Author J.D. Greear writes that, "I find that a lot of Christians in churches...are just tired of sitting around. They feel like they are supposed to be doing something in the mission of God but don’t quite know what it is.” Does that describe you? Bored in church? Then Acts 1:8 might be a help, where Jesus calls his disciples to take the Gospel here, there, and everywhere.

April 28, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send by J.D. Greear. Seeds imagery from Greear.

When someone uses strong language, we may initially be caught off guard and wonder why they are so earnest. But often times, strong language is an indication of love, the other person wanting to protect us or keep us safe. In Mark 9:42-50, Jesus talks straightforwardly about sin and hell, giving us a warning so that we might not continue on a path that will lead us to destruction. “Tripping" language from RT France.

April 21, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

We all have ideas of what makes someone great. In Mark 9:30-41, Jesus continues to teach his disciples about what following him will look like, and starts to recalibrate their value system. He challenges conventional wisdom by redefining greatness, redefining who's important, and redefining who's on the team. Jason Meyer's "Mark for You" was particularly helpful in the composition of this sermon.

April 14, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (ESV). In Mark 9:14-29 Jesus will show and teach us that on our own efforts, we will never be able to overcome the spiritual forces of evil in this world. But, by faith in a powerful God who has authority over all things, we can find freedom.

April 7, 2024

Do you ever doubt if the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened? The apostle Thomas did. In John 20:24-31, we follow Thomas' journey from skepticism through investigation into faith. Along the way, we see that Jesus doesn't tell him to turn off his brain and just believe, but rather invites him to explore his doubts. And then on the basis of the rational evidence, calls him to faith that he might experience true life.

March 31, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, Hope in Times of Fear by Tim Keller, The Reason for God by Tim Keller, Preaching the Word: John by Kent Hughes. Concept of Thomas mulling over the resurrection from Hughes.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die." In Mark 8:31 - 9:13, we see that after telling his disciples that he himself came to die, Jesus calls them to do the same. And should they balk at such a cost, he gives a few of them an experience to show them that it will all be worth it. Title from Bonhoeffer.

March 24, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

In Genesis 12, faithfulness and fearfulness are the alternating expressions of Abram's life. This back and forth of faith and fear is the common pinch-point-of-life that we share with him. Even so, this passage isn't ultimately about Abram's faith that we're to try and pattern. It's about the grace and keeping power of God, as we see how patient he is with Abram's faults and fears. Guest speaker: Matt McAlvey of Parkside Church Westside.

March 17, 2024

As the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:12, Gentile people were once "separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (ESV). In Mark 7:24-8:10, however, we see that Jesus goes to the Gentiles, bringing His Kingdom to them, so that those who were "far off" (Ephesians 2:17, ESV) might experience the blessings of that Kingdom.

March 3, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns, King's Cross by Tim Keller. "Rightless assertiveness" from Keller.

As the Pharisees and scribes gather to Jesus in Mark 7:1-23, Jesus answers their questions about external regulations, not in a simple straight forward way, but by answering the deeper question of what is going on in heir heart. In this passage, Jesus exposes the danger of traditions and the defilement of the heart, and shows that true guilt and defilement can only be dealt with in the heart, by the blood of Jesus.

February 25, 2024

Fresh off returning from a ministry trip, Jesus' apostles are invited by him to get away and rest, only to be interrupted by a crowd. In the scenes that unfold in Mark 6:30-56, Jesus reveals both his power to do anything he wants, but also his compassion and mercy; his willingness to act on behalf of those he loves.

February 18, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

In Mark 6:1-30, Jesus returns to his hometown. But rather than celebrating the arrival of their famous son, the town ultimately rejects him. Why? In this section of Mark, and the ones that follow, we examine some of the different ways that people reject Jesus and his followers.

February 11, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns, King's Cross by Tim Keller.

Have you ever been desperate? To where you feel you have no recourse except to cry out to God for help? In Mark 5:21-43, we meet a desperate man and a desperate woman and see how God meets them in their desperation.

February 4, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlin. Point about God challenging and exceeding our expectations from Keller, as is quote about “unconscionable delays”. Emphasis on calling the woman daughter from Meyer.

In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus shows his power over evil as he frees a man from the demons that once possessed him. In this passage, we see how Jesus has the power to make an alienated and enslaved man become a reconciled man, who is created to do good works.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus puts his power on display as the sovereign Lord of nature. As we increasingly understand who He is we grow in being able to trust Him. Guest Speaker: Mac Matthews.

January 21, 2024

While they may seem mysterious and obscure on the outside, parables have a lot to teach people about the nature of God's Kingdom. In Mark 4:21-34, Jesus uses 4 parables to teach his followers 4 truths: that he will not remain hidden forever, that they ought to pay attention to God's Word, that God makes things grow, and that the future of God's Kingdom is spectacular.

