Category: Sermon Notes

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Sin-Laden Savior

Scripture: Various Scripture for each thought

I. WHY IS IT CALLED THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST?

What is passion? Why was His passion unique?

1. More than a mere (human).
2. He was (innocent).

What is not important is who killed Jesus. What IS IMPORTANT is that He (chose to die).
The death of Jesus is the doorway to most fantastic part of the story: (the resurrection).

II. WHAT DID IT ACCOMPLISH?

6 reasons for the death of Jesus:

1. To absorb the (wrath of God). Romans 3:23-25
2. For the (forgiveness of sin). Eph. 1:7
3. To become a (ransom for many). Mk. 10:45
4. To (reconcile us) to God. 2 Cor. 5:17-19
5. To take away our (condemnation). Rom. 8:34
6. To free us from the (slavery of sin). Heb.13:12 and Rev. 1:5-6

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: The Surprising Savior
Scripture: John 19:38-20:10

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Sold-Out Savior

Scripture: Various Scripture

Two Failures, Two Roads — Peter’s Denial and Judas’s Betrayal Text:
Matthew 26:69–75; Matthew 27:1–5; Luke 22:31–32

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see… Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace has
brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”~ John Newton (1725-1807)

1. 1. Peter’s Denial: Failure Out of Fear (Matthew 26:33)
   2. Judas’s Betrayal: Failure Out of a Hardened Heart (Matthew 27:1-5)
   3. Both Men Felt Remorse (Luke 22:26, Matthew 27:5)
   4. Peter Turned Toward Jesus (Luke 22:31–32)
   5. Judas Turned Away in Despair (Matthew 27:3-5)
   6. The Danger of Despair (Romans 5:20)
   7. Warning and Hope

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: The Sin-Laden Savior
Scripture: Various Scripture for each thought

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Sorrowful Savior

Scripture: Mt. 26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42; Lk. 22:39-46

I. SORROW EXPRESSED

Whenever we read the Gospels, I think it is sometimes easy to forget the (humanity) of Jesus.

Mark tells us Jesus was “deeply troubled and distressed.” The word “deeply troubled” is the
word (stricken with terror or awe). “Distressed” suggests He was (uncomfortable or ill-at-ease).

II. SUBMISSION EXTENDED

The picture of Jesus given here is not a picture of (serenity) but of (deep grief), of heart-piercing
agony.

We are often faced with moments when we must decide. Some are easy to make, but some are
extremely tough and call for a reckoning. 3 thoughts:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. We all face (moments of decision).
                  2. There comes a point when we must release (our will) and (accept His).
                  3. Accepting God’s will over our own, leaves us ready to (face whatever is coming).

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: The Sold-Out Savior
Tom Mangia preaching (Tom is one of our elders)

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Sacrificing Savior

Scripture: I Cor. 11:17-34

I. SETTING THE SCENE

By instruction and example Jesus instituted two ordinances: (baptism) and the (Lord’s Supper). These ordinances are not (electives). They are for all who believe in Jesus and want to follow Him faithfully.

SETTING THE SCENES:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Scene #1: Jesus with His disciples in the (Upper Room). (Mt. 26) They are celebrating the (Feast of Passover) and the (Feast of Unleavened Bread).
                  2. Scene #2: Paul and the church at (Corinth). (I Cor. 11) Paul is not (praising) them but (chastising) them. The word divisions is the word (schisms) which literally means a tearing or cutting. The factions were so strong, they were not only (disruptive), but also (destructive).

II. FINDING THE MEANING

In Matthew’s account many misunderstand “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” It is not to be taken literally but to realize the bread (represents His body) and the wine (represents His own blood).

Breaking down I Corinthians 11:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The (purpose) is found in verses 23-26.
                  2. The (preparation) is found in verses 27-34. “Unworthy” (KJV) vs “unworthy manner”
                  3. The (plea) is found in verses 28-30.

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: The Sorrowful Savior
Scripture: Mt.26:36-46; Mk. 14:32-42; Lk. 22:39-46

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Suffering Savior

Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

The road to Easter is paved through the (Old Testament). The death of Jesus was not a (last
minute thing). It didn’t catch the Father or the Son (off guard). Nor was the road an (easy one).

I. CHRIST REPULSIVE

There are 4 “Servant Songs” in Isaiah. In this one we learn (why) the Servant suffered.

