Category: Sermon Notes

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Ready! Aim! Hit the Target!

Scripture: I Thess. 1-Philemon

I. SPECIFIC TARGETS

Target #1: Faithful (work), loving (deeds), and enduring (hope).
Target #2: to be trusted and approved (servants).
Target #3: to be on the alert for the (coming of Christ).
Target #4: to be aware of (where we came from) and (who we are).
Target #5: to (stand firm) in the faith.
Target #6: (respect all people)-widows, elders, and slaves.
Target #7: live life (above reproach).
Target #8: be an (advocate) for others.

II. ARROWS TO GUIDE

Arrow #1: (Growing and overflowing) love (I Thess. 3:11-13)
Arrow #2: Be expectant of the (coming of Christ) (I Thess. 5:1-8)
Arrow #3: Allow (persecution) to form your testimony. (2 Th. 1:3-6)
Arrow #4: Stand strong on the (truth of the Word). (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Arrow #5: Rely on (God’s grace) not your (own efforts). (Titus 2:11-14)
Arrow #6: (Forgive) so you and others can move on. (Philemon)

Next week: In His Presence
Scripture: Hebrews 1 – 1 Peter 5

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Only the Weak Survive!

Scripture: 2 Cor. 10-Col. 4

I. WEAKNESS IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN (2 Cor.10-13)

“Weakness does not hinder God’s plan. It is an essential part of it.” PDT

Sayings to think about and apply:

• • • • • • “Feeling your emotions won’t kill you but ignoring them might.”
          • “Hurting people hurt people, but healing people heal people.”
          • “Asking for help is a sign of wisdom not weakness.”

II. WEAKNESS MEANS LIVING BY FAITH (Gal. 1-Eph.6)

Galatians and Ephesians have a core similarity: (FAITH)

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The crux of the matter: Gal. 3:11-14
               2. Christianity is not based on (earning God’s favor).

One passage that would be the “Ephesian story”: Eph. 2:8-9

III. WEAKNESS MEANS BEING LIKE JESUS (Phil. 2:5-11)

One quality of Jesus stands out: (Humility)

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. What the word “attitude” mean? (Imitate Jesus).
               2. Exhibit humility by not (giving up).
               3. Jesus is exhibiting an attitude of (selflessness).
               4. This is not the end: verses 9-11

Next week: Ready, Aim, Hit the Target!
Scripture: 1 Thess. – Philemon

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: The Power of the Gospel

Scripture: I Cor. 1-2 Cor. 9

I. BRINGS UNITY (I Cor. 1-4, 8-14))

One very powerful truth flows through I Corinthians: Paul’s desire for (unity). Unity is not (uniformity). Uniformity is (outward); unity is (inward).

He called them to forsake (divisions) because God is (one). He called them to forsake (sin) because God is (holy). He called them forsake (selfishness) because God is (loving).

II. BRINGS RESURRECTION (15)

“The most attested to fact in history” (McDowell)

III. BRINGS CLARITY (2 Cor. 1-9)

We saw earlier the problems plaguing the Corinthian church. The letter did not solve the problem. Another problem arose: (false teachers). Paul wrote this letter defending his (apostleship) against the false teachers, but also gave instructions on (how to face them) head
on.
My dream for OVCF: a church (united), one that (stands firm) on the Gospel and the resurrection
of Jesus, and offers (clarity) in an often confused world. Ultimate cherry on top:
2 Cor. 9:13-15

Next week: Only the Weak Survive!
Scripture: 2 Cor. 10-Col. 4

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: I Am Not Ashamed

Scripture: Romans 1-16

I. THE GOSPEL IS GOD-REVEALING (1)

The Gospel is the (saving power of God) in which the righteousness of God is revealed.

II. THE GOSPEL IS SIN-CONVICTING (2-3)

What we learn about God’s judgment:

1. It is based on (truth).
2. It does not allow for (exceptions).
3. It requires (repentance).

III. THE GOSPEL IS FAITH-RELIANT (4-6)

IV. THE GOSPEL IS HOPE-GIVING (7-11)

V. THE GOSPEL IS LIFE-ALTERING (12-16)

A changed life is:

1. A (cooperative) life.
2. A (sensitive) life.
3. A (respectful) life.
4. A (love-filled) life.
5. An (encouraging) life.
6. A (friend-filled) life.

Next week: The Power of the Gospel
Scripture: I Cor. 1- 2 Cor. 9

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: NEVER DONE

Scripture: John 9-Acts 6

There is an old saying that goes something like this: ‘A man’s work is from sun up to sun down, but a mother’s work is never done.’ Have you ever wished that your energy had no limits? In Acts, the central figure of the book is One who’s energy has no limits, who never stops working, who’s power and influence astounds, and who continually glorifies Christ, equips the saints and advances God’s Kingdom on earth: the Holy Spirit.