January 14, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Cleaning your room illustration adapted from Francis Chan.

As a commentator asks, why is it that people respond so differently to Jesus? They all interact with the same person and the same teaching, but some reject him while others accept him. In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus tells a parable about different ways that people react to him and his teaching. Some reject his words because they are hard-hearted. Others respond positively to them at first, but then fall away because of persecution or distraction. Still others accept his words, and continue to, reaping the benefits for themselves and sharing it with others.

January 7, 2024

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

At Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus into our world. But what did his coming, and eventual death, accomplish? In Romans 5, the apostle Paul lays out some of the benefits of what Jesus did for us, provided that we trust in Him. He made a way for us to have a new relationship with God and a new hope.

December 17, 2023

It's not just modern people who have different views of Jesus. Ancient people did too. Some thought he was just a popular healer, others thought he was crazy, and still others thought he was evil. Mark explores some of the different reactions to Jesus in Mark 3:7-35, showing how some people missed who he was, and others belonged to him.

December 10, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

In Psalm 31, David cried out to God for mercy. In this sermon, Jonathan Holmes helps us to see how David was honest about his need, but he also acknowledged God’s goodness and faithfulness, trusting that God would meet him in his circumstances. In the same way that David looked forward to the coming Messiah for his ultimate salvation, believers today look back at the finished work of Christ on the cross. When Christ cried out for mercy, he received none in order that all who trust in him may receive mercy in abundance. Christ bore our punishment completely so that we may claim his reward.

December 3, 2023

We all face suffering. And in many ways, it a real test. We're not always sure what to do with it. In 1 Peter 5:6-10, the apostle gives us something of a cheat sheet for facing suffering: he tells us to trust God, beware the Devil, and remember the big picture.

November 26, 2023

Is your practice of religion marked by joyless drudgery, restless activity, and a striking lack of love for God and others? Why is that? Could it be that, as it was for a certain group of religious people in Mark 2:18-3:6, that in all of your religious activity, you have missed Jesus? He offers a better way: one marked by joy, rest, and love.

November 19, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Prodigal God by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

What is Christianity about? And who is it for? Many believe that Christianity is about being moral and good so as to earn God's favor. And it is for the good people of the world. If you've messed up and failed, you best not come to a church because all you'll find there is rejection and judgment. Mark 2:13-17 challenges these assumptions, showing us how Jesus pursues a notorious sinner and his friends.

November 12, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Prodigal God by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Background on tax collectors from Hughes, background on Pharisees from Ferguson.

What do you believe your greatest need is? If you could ask God to do one thing for you, what would it be? In Mark 2:1-12, a man approaches Jesus with a pressing need, but Jesus' response to him is somewhat surprising: he forgives him his sins. In this passage, we learn that forgiveness is our greatest need and that Jesus has the power to forgive.

November 5, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about two sons, one of which takes his inheritance early to go and squander it on his own desires, while the older son stays home to work for his father. In this sermon, Pastor Chase Jones explores the heart of the older brother in his response to the younger brothers return home to show that even though the older brother was obedient to the father, his heart was just as lost as the younger son's.

October 29, 2023

Though we are often tempted to put our trust in people of power and influence, Psalm 146 reminds believers that the Lord alone is worthy of praise. What we praise reveals who we trust. God has set his love upon his people, redeeming those who trust in him and declaring them righteous. Unlike earthly princes who die and cannot save, Jesus died in order to save. He takes our sin upon himself so that everyone who trusts in him is saved, and we can affirm the psalmist's sentiments as we declare, "All my life I intend to praise the Lord." Guest speaker: Jon Cameron.

October 22, 2023

As Jesus interacts with different scenarios and different people in the book of Mark, we continue to see who he is. In Mark 1:35-45, we find out about 2 of his priorities, time alone with his Father and preaching, and we see his compassionate heart on display.

October 15, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns

When we look around at the world in which we live, it is clearly a broken place. It is marked by darkness and disease. People are controlled by dark vices and we suffer from various illnesses. But what is the solution? In Mark 1:21-34, we see the Bible saying that the ultimate solution to these problems is found in a person: Jesus of Nazareth. He not only speaks with authority but has the power to drive out darkness and heal disease.

October 8, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns

When a new leader comes to an organization, we have many questions: what is he or she going to be like? What are they going to be on about? And how will people respond to them? We learn early in the book of Mark that Jesus is the King, God’s Son, but we may be wondering, “What is he like?” In Mark 1:14-20, Mark starts to answer this question by telling us about Jesus' message, Jesus' leadership, and what it looks like to follow Jesus.

October 1, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns

Who is Jesus? Is he a good moral teacher, a prophet, a revolutionary? And why did he come? To teach us to live our best life now, to overthrow political powers, to give us an example to follow? In Mark 1:1-13, we see that Mark tells us that all of these answers are ultimately incomplete: he tells us that Jesus is God's King, the very Son of God, and points to the fact that Jesus came to die on a cross, that he might deal with our filth and grant us his righteousness. Title from Tim Keller's book "King's Cross".

