Mary of Bethany- John 12:1-8
               Takeaway: Worship involves two people-you and God. Focus on Him not on what others
               think.
            4. Leaves a (godly legacy)- Rahab/Ruth- Matthew 1:5
               Takeaway: We never know who will cross our path. God leads people into our lives to
               change us so we can a part of the change as well and lead others to Him.
            5. Exhibits (humility)- Abigail- I Sam. 25
               Takeaway: Abigail’s quick thinking averted a tragedy in David’s life. She boldly humbled
               herself and placed herself at the mercy of David.
            6. Stands (hopeful)- Woman caught in adultery- John 8/ woman with illness- Mk. 5
               Takeaway: The one’s hope lies in the forgiveness of Jesus. Nothing you have done is beyond
               His forgiveness. The other’s lies in the promise of Jesus. She held fast to the promise of
               healing and it was granted.
            7. Gives (glory to God)- Deborah- Judges 4-5
               Takeaway: Deflect any glory from yourself and direct it to the One who is truly worthy of it
               all: God.

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: Pastor Ryan East preaching

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Simple Words-Lifetime Lessons

Scripture: 2 Kings 20-I Chronicles 17

“Those who can’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” Santayana

I. THERE AND BACK AGAIN

This Scripture depicts a resurgence of spiritual things, then a falling away, and then a
resurgence:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The resurgence begins with (Hezekiah).
                  2. The falling away begins with (Manasseh), his son.
                  3. The resurgence happens under 8 year old (Josiah).

1. 1. II. DAVID’S DIVINE MISSION

Lessons from I Chronicles 10:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Our hope is not in our (zeal for God), but in God being a (promise-keeping) God.
                  2. We should be thankful that woven into the gospel message is the promise of (fresh starts) and (new beginning).
                  3. God’s plans are not ours; hold yours (loosely).

Three ideas come into play (Chapters 11-17):

• • • • • • 1. God’s plan/David’s men.
               • When God calls you, he supplies (everything you need) to answer his call.
            2. God’s promises/David’s thanks.
               • David gave (credit where credit was due) because he knew there was no way he could take credit for what was accomplished.
            3. God’s judgment/David’s repentance.
               • David refused to give (second best) to a God who had given him the best, in this case, a second chance.

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: An Excellent (Godly) Woman! 
Scripture: I Chronicles18-2 Chronicles 12