Category: Sermon Notes

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: The Scoop on Sin

Scripture: Leviticus 5-23

We all have a common enemy: (S-I-N)

“Sin leaves each of us guilty” Tripp

I.  SLAVE TO SIN (Chapters 5-13)

Some of us live in (denial). Some of us live in (excuse-land). Some of us live in (blame-land).

Truth is: no matter what land we live in (guilt) will always visit.

What is essential in all sin is the (confession of guilt).

Acknowledging our sin and guilt makes it possible for (cleansing).

What Aaron learned; what the people learned is that God (takes sin seriously).

II. SURRENDER TO HOLINESS (Chapter 14-23)

What does holiness mean? It comes from the Greek word that means (to be set apart).

Holiness is not a (thing we do), an (act we perform) or the (way we dress). Holiness is a (state of
the heart) in relation to God.

We are (called to be holy) because (God is holy).

THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: Justice or Mercy?
Scripture: Leviticus 24-Numbers 10

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: In the Presence of the Lord

Scripture: Exodus 25-Leviticus 4

“Everybody knows the secret/Everybody knows the score/I have finally found a place to live/Oh in the presence of the Lord.” (Blind Faith-1969)

I. A PROMISE

Significant phrase: “So I can live among them.”

An important truth: God pours out His love on His people not because of (what is in them), but
because of what (is in Him).

God wanted His Tabernacle to communicate two things:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. His (unapproachable holiness)
               2. The mercy of (His forgiveness)

II. THE BREACH

“Sin will take you farther than you ever wanted to go, cost you more than you ever wanted to pay,  and keep you longer than you ever wanted to stay.”

III. THE REPAIR

Several important events:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Discussion between (God and Moses)
               2. The people’s response to (God’s strong words)
               3. Moses’ (daily practice).
               4. Moses’ (request).
               5. New (tablets) and new (instructions).

THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: The Scoop on Sin
Scripture: Leviticus 5-23

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Do You Really Know God?

Scripture: Exodus 4-24

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because
by it I see everything else.” C.S. Lewis

I. GOD CALLS

The book of Exodus opens with the people of Israel in (extreme misery). Key verse: Ex. 1:8

“God calls us to represent Him in this fallen world not because we are able but because He is.” (PDT- January 19th )

II. GOD ACTS

There are two examples of God acting;

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The (plagues).
               2. The (Passover Feast).

“No story is more humbling, more beautiful, and more hope-instilling than the biblical story of
redemption” (PDT-Jan 20)

III. GOD PROVIDES

3 ways God provided:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. God provided (safe passage)
               2. God provided (needed essentials)
               3. God provided (rest)

THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: In the Presence of the Lord
Scripture: Exodus 25-Leviticus 4

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Scripture: Genesis 35-Exodus 3

I. THE FOUNDATION IS LAID

The foundation for Joseph’s future is laid out in Genesis 37. A series of (dreams) not only
foretold his future but put his (father and brothers) on edge.

Joseph had two dreams:

1. Bundles in a field all (bowing down) to him.
2. The sun, moon and stars all bowed down. This included his (father).

II. LIFE IN THE PITS

Joseph’s life reads like a screenplay in four acts:

1. (Treachery)- 37:18-36
2. (Temptation)- 39:1-18
3. (Disappointment)- 39:19-40:23
4. (Forgiveness or Bitterness)- 41:1-45:15

The conclusion to Joseph’s story is found in chapters 46-50. The story of the people of God
continues into Exodus.

An important takeaway: Genesis 50:19-21. Compare to Romans 8:28

THEME: Burning Hearts
Next week: Do You Really Know God?
Scripture: Exodus 4-24

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

TITLE: Two Recipes

Scripture: Genesis 16-34

I.  A RECIPE FOR DISASTER

Genesis 16: Abram’s recipe for disaster

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1.  God’s promise- Genesis 15:4-5
               2. Abram’s decision- Genesis 16
               3.  A house divided (even today)- Isaac (Jewish nation)/Ishmael (Arab nation)

Another bad decision: Genesis 20

There is (nothing) God cannot do when He has made a (promise).

II.  THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

“So much of our fear, discouragement, anxiety, and worry is the result of underestimating what God is willing and able to do.” PDT (January 6)

Genesis 21:1 is loaded. See also Eccl. 3:11 and Gal. 4:4

Abraham’s supreme test: Genesis 22

For your information: The name Jacob means (supplanter or deceiver).

Closing verse to consider: Isaiah 55:8-9

THEME: Burning Hearts
NEXT WEEK: Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Scripture: Genesis 35-Exodus 3

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

TITLE: Just the Facts

Scripture: Genesis 1-15

I. JUST THE FACTS

“God doesn’t wait long to reveal the biblical narrative. The whole story is in compressed from in the first three chapters of Genesis.” Tripp (January 1)

Three foundational themes:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. There is a God of (incalculable glory).
               2. (Sin) is the ultimate human tragedy.
               3. A (Savior) will come, crush the power of evil, and provide (redemption) for His people.