September 24, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark for You by Jason Meyer, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

Why do churches baptize people? What is happening in baptism and what is not happening in baptism? And what is the point of baptism? What is it supposed to be picturing? In this sermon, we explore baptism in a Gospel, baptism in Acts, and baptism in an epistle to answer some of these questions and explain what we believe about baptism at Parkside Heights.

September 17, 2023

As we come to study the book of Mark in the Bible, we may be asking this question: is Mark trustworthy? Did the things that he records Jesus saying and doing actually happen? Or did he make everything up? Or perhaps embellish things a little bit? These questions about the historical reliability and truthfulness of Scripture are important ones, for they determine whether we can read the Bible as history or must read it as legend. In this study, we will discover that non-Christian sources hold that a man named Jesus existed, and that the Christian sources are too early, too detailed, and too counterproductive to be fabrications. The first point of this sermon is taken from chapter 3 of "Is the New Testament Reliable?" by Paul Barnett, and the second is taken from chapter 7 of "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller.

September 10, 2023

What do you think you need to make it through each and every day? In the second half of the Lord's prayer recorded in Luke 11:3-4, Jesus tells us what we should ask God for each and every day: we are to ask him for physical sustenance, relational forgiveness, and spiritual protection. These requests underscore the fact that we are physically needy, relationally guilty, and spiritually vulnerable people with a deep need for God.

September 3, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Prayer by Tim Keller, example of our lack of self-sufficiency adapted from Keller.

Do you struggle with prayer? Do you have a sense that it is unexplored territory in your Christian life? In Luke 11:1-2, we find that Jesus' earliest disciples struggled with prayer too, and thankfully, one of them was humble enough to say to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1, ESV). In this sermon on the Lord's prayer, we examine our patterns of prayer and three principles for prayer that we can apply right away. Much content adapted from Tim Keller's book and a sermon of his on prayer.

August 27, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Prayer by Tim Keller, "Adoration: Hallowed be Thy Name" by Tim Keller.

After spending 12 chapters exploring the meaning of life, what is the Preacher's conclusion? What should we be doing with the life that we have? In Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, after telling us a little bit about himself as the author, and about the book he has written, he concludes his book by relating "the end of the matter" (Eccl. 12:13, ESV).

August 20, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken.

Before the beginning of time, God established a plan of redemption to save sinners. God, as both author and agent, sent his Son, Jesus, to do what we could never do for ourselves–to rescue and redeem us. Chapter 11 of Paul’s letter to the Romans shows us that the more believers stand in awe of the riches, wisdom, and knowledge of God, the more we will be overwhelmed by gratitude and praise. Everything we do in worship should help us and others see more of Jesus, so that we cannot help but sing his praises.

August 13, 2023

According to research cited by a recent Wall Street Journal article, the average age that Americans stop feeling young is 43. Unless God spares us, most of us will experience aging. Does the Bible have anything to say about this process? In Ecclesiastes 11 and 12, the Preacher addresses this, providing a word to the older, a word to the younger, and a word about aging.

August 6, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken.

We live in an uncertain world where as James 4 says, we do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. How should we respond to this? Should we circle the wagons and keep our boats in the harbor, lest something unfortunate happen to us? In Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, the Preacher tells us to do the exact opposite. He tells us to invest boldly and take risks. Title from Derek Kidner.

July 30, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken.

How do you lead? How do you work? How do you speak? Like a fool? Or like someone who is wise? According to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 10, we all have hearts that are inclined to either wisdom or folly, and what is in our hearts is revealed by what we do in these three everyday activities.

July 23, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. Breakfast example from Ryken, example about a preacher using a lot of words from O'Donnell.

In Ecclesiastes 3, the preacher takes a step back and examines life once again. And as he examines life, he gives us a framework for how we can understand our lives while we live under the sun. The framework that we find in this passage is that as we submit to God's sovereignty, we can consider death, enjoy life, and seek to live wisely.

July 17, 2023

In his commentary on Ecclesiastes, Douglas O'Donnell writes this: "What Winston Churchill said of Russia in 1939, we might say of American politics today: It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside of an enigma...How are we to work our way through the current political maze?" As O'Donnell points out, in Ecclesiastes 8, the Preacher gives us 3 bedrock principles to follow: we are to submit to authority, fear God, and be joyful.

July 2, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. Sermon structure and much content from O'Donnell.

Whether we recognize it or not, we all have expectations of the world in which we live: we may expect things to be fair, we may expect people to be nice & kind, and we may expect to find all the answers we are looking for. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-29, the Preacher disavows us of some of these expectations as he continues to teach us how to live wisely in a fallen world: he calls us to trust God in life's apparent unfairness, to not be surprised by human sinfulness, and to understand the limits of human wisdom.