5 Indicators the Holy Spirit is Growing the Church:

1. 1. Serving with (Power)
   2. Suffering in (Faith)
   3. Sending (Messengers)
   4. Steeped in (Love)
   5. Sharing the Gospel (Boldly)

What kind of 29th chapter will you write? What kind of 29th chapter will we be?

Next week: I Am Not Ashamed
Scripture: Romans 1-16

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Real Power on Display

Scripture: John 9-Acts 6

I. THE POWER OF JESUS (John 9-21)

Chapter 9 has two incidents that show His power:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The man (born blind).
                  2. Revealing to the man (Who He was).

Chapter 10: Raising Lazarus (from the dead).
Chapter 13: Real power of (humility).

II.THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT (Acts 1-3)

The power of a (promise). Acts 1:4-5, 8.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. First actual mention is in John 14:15-17; 15:26-27.
                  2. What the Spirit is to do: John 16:5-15

II.THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT (Acts 1-3)

Three words to describe Peter: (bold, brash, boisterous).
“F” on his forehead could stand for (Failure) but also (Forgiven).

Next week: Pastor Ryan preaching
Scripture: John 9-Acts 6

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: The Impact of One Life

Scripture: Luke -19-John 8

I. LIVES CHANGED

5 people changed by Jesus:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Zacchaeus) Luke 19:1-9
               2. (Thief on the cross) Luke 23:39-43
               3. (Nicodemus) John 3:1-17; 20:38-39
               4. (Samaritan woman) John 4
               5. (Woman caught in adultery) John 8

II. TRUTH REVEALED

Examples of why lives were changed:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The shouts of (Hosanna) Lk. 19:28-40
               2. “I am (alive)! Lk. 24:13-34
               3. “I am (God)” John 1:1-4
               4. “I am the (Bread of Life)” John 6:22-51
               5. “I am the (Light of the World)” John 8:12

Next week: Real Power on Display
Scripture: John 9-Acts 6

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Jesus the Radical

Scripture: Luke 4-18

I. RADICAL LIFE

Luke 4: Jesus knew (why He came).

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. He was to preach the Good News to the (poor)
               2. He was to proclaim freedom to (captives).
               3. He was to provide recovery of sight to the (blind).
               4. He was to set the oppressed (free).

Luke 9: Jesus knew (who He was). Question to ask: Why did the disciples not know who Jesus
was?

II. HIS RADICAL TEACHINGS

Three ways Jesus’ teachings were radical:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Seeing (others clearly). (6:27-45; 18:15-17)
               2. Seeing (life purposefully). (12:22-33; 16:10-13)
               3. Seeing (yourself honestly). (15; 18:9-14,18-29)

Next week: The Impact of One Life
Scripture: Luke 19-John 8

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Yes or No-You Choose

Scripture: Mark 8-Luke 3

I.  SAY NO!

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Following Jesus is saying NO (to self). Mk 8:34-38
            2. The (self-centered) life must be put to death.
            3. The (safe) life must be put to death.
            4. The (self-serving) life must be put to death.
            5. Following Jesus is saying NO to (false satisfaction) Mk. 9:33-37; 10:41-45
            6. Following Jesus is saying NO to (falling asleep). Mk. 13:32-37

II. SAY YES!

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Following Jesus is saying YES to (surrender). Mk.9:14-24
            2. Following Jesus is saying YES to (humility). Mk.12:41-44
            3. Following Jesus is saying YES to (Jesus) Lk.1-3

Next week: Jesus the Radical
Scripture: Luke 4-18

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Keeping Things in Order

Scripture: Matthew 22-Mark 7

I.  FIGURING OUT PRIORITIES

Sometimes we allow the (urgent) to take the place of the (important).

What are to be our priorities?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. To establish a correct an ordered (relationship with Jesus)
               2. To love (our neighbor) correctly.

II. FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

Matthew 24-28 Jesus is speaking about the future and events:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Future events pertaining to (His coming).
               2. Future events pertaining to His (death, burial & resurrection).

III. FOLLOWING THE PROMISED ONE

“He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” –Leadership saying

A quick recap of Mark 1-7

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Chapter 1- Introduction of John, Jesus’ baptism and the first disciples
               • Chapter 2-Healing and the call of Matthew
               • Chapter 3- Listing of the disciples
               • Chapter 4-7- Like a highlight reel of Jesus’ work and teachings

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though
they stumble, they will never fail, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23

Next week:  Yes or No-You Choose
Scripture: Mark 8-Luke 3