Category: Sermon Notes

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: A Picture of God

Scripture: Ezekiel 23-42

I. HE IS A GOD OF JUDGMENT

God’s judgment is never (without cause).

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. His judgment is (certain).
               2. His judgment is (irrevocable).
               3. His judgment is (intense)
               4. His judgment is (deserved).
               5. His judgment can be (avoided).

II. HE IS A SOVEREIGN GOD

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. God has (no equal).
               2. God has authority over (everyone and everything).
               3. God’s standards (do not change).
               4. God keeps His (promises).
               5. God’s (judgment and justice) is the same.

III. HE IS A SHEPHERDING GOD

Why does God care this much? Because He (cares about His sheep).

There is no greater leader for God’s people than God Himself.

He is the God of (new life).

Next week: week: In His Presence
Scripture: Ezekiel 43-Hosea 7

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: The Calamity and the Cure

Scripture: Ezekiel 1-22

“Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick
except the person who has it.”

I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIDE

5 characteristics of pride to avoid:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Pride rejects God’s (clear warnings). (5-8)
               2. Pride sets up (false idols). (13-15)
               3. Pride has a clouded view of (sin). (16-17)
               4. Pride rejoices in an evil person’s (death). (18-20)
               5. Pride fails to see a (drift). (21-22)

II. THE ANTIDOTE TO PRIDE

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Humility sees (God’s work). (1-4)

               God reassured Ezekiel several times of His strength: “he felt the hand of the Lord take hold of him” (1:3); “the Spirit came into me” (2:2); “Then the Lord took hold of me” (3:22); “Then the Spirit came into me and set me on my feet” (3:24); “But when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue” (3:27).

            2. Humility finds its source in (God’s presence). (8-12)

               God’s presence and glory are not focused in this building as in the OT. God’s presence and glory are present in every child of God’s life.

Next week: week: A Picture of God
Scripture: Ezekiel 23-42

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Profound Truths to Live By

Scripture: Jeremiah 38-Lamentations 5

I. GOD REIGNS- NO JOKE (38-41)

We will soon learn two things: Earthly kings have (limited power) for a little time, while God has
(unlimited power) for all time.

God is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. He will not be (thwarted). His plans will not be (undercut).
He is Lord over all (kings and kingdoms).

II. GOD IS TO BE WORSHIPED-NO SUBSTITUTES (42-45)

“Our Lord hates when we give the worship that is due him to something in creation.” (PDT)

God’s anger is the (product of His love). True love is (rightfully jealous). God has chosen us as His
own, and He will not (share our heart) with other lovers.

III. GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL-NO LIMITS (46-52)

One of the most common mistakes we make is thinking God (is too small).
As we bring Jeremiah to a close, we are struck by (Who God is) and (how powerful) He really is.

IV. GOD IS MERCIFUL- NO FAILING (Lamentations)

Even in our darkest moments, even in our weakest moments, we have a promise from God’s
own Word that He (never fails) and he (never leaves us). 3:22-24

Next week: week: The Calamity and the Cure
Scripture: Ezekiel 1-22

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: God’s Plans for Us

Scripture: Jeremiah 14-37

I. GOD HAS PLANS TO RENEW US

God sometimes works in our (slow or Sabbath times)

God sometimes works (directly on us)- Jeremiah 18

II. GOD HAS PLANS TO BLESS US (23:1-34:22)

What do I mean by saying He will bless us?

1. We cannot brag about (our righteousness); it is best to brag (in Christ alone).
2. God’s plans for His children are (never evil). (29:10-14)
3. Our hope in this life is not based on (what this earth offers), but (what is coming).
4. Every hard thing that God brings upon us is designed to bring about a more (powerful
conclusion). God never intended to (leave us as we are).

“Hardship, in the hands of the Lord, is a tool of His grace. He doesn’t lead His children through
difficulty just because He has the power to do so. His intentions are gracious; he desires that we
turn to Him and find forgiveness in Him.” (PDT- August 16th )

Next week: week: Profound Truths to Live By-
Scripture: Jeremiah 38-Lamentations 5

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: What Does God Want from Me?

Scripture: Isaiah 54-Jeremiah 13

The question is not (if) but (when) you face a challenging situation.

I. HE WANTS ME TO PURSUE HIM

How do I pursue God?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. With (all I have) for (all He has) to offer. (54-66)
                  2. In (true worship). (57:3-13; 58)

Micah 6:8-“The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is
right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

II. HE WANTS ME TO RELY ON HIM (Jer. 1-13)

Before Jeremiah knew God, God knew Jeremiah.