June 25, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken.

How do wise people live in a fallen world? According to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, the wise go to funerals, listen to wisdom's rebuke, are patient, and submit to God's sovereignty.

June 18, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. Connection to chapter 6, structure, and many other insights from O'Donnell.

What is the good life? Can getting more stuff and money deliver us a life full of meaning and satisfaction? Our culture seems to think so. But in Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12, we find that the Preacher tells us that money only brings more problems, and that it cannot satisfy us. It leaves, in the words of George Herbert, "Rich and weary."

June 11, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken.

Pastor Joe Abraham from Scranton Road Bible Church uses his own experience in the city of Cleveland and Jeremiah 29:4-14 to encourage us to minister to the neighborhood in which God has placed us.

June 4, 2023

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses gives the Israelites the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” In this sermon, guest preacher Mac Matthews explains that the extent to which we believe what the Scriptures say about who God is, will be reflected in our growing love for him. If you are in Christ, then you have a new master—one who has vanquished sin’s penalty and power, and set us free to answer the ultimate call of our lives—to love God with our whole hearts all of our days, and to teach others to do the same.

May 28, 2023

We tend to think that gathering together for worship on Sundays is inherently pleasing to God. But is it? According to the Bible, not necessarily. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the Preacher tells us to be careful as we come to worship God: to listen up, to watch what we say, and to fear God.

May 21, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. Headings adapted from Phil Ryken

A good doctor doesn't give us what we want, but rather what we need. In Mark 1:40 - 2:17, Jesus cleanses a leper, heals and forgives someone who is paralyzed, and calls a tax collector. Guest speaker: Terry McCutcheon of Hope for Glasgow.

May 14, 2023

Jesus was not a man of mere words, but also displayed mighty works. His miraculous works confirmed that the words he spoke were true. His healing ministry demonstrated that he has all authority and desires to restore the frailty, feebleness, and "fallen-ness" of our human plight. Guest Speaker: Bing Nieh. Matthew 8:1-17.

May 7, 2023

"I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take, when people run in circles, it’s a very, very mad world, mad world.” This line, from the song "Mad World" sung by Gary Jules (originally a Tears for Fears song), is a fitting one for the book of Ecclesiastes, and particularly chapter 4. In this chapter, as Douglas O'Donnell helps to point out, the Preacher notices four disquieting features of our world: oppression, envy, loneliness, and impermanence. And while he gives us a few helpful ways of dealing with our world, this chapter leaves us longing for a new world in which these things no longer exist.

April 30, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. 3 of the 4 headings from O'Donnell.

Injustice is a flash point in our culture today. Some believe it doesn't really exist and get frustrated by those who talk about it. Others see injustice everywhere and have committed their lives to eradicating it. But what does the Bible say about it? In Ecclesiastes 3:16-22, one of the topics that the Preacher addresses is injustice, pointing out where it exists, one of the reasons God doesn't intervene right away to fix it, and where the ultimate hope for justice resides.

April 23, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. "It's not fair" idea from Ryken.

We are all subject to events and circumstances that are largely out of our control. How do we navigate these changing seasons of life? In Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, the author identifies the reality of the seasons, shows us how God is sovereign over them all, and then points to faith as a sensible way to respond. As Katharina von Schlegel so helpfully writes in her hymn "Be Still My Soul", in the changing seasons of life, we are to "Leave to Thy God to order and provide."

April 16, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner, Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken. “Get busy” subheading adapted from Ryken.

One of the topics that we don't like to talk about in our society is death. We all know that we are mortal, but that doesn't make death any less scary. In Hebrews 2:14-18, the Bible speaks of our fear of death and tells us about how Jesus came to deliver us from that fear.

April 9, 2023

The people of God are never far from trouble and hardship, but regardless of our circumstances, we can say with confidence along with David, “I shall not be shaken.”  Because of Christ’s finished work on the cross, we can find our hope in the promises of God—not in what he can give us in this life, but in who he is. Through faith in Jesus, we can know forgiveness of our sins, and the fullness of joy that salvation in him brings. For this unshakeable security, we only need to run to Jesus, our refuge.

Sermon by Matt Ross
April 2, 2023

We all have areas we want to grow in but struggle to know how to grow. Perhaps we're not seeing any change because we don't understand God's overarching plan and how we fit into it. In Colossians 1:9-14 the apostle Paul reveals to the small church in Colossae that his primary prayer for them is to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, and that knowing God's will is the foundation for change and growth.

March 26, 2023

Many of us work really hard in our jobs. But why? And is all of our effort really worth it in the end? In Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, the Preacher examines the topic of work, both what we ultimately gain from it and our daily experience of it, to see if the workplace is where we are meant to find meaning, purpose and fulfillment.