II. RANDOM TRUTHS TO EMBRACE

Three random truths we must believe:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Redemption) is possible. Simply put redemption means (to buy back).
               2. (Idol worship) is not a thing of the past. The greatest idol we face is the idol of (self). (Human pride) always stands in opposition to God’s standard of humility.
               3. (God’s covenant) makes all the difference. A covenant is an agreement (between two parties). In chapter 8 He makes a covenant with (Noah). In chapter 12 He makes one with (Abraham).

Hope comes from having a (covenant relationship) with God.

THEME: Burning Hearts
NEXT WEEK: Two Recipes
Scripture: Genesis 16-34

Jo & Vicki: Final slide (instead of Numbers) No matter how much we know the Bible, no matter how long we have known the Lord, no matter how intelligent you are in spiritual matters, no matter how many facts you know, no matter how spiritually mature you may think you are, WE ALL RELY ON GOD’S TRANSFORMING GRACE. Be grateful you were included in that grace and accepted His offer. If you haven’t, why wait?

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

TITLE: A Heart on Fire

Scripture: Luke 24:13-24; 2 Peter 1:16-21

I.  THE SETTING

The setting for this morning and the series is Luke 24: the appearance of Jesus to the two men on (the road to Emmaus).

II. THE BASIS FOR BURNING HEARTS

To have our heart burn within us, it starts with (trusting and loving) not only Jesus, but also the
(words) about Him.

Turn to 2 Peter 1:16-21. What must we stand on?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The Bible is a (reliable collection) of (historical documents).
                  2. God’s Word is (infallible).
                  3. God’s Word is (inerrant). Pr. 30:5
                  4. God’s Word is (authoritative). Is. 1:2
                  5. God’s Word is (effective). Is. 55:10-11

THEME: Burning Hearts
NEXT WEEK: Just the Facts
Scripture: Genesis 1-15

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: From Start to Finish

TITLE: See and Tell

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20; Mt. 2:1-12

I.   SURPRISED AND HUNGRY

The leader of the Roman world was Caesar Augustus. Augustus meant (of the gods) or
the (holy and revered one).

Christmas reminds us that what is important in heaven is often (unimportant) on earth.

Three thoughts to wrap up their reaction:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. They (believed)
               2. They were (awed)
               3. They (announced).

II.  SURPRISED AND HUMBLED

Verse 3 tells us Herod was deeply disturbed, as was everyone else. Why? Because Herod was a
(ruthless killer) when angry.

A distinct difference between these wise men and Herod. The wise men (searched); Herod was
(hostile).

Scholars have said the gifts were important. Gold fit for a (king); frankincense for (worship); and
myrrh for a (burial).

Christmas is all about (worship). How is it seen in the players of this story?

THEME: Burning Hearts
NEXT WEEK: A Heart on Fire 
Scripture: Luke 23:13-34; 2 Peter 1:16-21

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: From Start to Finish

TITLE: Live Life on Purpose

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, 26-38, 46-55, 67-79

I.  BRINGING HOPE TO THE BROKEN

Some facts to know:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Israel was in a downward spiral of (400 years).
               2. (Herod) was the ruler.
               3. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were from (priestly families).

The lineage of Jesus tells us the story of (grace).

“The message of Christmas is not about manufacturing sentimental feelings in vain
hopes of a miracle. It’s about believing the reality that God has birthed something new
in Jesus and because of this, God will birth something new in you and me.” Dan Darling

Factor in Zechariah’s song which stand out:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. His praise and remembrance of the (covenant of David).
               2. His praise continues with reference to the (covenant with Abraham).
               3. Verses 76-79 focuses on (John).

II. BRINGING LOVE TO THE LEAST

Mary was a godly woman living in a (godless place).
Mary was willing to (surrender), even though it was scary & unknown

Mary’s song shows us:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The (attitude) needed for worship.
               2. The (object) of worship.
               3. The (reasons) for worship.

THEME: Run with the Horses
SERIES: From Start to Finish
NEXT WEEK: See and Tell 
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20; Matt. 2:1-12

2024 THEME: Run with the Horses

SERIES: From Start to Finish

TITLE: Say it is So!

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; 9:2-7

I. A TWISTED FAMILY TREE

Matthew is cramming (2000 years) of Bible history into 16 verses!

Family trees did not include women. Jesus’ includes 5:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Tamar)- pretended to be a prostitute
               2. (Rahab)- a harlot in Jericho
               3. (Ruth)- a Moabitess (hated enemy of the Jewish nation
               4. (Bathsheba)- an adulteress
               5. (Mary)- a pregnant teenage girl

The lineage of Jesus tells us the story of (grace).

II.  SAY IT IS SO!

The names of Isaiah 9:6:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Wonderful- Takes care of the (dullness of life).
               2. Counselor- Takes care of the (decisions of life).
               3. Mighty God- Takes care of the (demands of life).
               4. Everlasting Father- Takes care of the (future of life).
               5. Prince of Peace- Takes care of the (disturbances of life).

THEME: Run with the Horses
SERIES: From Start to Finish
NEXT WEEK: Live Life on Purpose
Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, 26-38, 46-55, 67-79