How does God want me to rely on Him?

1. To accept (His call on my life). (Jer. 1)
2. To live a (genuine life). (Jer. 4-9)
3. To know (Whom to serve). (10-13)

Next week: week: God’s Plans for Us
Scripture: Jeremiah 14-37

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Destruction to Reconstruction

Scripture: Isaiah 22-53

Sin (destroys); Grace (restores).

I. SIN’S DESTRUCTION

Romans 7:14-25- Sin (destroys). Sin produces (alienation from God) and (punishment in Hell)
without (the blood of Christ) being shed on the cross and (embracing Him) as your Savior.

II. GOD’S RECONSTRUCTION

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. God (tears down) to build up. (25-27)
            2. God sets our (foundation). (28-30)
            3. God continues (rebuilding us). (31-35)
            4. God shows His (greatness). (36-43)
            5. God (finishes) His project. (44-53)

Next week: week: What Does God Want from Me? 
Scripture: Isaiah 54-Jeremiah 13

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: The Danger of Self-Reliance

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9-Isaiah 22

I. A DETERRENT TO SELF-RELIANCE (Eccl. 9-12)

The whole idea: you are the (boss of you). Habakkuk 2:4

4 deterrents to self-reliance:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. (Death) come to us all. (Ch. 9)
                  2. (Wisdom) chooses the right road. (Ch. 10)
                  3. Life is (uncertain). (Ch. 11)
                  4. Do not forget (God)! (Ch. 12)

II. EXAMPLES OF SELF-RELIANCE

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Depending on our (marriage) to make us whole. (SoS)
            2. Depending on (religious ritual) to make us whole. (Is.1-4)
            3. Depending on our (righteousness) to make us whole. (5-8)
            4. Depending on our (strength) to make us whole. (18-22)

Next week: Destruction to Reconstruction
Scripture: Isaiah 23-53

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: What the Heart Wants

Scripture: Proverbs 19-Ecclesiastes 8

I. A LIFE OF EMPTINESS (Eccl. 1-4)

Vanity in Hebrew refers to a (breath) or a (vapor). Solomon is saying (life is elusive).

If there is no God, no afterlife, and no final judgment, then life is (meaningless).

Reading the first four chapters of Ecclesiastes is like reading the journal of someone who sees
life, experiences life, and says, (“What’s the use?).

II. A LIFE OF FULFILLMENT (Pr. 19-31; Eccl. 5-8)

Fulfilled people:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Listen to wise instruction, especially the (Word of God) Pr. 22:17-21
               2. (Fear the Lord). Pr. 19:23
               3. Associate with (wise people). Pr. 13:20; Eccl. 4:9-12
               4. (Flee from sin). Ps. 101
               5. (Bridle their tongue) Pr. 25:18; 26:20, 23, 28
               6. (Contented) people. Eccl. 5:18-20; Pr. 23:4-5
               7. Realize their limitations at (God’s expense). Eccl. 8:16-17
         2. Next week: The Danger of Self-Reliance
            Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9-Isaiah 22

2025 THEME: Burning Hearts

Title: Wise Advice

Scripture: Psalm 146-Proverbs 18

“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in
information? T.S. Eliot (1909-1962)

I. WHERE WISDOM BEGINS (Psalm 146-150; Pr. 1)

“No matter who you are, we are all putting our trust in something.”

“You always put your trust in someone or something. Whoever or whatever holds your trust
also controls the way you live.” (PDT-July 6 th )

Intro to Proverbs 1: “There are many ways to worship God, but only one God to worship.”

You can’t (buy) wisdom. You can’t (earn) a wisdom degree. You can’t take a (wisdom
pilgrimage). Verse 7 tell us where wisdom comes from: (the fear of the Lord).

II. WHAT WISDOM SAYS (2-18)

If wisdom could speak, what would it say?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Wisdom would say (Work Hard). (5-9)
               2. Wisdom would say (Words Matter). (10-11)
                  One of my favorites (though not in these two chapters) is 17:28- “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”
               3. Wisdom would say (Worship Rightly). (14-15)
               4. Wisdom would say have (Well-chosen Responses). (16-18)
                  We may make plans but God is (ultimately in charge). That is called (Sovereignty).

            Next week: What the Heart Wants
            Scripture: Proverbs 19-Ecclesiastes 8

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