March 19, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken

What would happen if we were able to get everything that our heart desired? Would that bring us meaning and fulfillment? Would that bring us happiness? In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, the author of the book conducts an experiment with pleasure, in which he denies himself nothing that he wants for a season of time. He pursued a good time, a great home, a full bank account, the arts, and sex. Did any of these things deliver what he was looking for?

March 12, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken

How do we make the world a better place? How do we find meaning, satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives? Many believe that the key to both of these questions is education. But is it? In Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 and 2:12-17, the Preacher explores the topic of human wisdom to see whether or not it is worthy of the investment of a human life.

March 5, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken

Have you ever been struck by the apparent emptiness of life? Or spent your time chasing things that you thought would fulfill you only to discover that they didn't? The author of Ecclesiastes understands this experience completely. In Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, he analyzes the natural world around him and observes that "everything is meaningless" (NIV). The rest of the Bible explains why this is so, and reveals a path forward toward hope and life.

February 26, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Ecclesiastes by Douglas O'Donnell, Ecclesiastes by Phil Ryken

What makes a person wise? How do you know if someone is truly wise? In James 3:13-18, James addresses this question by giving us an equation, if you will, by which we can run a check on our lives to find our whether we are living by wisdom that comes from God or wisdom that comes from the world.

February 19, 2023

Over the years, many commercials have asked the question "What Drives You?" If you were to answer this, what would you say? What gets you up in the morning and motivates you to do what you do? In Galatians 6:11-18, Paul contrasts being driven by self-interest and being driven by the cross of Christ.

February 12, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Douglas Moo, Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller.

Knowing the physical laws of the universe help us to live effectively on planet Earth. Just like there are physical laws, God has also written spiritual laws into His world, and we need to know these to live wisely. Paul discusses one of these spiritual laws, the law of consequences, in Galatians 6:7-10. He states the law and then draws three lessons for living.

February 5, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Douglas Moo, Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller.

How are your relationships? Are they marked by conflict and trouble? Or things like peace and kindness? In Galatians 5:26-6:6, Paul discusses what Spirit-filled relationships look like within the church. Surprisingly, one of the keys to having healthy relationships with others is that you think rightly about yourself.

January 29, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Douglas Moo, Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller.

Have you ever tried to change? Have you found it difficult? Why is that? And is there any hope for change? In Galatians 5:16-25, Paul shows us both why change is so hard and how God brings about change in our lives.

January 22, 2023

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Spirit having power that the Law doesn’t from Galatians by Douglas Moo, Battle concept from Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller.

As many have noted before, there are two dangers in the Christian life: legalism and license. While Paul has focused on the danger of legalism for most of the letter, in Galatians 5:13-16, he turns his attention to the threat of license. In this passage, he warns us to not use our freedom in Christ to indulge our sinful natures, but rather to use our freedom to serve others.

January 15, 2023

Structure & some content of this sermon from Galatians by John Stott. Other helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Tim Keller, Galatians by Doug Moo, Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken.

Jesus has freed believers from the slavery of worshiping false gods as well as the slavery of trying to earn a right relationship with the true God. Yet, it is distinctly possible for Christians, having tasted freedom, to slip back into bondage. In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul urges us to "stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1, ESV).

January 8, 2023

Why did Jesus come to earth? Why does it matter? In Galatians 4:5, Paul unpacks four realities about what we celebrate at Christmas: that Jesus came at just the right time, that he was divine, that he was human, and that he came to redeem us so that we might be adopted into God's family.

December 18, 2022

How do you get the blessed life? Most world religions and philosophies advocate some form of doing: that if you work hard enough, follow a certain path, obey enough, you can achieve blessing. Christianity is different: it says that all that is necessary for you to receive salvation was done by Christ. In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul some of these themes via the Old Testament example of Hagar and Sarah.

December 11, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken.

Do you know what it is like to have something in your life bring you constant pain and frustration? Perhaps it is a physical ailment, a psychological struggle, or a circumstance that is really difficult. The apostle Paul had something like this in his life, and in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, begs God to take it away. God answers Paul's prayer in a way that might be surprising to us, but opens up a new way to view weakness and suffering.

November 27, 2022

In Deuteronomy 1:19-33, Moses reminds Israel of an unsavory event in their history. The people of the wilderness generation rebelled against God, refusing to enter the promised land. In their story we see four areas of failure that we must guard against today. Guest speaker: Mac Matthews from Parkside Bainbridge.

November 20, 2022

Jonathan Holmes from Parkside Green and Fieldstone Counseling unpacks Job 28.

November 13, 2022

When it comes to your spiritual life, is your experience more like that of a slave or of a child? In Galatians 4:1-7, Paul argues that in Christ, we can move from being slaves to sons, as God frees us from the debt of our sin and adopts us into His family.

November 6, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians for You by Tim Keller, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians by John Stott. The reasons a slave obeys adapted from Keller.