II. CHRIST REJECTED

It is hard to see how people could (reject) the Messiah. Why did they?

1. His pedigree was (unimpressive).
2. His (physical appearance) was unimpressive.
3. The ultimate (consequence).

III. CHRIST REDEMPTIVE

In verse 4 everything changes. The people thought something was wrong (with Him)-that He had done something to deserve God’s judgment.

Jesus Christ became our (redeemer).

Reference I Peter 2:21-24

The million dollar term used for all we have been talking about is (substitutionary atonement)

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: The Sacrificing Savior
Scripture: I Cor. 11:17-34

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: SEVEN

Scripture: John 15:1-11

February 22, 2026

Invited to Abide

John MacArthur – “Just as a branch depends entirely on the vine for life, sustenance, growth and fruit,so
believers depend completely on the divine Lord [Jesus] as the source of their spiritual life and effect.
And just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it is connected to the vine,
so believers cannot bear fruit apart from their life-giving union with Christ.”

THREE SYMBOLS of Jesus’s Metaphor:

Jesus is the (VINE) [v.5 and v.1]

The Father is the (VINE DRESSER) [v.1-2]

Disciples of Jesus are the (BRANCHES) [v.4-11]

What is the responsibility of the branch? The command here is not to (produce fruit)!
The command here is (ABIDE).

What kind of fruit grows on the abiding branches?

1. The (fruit of the Spirit) [Galatians 5]
2. (Praise) offered to God [Hebrews 13:15 ESV]
3. (Sacrificial love) that meets the (needs of others) [Romans 15:28]
4. (Holy, righteous and God-honoring) living [Matt 3:8, Eph 5:9, Col 1:10]
5. New (converts) who come to Jesus [John 4:35-41]

All fruit-bearing comes from abiding. The vine is the source. NO Abide = NO Fruit.

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: Anything Goes?

Scripture: John 14:1-6; 6:16-21

I. THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT…

This “I AM” statement of Jesus takes the (COEXIST) sign and the (all roads lead to heaven) belief and tosses them to the garbage heap.

II. THE TRUTH REVEALED IN A MIRACLE

This miracle demonstrates (Christ’s deity) by revealing His power over (the laws of nature).

Using the metaphor of Jesus walking on the water, He is walking on our rough seas. He sees us struggling and comes into our boat. Sometimes He comes (quickly). Sometimes He (lingers) and
(waits). But He (is never later).

It doesn’t matter how “seasoned” we might be in our faith; how long or how short we have been following Jesus; Jesus will step in when He deems it the time to do so. (Trust His heart).

Two purposes to this miracle:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. It shows Jesus rules ever realm, including creation or (calming a storm).
               2. Mark’s gospel shows the disciple had not yet grasped (who Jesus really was).

Next week: Pastor Ryan preaching

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Walking Dead

Scripture: John 11:1-44

I. THE STINGER (Death) STRIKES

(Death) is our final enemy.

The (stinger) loses its (sting).

II. THE STINGER DEFEATED

Someone has said, “How you think about death determines how you live your life.”

For the Christ-follower (death) is a doorway to a (better life), an (eternal) life, lived with the
Savior of our souls.

Raising Lazarus from the dead is about more than one man’s life. Jesus is preparing us for (the
cross) and His (resurrection).

A relationship with Jesus offers (life) instead of (death). Death is not (a threat). It is a paper tiger
with no teeth and no way to terrorize us.

Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
Sermon: Anything Goes?
Scripture: John 14:1-6/6:16-21

2026 THEME: Still the ONE!

Title: The Watcher

Scripture: John 10:11-14/ John 5:1-17

I. HE DRAWS US

Psalm 139:7-8

John 10:16- “I must.” This gives a sense of (resolve and urgency).

Psalm 119:3

Jesus will not (drag) us to Himself. In John 12 Jesus says, “I will (draw) all men to me.”

II. HE DEFENDS US

Psalm 23: “Your rod and staff the comfort me.”

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The rod is used to (protect sheep from enemies).
               2. The staff is used to (lead) the sheep.

4 functions of the staff with his sheep:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. It represents the shepherd’s responsibility to (direct his people).
               2. It helps the shepherd (establish boundaries) for his sheep.
               3. It is used to (rescue his sheep).
               4. It is used to (encourage his sheep).

• • • • Next week: 2026 Theme: Still the ONE!
        Sermon: The Walking Dead
        Scripture: John 11:1-44

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