Category: Sermon Notes

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Guardian

Scripture: John 10:6-10/ John 4:46-54

I. THE GUARDIAN’S PURPOSE

The words the serpent said to Eve (Did God really say that?) sound eerily familiar to words he
uses today: “Did God really say this or that (sin is wrong)?”

Characteristics of sheep:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Uncreative)
               2. Will follow (trodden-down paths) toward desolate places
               3. Prone to (wander)
               4. (Timid) and (stubborn)
               5. Utterly (defenseless)

II. THE GUARDIAN’S PURPOSE TESTED

A couple of (somewhat random) thoughts:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Prayer is difficult when we know (God can heal), but He sometimes doesn’t (this side of heaven).
               2. If a miracle does happen, that miracle is to (point to Him) and encourage us (to trust Him).
               3. If I truly believe that Jesus is the Gate/Door and He (protects and leads) me, then how can I not see that in tough times as well as the good?

• • • • Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
        Sermon: The Watcher
        Scripture: John 10:11-14/John 5:1-17

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: Flip the Switch!

Scripture: John 8:12/ John 9:1-41

I. DOUBLE BLINDEDNESS (John 9)

Several different things going on:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The (disciples) ask a question.
            2. The miracles causes (confusion).

II.FLIPPING THE SWITCH (John 9; John 8:12)

The days of Isaiah were dark days. Solomon’s temple was not the scene of worship but (corruption). The kings led the people into (injustice) and down the wrong path. They ignored (the prophets). Their hearts were (dark) and their future looked equally dark.

Out of that darkness comes a word of light. [Isaiah 9:2, 6-7] [Ps.27:1]

“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

• • • • Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
        Sermon: The Guardian
        Scripture: John 10:6-10/ John 4:46-54

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: Show, Then Tell

Scripture: John 6: 35, 48, 51/ John 6:1-15

I. SHOW ME (John 6:1-15)

According to John 2:11 a miracles was to reveal His (divine glory).

II. TELL ME! (John 6:22-59)

“There is a God-shaped vacuum in each of that only God can fill.” Augustine

“The only way to live is to eat the bread of life.” 3 truths we need to see:

• • • • • • • God gives bread to those (who are hungry). The act of feeding the 5000 hearkens back
              to Ex. 16:14-15.
            • Only God’s bread (can give life). Jesus confronts the emptiness inside us. See verses 27, 33, 40, 47, 51, and 58.

        The bread Jesus offers gives two things:

        1. It makes a person (spiritually alive).
        2. After you die physically, you (live forever).

        • • • • • •    We must eat bread (to live).

        Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
        Sermon: Flip the Switch
        Scripture: John 8:12/ John 9:1-41

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: Still the ONE!

Scripture: John 1:1-15; 6:68-69; Heb. 1:1-14

I. INTRODUCING “THE ONE” (John 1:1-15; 6:68-69)

The clear testimony of Scripture is that Jesus of Nazareth is more than a good man or a wise rabbi; Jesus Christ is (the Son of God).
No matter how far back we go, there we will find the (preincarnate Son of God) already existing.

II. THE SUPERIORITY OF “THE ONE” (Hebrews 1:1-14)

One consistency about Hebrews: the (supremacy of Christ) over all things.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Over (all created things).
               2. Over the (OT covenant).
               3. Over (Moses).

Why is Christ superior?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Because He is the (heir of all things). (verse 2)
               2. Because He is the (creator of all things). (verse 2b; Jn. 1:3)
               3. Because He is the (radiance of God’s glory). (verse 3-4)

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: Show, Then Tell
Scripture: John 6:35, 48, 51/ John 6:1-15

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Looking Ahead

Scripture: 2 Peter- Revelation 22

I. GROWING IN FAITH (2 Peter)

How can we be prepared?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Become (like Christ). (1:3-4)
               2. Keep (expanding). (1:5-9)
               3. Pay attention to (Scripture). (1:12-20)

II. GROWING IN LOVE (I John-Jude)

There needs to be balance between (truth and love).
Our desire should not be (to win an argument) but to win (a disciple).

III. GROWING IN ANTICIPATION (Revelation)

No one knows when Jesus will return. What we must stand on is He (promised) that He will return.
Each day we live brings us closer to His coming. Closing thoughts:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. No story ends (more gloriously) than the biblical story.
               2. Our hope in this life and the one to come was secured in the (ultimate battle) that took
                  place at the birth of Jesus.
               3. As a child of God you will one day stand (blameless before the Lamb).
               4. There is a time coming when everything sin (has broken) will be (made new again).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: Still the ONE!
Scripture: John 1:1-15; 6:68-69; Hebrews 1:1-14

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: In His Presence

Scripture: Hebrews-I Peter

I. THE REALITY OF HIS PRESENCE (Hebrews)

Important lessons to learn:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Just hearing) the message was not enough. We also need to allow it to (penetrate
                  deeply) within us.
               2. The bulk of Hebrews deals with the (greatness of Jesus) and the (inability of the Law) to
                  do what He did.
               3. Access to the presence of God is (by faith not works).

Summarized:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. He understands.
               2. He is our confidence.
               3. He is our focus

II. THE RECOGNITION OF HIS PRESENCE (James-I Peter)

How can I recognize God’s presence?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. In our (trials). (James 1:2-18)
               2. In our (daily walk). (3; 4:4-10)
               3. In our (hunger and thirst). (I Peter 1:18-2:3)
               4. In our (relationships). (3:1-12)
               5. In our (alertness) (5:5-10)

Next week: Looking Ahead
Scripture: 2 Peter 1-Revelation 22

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