All of us our building our identity on something, but the question is: are we building on solid ground? In Galatians 3:23-29, Paul shows us that we can have a secure identity in Christ, one that is anchored in, as Phil Ryken and John Stott point out, a relationship with God, relationships with other believers, and a relationship to history.

October 30, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Tim Keller.

What is the role of the Law in the unfolding story of the Bible? In the beginning of Galatians 3, Paul links what has happened to the Galatians, namely receiving righteousness by grace through faith, to what happened to Abram in the beginning of the Bible. Does the later institution of the 10 Commandments change things? Is following the rules now the way to earn righteousness and be made right with God? In Galatians 3:15-22, Paul begins to discuss this topic, saying that the Law doesn't replace the Promise, but it does reveal to us our sin, and readies us for a Savior.

October 23, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller, God's Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts. The three-fold physical promise of God to Abram (People, Place, Blessing - adapted from Roberts) to the spiritual blessing of salvation language adapted from Stott, Keller, & Roberts.

How does one get a relationship with God and obtain eternal life? As John Stott notes, these questions are central to part of Paul's argument in Galatians 3:6-14. In this passage, Paul looks at the example of Abraham and then lays out two different ways of relating to God and finding eternal life: one of them leads to being cursed, the other to finding salvation. Which path are you on? "Two Ways to Live" language from Matthias Media.

October 16, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians by John Stott. Experience & Scripture categories from Stott & Ryken. 10 Commandments examples partially inspired by Ryken.

How do you change once you are a Christian? How do you deal with ongoing sin issues like anger or people pleasing or anxiety? Are we saved by grace but then perfected by our own effort? In this sermon on Galatians 3:1-5, we will explore why it is so easy for us to drift from the Gospel and how the Gospel is central to life change. Or to put it another way, in the words of Phil Ryken, that "the way in is the way on."

October 9, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller. "The way in is the way on" subpoint adapted from Keller.

What drives you to do what you do? Are you driven to do good works to earn salvation, or are you driven to good works because Christ has done everything for you? In Galatians 2:15-21 we see Paul's case for a paradigm of grace where we do not earn our salvation but rather, accept it by faith, and live in light of that as Christ lives in us.

October 2, 2022

It is distinctly possible for us to deviate from the truth of the Gospel. We can say we believe it, but then deny it by our actions. In Galatians 2:11-16, we find that the apostle Peter denies the Gospel by who he chooses to eat with. In this sermon, we'll explore what was behind Peter's failure and how Paul brings him back, learning lessons for ourselves along the way.

September 25, 2022

What happens when Christianity jumps from one culture to another? What is non-negotiable? What is flexible? In this sermon on Galatians 2:1-10, we'll explore some of these issues as they related to the Gospel jumping from the Jews to the Gentiles. We'll see that Paul is very clear that there is only one Gospel, and that the message of Jesus saving by grace through faith plus nothing else means that there is a unique way for every culture to worship God through Jesus.

September 18, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Galatians by Douglas Moo, Galatians by John Stott, Galatians by Philip Graham Ryken, Galatians for You by Tim Keller. "The Stakes" header from Keller.

One the skills necessary for navigating modern life is the ability to discern between reliable and unreliable sources of information. As a church, we have committed ourselves to the Bible, but is that a wise choice? Is the Bible reliable or is it just a product of human imagination? In this study on Galatians 1:11-24, we'll examine where the apostle Paul claims to have received his message.

September 11, 2022

Why do we do what we do? Generally speaking, our behavior is driven by our beliefs. And all of us, whether we recognize it or not, have beliefs about God and how He wants us to relate to Him. In this sermon on Galatians 1:6-9, we'll explore how God wants us to relate to Him, and look at a subtle but dangerous way that we can desert God.

September 4, 2022

What is the book of Galatians all about, and why should we study it? In a sentence, it is an early letter of the apostle Paul about the Gospel to Christians. Whether you are a skeptic or a seasoned Christian, this book is for you!

Galatians 1:1-5

August 28, 2022

Anyone reading 1 John 1:5-2:2 must wrestle with two questions: 1) who is God? and 2) who is man? Thankfully, the Bible gives us clear answers, each with eternal significance. In this message, we see that God is light—perfect, faithful, just, and immeasurably holy. Man, in contrast, is desperately sinful, in darkness, and in need of a Savior. But God in His mercy has provided a sacrifice—Christ Jesus His son. When Christ cleanses us from our sin, we can walk in the light as He is in the light.

August 21, 2022

What do you see when you look in the mirror? This sermon on Romans 12:3-8 argues that we all have distorted views of ourselves: some of us think we are all-important while others of us think we are worthless. The Bible, however, challenges us to look at ourselves differently in light of the Gospel: that we are both deeply sinful and deeply loved at the same time. Only when we have this accurate view of ourselves can we move into healthy relationships with others in the church, understanding that we are not independent, but interdependent, and that we are not meant to be consumers only, but contributors as well.

August 14, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Romans by John Stott; Romans 9-16 For You by Tim Keller. Gospel identity shaping entry into community from Tim Keller on Galatians 6.

Do you ever find yourself getting mad at the circumstances of your life, or at others, or at God for the way He does things? Jonah experienced the same, and in Jonah 4:5-11, God helps him understand what is going on in his heart beneath that anger. He does this to help heal Jonah, desiring to make his prophet more like Himself, with a heart that operates on the basis of mercy and compassion.

August 7, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: Center Church by Tim Keller; Hosea-Jonah Word Biblical Commentary by Douglas Stuart; Jonah Bible Book Overview Video by Bible Project; Navigating a God-Centered Life by Colin Smith; The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller; The Reluctant Evangelist by Richard Coekin. "Outside the city" example from Tim Keller.

Many people think there is only one way to miss God: to run from Him through flagrant disobedience and outright rebellion. But there is another far more subtle way to miss Him: by going through the motions of "obedience" with a heart that is far from Him. Using the work of Tim Keller in "The Prodigal God" and the "The Prodigal Prophet", this sermon explores how Jonah misses God in Jonah 4:1-4 in this second way, producing anger, superiority, slavishness, and emptiness in his heart. It then examines how God pursues his wayward prophet once again, seeking to reorient his heart around mercy.

July 31, 2022

In 1965, the Byrds released the song "Turn! Turn! Turn!", a song that was used to call the country to a different future. The title of their song serves as an apt description of Jonah 3, because the passage contains 3 major turns. This sermon examines how Jonah gets a re-do of the initial call that he botched, giving us hope for when we blow it. It looks at how the Ninevites repent, responding to a message of future judgment not with scoffing but contrition. And it unpacks how God relents, revealing how God's warnings to us are ultimately gracious.

July 17, 2022

What keeps you going in a tough season of ministry? In this sermon, Pastor Nick Spurgeon walks us through 2 Corinthians 5:11-15 and explains how Paul's motivation to continue on faithfully in the ministry to which God had called him was because of his fear of the Lord and the love of Christ.

July 10, 2022

The race of faith isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Christians are called to endure and not lose heart, even in the midst of seemingly endless suffering. Hebrews 12 reminds us that God uses hard times to train us, to build our resilience, and to make us more like Jesus. We can trust His providence and goodness—even when life doesn’t make sense. In the Gospel, we find hope and meaning that transcends the pervasive futility of life’s struggles.

July 3, 2022

"When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown...". This line from the hymn "What Wondrous Love is This" captures what was happening to Jonah in the moments immediately after being thrown overboard from a ship. But it's not the end of the story, for God intervenes at the last minute in a miraculous way to save him. This sermon on Jonah 1:17-2:9 unpacks Jonah's helplessness and God's mercy, and explores how God still saves the same way today.

June 26, 2022

Scripture is full of "but God" moments. Humans do something foolish and God responds by intervening in a wonderful way. But will that be the case for Jonah, who has rebelled against God and is trying to flee from his presence? It may not seem so at first, as God sends a storm after him, but this sermon on Jonah 1:4-16 explores how the storm was actually a mercy from God, meant to win unbelievers to himself and arrest Jonah's flight.

June 19, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: ESV Study Bible; The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones; Jonah Bible Book Overview Video by Bible Project; The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller. Storms being fascinating and terrifying from Matt Ross, "God's Voice in the Storm."

It is very easy to divide our world between the two categories of "us" and "them". We lionize those who belong to our camp, and demonize those who belong to any other. The book of Jonah addresses and pushes against the human, and even Christian, tendency to do this. The book is all about, as the ESV Bible says, "a God of boundless compassion not just for 'us' but also for 'them' ". In this sermon on Jonah 1:1-3, we examine Jonah, his mission, his rejection of that call, and his subsequent descent.

June 12, 2022

Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: ESV Study Bible; Exalting Jesus in Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk by Eric Redmond, Bill Curtis, and Ken Fentress; The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones; Jonah Bible Book Overview Video by Bible Project; The Message of Jonah by Rosemary Nixon; The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller

Do you ever stop to think about the relative scale of our mortal lives next to the magnitude of God, who is everlasting? The writer of Psalm 90 does exactly that, and responds by asking God for a heart of wisdom. In this sermon, Nate Vogel from Parkside Church Westside explores how when we learn to number our days, we can live life knowing that our only hope for true purpose and lasting significance is in knowing God.

June 5, 2022

In this sermon on Matthew 5:7, pastor Matt McAlvey from Parkside Church Westside unpacks one of Jesus' pithy statements at the beginning of his famous Sermon on the Mount. In this verse, Jesus isn’t just talking about acts of mercy, he’s getting at the interior life of his people. Mercy isn’t something you add to your life, it’s carried out by those who are merciful.

May 29, 2022

Hardship can test our relationship with God. How are we to relate to Him, particularly during difficult seasons? In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28, Paul gives the believers in Thessalonica a framework for how to respond to God, listen to Him and trust Him.

May 22, 2022

Everyone wants to belong to a church that is harmonious. But we are all sinners and there are many ways that unity can break down. How do we get along with others in our church? In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, Paul gives very specific instructions about how to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3, ESV). As Angus MacLeay notes, Paul focuses on how the church is to relate to its leaders, and how the people of the church are to relate to one another.

May 15, 2022

We are living in difficult times. All of the crises around us can sometimes make us feel like we are on a sinking ship. How are we to relate to God in the midst of the difficulty? In this message on Psalm 150, pastor Chase Jones from the Chapel Nordonia shows us how we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus and in doing so, find that we are able to praise Him even in the midst of the unknown.

May 8, 2022

The return of Christ is a relevant topic and the Bible isn't shy about discussing it. How are Christians supposed to think about Jesus' return and prepare for it? In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul discusses this topic and we can learn at least three things from his teaching: we're not to guess the day of his return, we're not to forget that he is returning, and we're not to fear his return, for he has already dealt with our sins.

May 1, 2022

Why do you work? It's a fact that we spend a lot of our lives working, but we work for different reasons: some do it so that they can pay the bills, others so that they can enjoy the weekends, still others so that they earn respect. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, after writing about how Christians share family-like bonds with each other, Paul gives us a deeper reason to work: to please God, winning unbelievers and loving our fellow believers.

April 24, 2022

Whether it is the loss of loved ones or an awareness of our own mortality, death can take away all light and joy from our lives. How can we face this reality of the human experience with any type of hope or confidence? In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we will examine how Paul writes to a group of people who were wrestling with the reality of death and rekindles their hope by pointing to the resurrection and return of Jesus Christ.

April 17, 2022

What do you do when you see a flaw? If we always overlook flaws, sweeping them under the rug or pretending they don’t exist, we’ll never correct anyone and ultimately let the people we love continue to make mistakes to their own detriment. On the other hand, if we are always quick to correct flaws, we can crush the people around us by our constant withering criticism of them. Is there a better way? In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, we’ll examine how Paul deals with flaws in the Thessalonian church, noting the timing, tone, and theology of his correction.

What does biblical love look like in the rough and tumble of everyday life? In 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13, the apostle Paul gives us a picture of it in his care for the Thessalonian church: love prays, love prays tenaciously, love never gives up, and love seeks holiness.

What's the job of a pastor of a church? Or of a small group leader, or a Sunday school teacher? It certainly involves teaching people the Bible, but as Paul shows us in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10, it involves more than that: it's about loving people like a parent loves a child and seeking their spiritual well-being. This takes the investment of time and personal sacrifice, and must be fueled by the Gospel if we are to not run out of energy.

We are living in a time of pretty significant upheaval between a pandemic, hotly contested politics and now a war raging in Ukraine. But this is a drop in the bucket compared to the upheaval that the prophet Daniel faced in the exile and beyond. What do God’s people do? In this message, pastor Scott Kennedy from Shoreline Church teaches on how Daniel shows us the way in his prayer.

If you have a church background, perhaps you have encountered something called the Lord's Supper, or Communion, or the Eucharist. What is the basis of this practice? And why are we still doing it today? In this sermon, we'll see that the Lord's Supper is a call to look back to Jesus' death for us, to look forward to His return, and to look around at people with whom we share in Christ's blessings.

As Christians, to quote Angus Macleay, "the Word is at work within you [and] the world is at work against you". The Word, or message of God, propels us onward and transforms us so we look more and more like Jesus. The world often opposes us, causing us to suffer. Even in the midst of suffering for their faith, however, Christians can take comfort in the fact that they are imitating Jesus, Paul, and many other believers who have gone before, and can know that God will make all things right in the end.

Is the New Testament reliable? Can we trust the people who passed along the message of Jesus? Or were they just religious hucksters? In this sermon, we will dive into the reasons Paul gives to the Thessalonians for why his ministry to them was legitimate.

Have you ever felt dissatisfied with the pursuits of your life? Have you ever wondered if there was anything more? In this sermon from 1 Thess. 1:9-10, we will explore why this is and where to find true life and hope for the future.

How is a church formed? What is the natural progression of a healthy church? In this study from 1 Thess. 1:4-8, we will explore the timeline of a church’s development.

Is church just an event on Sunday mornings? Do you need a building to be a church? In this study from 1 Thess. 1:1-3, we’ll examine some biblical principles of what a church is and what it ought to be marked by.

Acts 17 tells the story of the birth of a church in Thessalonica. The story includes a strategic location, a rational message, and immediate hardship. Might the same factors be part of our story as we start a new church in University Circle?