We His People - We Belong

We His People - We Belong

Dave Riddle - 9/10/2023

Key Passage: 1 Peter 2:9

We Belong to God

- 1 Peter 2:9

- Deuteronomy 7:6b - Notice the similarities.

- Genesis 17:7 - God kept His promise to Abram.

- John 1:12-13 - Children of God

- 1 John 3:1

- Revelation 21:3 - We Belong to God Forever

We Belong to Each Other

- Romans 12:5 - members of one body

- Philippians 2:3-4 - look to the interests of others.

Brothers & Sisters in Christ

- Are you just attending church, or are you walking in community?

Calling All Calvary - The Universal Calling

Calling All Calvary - The Universal Calling

Dave Riddle - 7/16/2023

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 12

We are the body of Christ

Spiritual Body

Unity (one) + Diversity (many)

• 1 Corinthians 12:27

• We are more than the sum of our parts.

• Multiplication not addition

You are one

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

We are many

1 Corinthians 12:19-20

Functionality

Romans 12:4-8

• One body… but we don’t all have the same function

• We have been given different gifts

• When we don’t live into those gifts we compromise the functionality of the body

Interconnectedness

1 Corinthians 12:15-16

• We are connected and interlocked together.

• We need each other.

• We need community.

Interdependence 

1 Corinthians 12:17-18, 21

• We need each other and we need our differences.

Constructed by God

1 Corinthians 12:24-25

• God has out the body together

• …so that there would be no division in the body

United In Love

1 Corinthians 12:31

• And l I will show you an even better way

• LOVE • 1 Corinthians 13

• Romans 12:9-10

• When one suffers, we all suffer. When one is honored, we all rejoice • 1 Corinthians 12:26

• Philippians 2:4

• James 2:15-16

• John 13:35

Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Paul Trulock - 7/2/2023

Key Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-12

We have the knowledge of the Bible

We have the power of the Spirit

We lack willpower

Growing old is a natural process, but growing up doesn’t come easily.

Unity

• 1 Peter 3:8 - likeminded

• Unity, not unanimity.

• We don’t have to agree on everything, but we should be united despite our disagreements.

• Devoted to the person of Jesus not devoted to programs, causes, or politics.

Sympathetic

• 1 Peter 3:8 

• Romans 12:15-16

• Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.

• Only possible in and through unity.

• Does your concern for others outweigh your concern for yourself?

Brotherly Love

• 1 Peter 3:8

• philadelphos: Loving brother or sister. In a broader sense, loving one like a brother

Compassionate

• 1 Peter 3:8

• splagchnizomai (Greek: σπλαγχνίζομαι) - to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity).

• Deep compassion and tenderheartedness towards others.

Humble

• 1 Peter 3:8

• Meekness not weakness

• “We never mature when we narrow the use of our efforts, talents, and means to our own advantage.”

Forgiveness

• 1 Peter 3:9

• Not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult.

• Bless those who curse you.

• 1 Peter 2:20-21

• Called to a life of non-retaliation.

Control the Tongue

• 1 Peter 3:10

• Do you want to love life and see good days? Control your tongue.

Purity and Peace

• 1 Peter 3:11-12

All of this is only possible through diligence, discipline, and community. 

Is Your Faith Worthless?

Is Your Faith Worthless?

Dave Riddle - 6/11/2023

Key Passage: James 1:26-27

If anyone considers themselves religious…

• James 1:26

• Religious = thrēskos: fearing or worshipping God; ceremonious in the worship of God

…their religion is worthless

• James 1:26

• Worthless, profitless, empty, devoid of value 

• Same word as 1 Corinthians 15:14

• If there is no resurrection your faith is “worthless”

…If you don’t keep a tight reign on your tongue…

• James 1:26

• We all hold tightly to the resurrection, but how seriously do we take the way we speak?

Pure and undefiled religion…

• James 1:27

• Pure = katharos: clean (literally and figuratively). Free from anything that soils or corrupts.

• Undefiled = amiantos: not defiled. Incorruptible.

Our faith is directly tied to our concern for others

• James 1:27

• Pure and undefiled religion means having concern for vulnerable people.

• Orphans and widows in distress.

• Doing this requires an investment of time, energy, resources.

• See also: James 2:15-17, James 2:26, 1 John 3:17-18

Our Allegiance and Devotion

• James 1:27

• Keep yourself unstained from the world.

• Romans 12:2 - don’t be conformed… be transformed…

What is the product of your heart?

• Luke 6:45

• What we say and do overflows from our heart.

Your words, actions, and heart are the true indicators of your faith.

• Repent. Don’t rationalize.

Making the Most of the Time We’re Given

Making the Most of the Time We’re Given

Dave Riddle - 1/15/2023

Key Passage:  Ephesians 5:15-17

Look (Ephesians 5:15)

• Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk.

• Literally “look carefully”

• blepo (Greek: βλέπω) literally: to see. Metaphorically: to see with the mind’s eye. To turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing; to look at; to weigh carefully; to examine, consider and/or contemplate.

• How you walk = peripateo (Greek: περιπατέω) literally: to tread all around, walk at large. Figuratively: to live, to make one’s way, to regulate one’s life, to conduct oneself

• How? (v. 15)

• Not as unwise people but as wise

• sophos (Greek: σοφῷ) - Wise. To have skill or expertise. To best form plans and use the best means for their actual execution. 

• Proverbs 1:1-7

• If we don’t pay careful attention to the way we live our lives, then we are living as fools!

Seize (Ephesians 5:16)

• chronos vs kairos

• Greek: καιρός: No direct English equivalent 

• The right time

• The critical time

• The opportune moment

• Implies, not the convenience of the season, but the necessity of the time at hand.

• “Kairos is when eternity steps into time”

• To make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good.

Know (Ephesians 5:17) 

• So don’t be foolish, but understand.

• syniemi: to put together (mentally) to comprehend, to set or join together in the mind. To understand and act piously. Having the knowledge of those thing which pertain to salvation.

• How do we know the will of God? 

• Romans 12:2 

• Francis Chan: “What is God’s well for my life for the next five minutes?”

• Jim Elliot: “Wherever you are, be all there; live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

• MLK Jr. “It does not matter how long you live, but how well you do it.“ & “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always right to do right”

Humble Service

House Rules - Service

Dave Riddle - 11/13/2022

doulos (Greek: δοῦλος): a slave, bondman, man of servile condition

It’s What Jesus Did

• Matthew 20:28

• Acts 10:38

• Philippians 2:7

We’re (re)created for it and called to it

• 1 Peter 2:21

• Philippians 2:3-5

• Ephesians 2:10

• Galatians 6:10

• Matthew 20:26-27

It Demonstrates Love

• Galatians 5:13-14

• Romans 12:9-10

• Romans 13:8

It Strengthens the Household

• 1 Corinthians 14:12

• Ephesians 4:11-13

• 2 Peter 1:5-8

• James 2:15-16

• 1 Peter 4:8-11

It’s Pleasing to, and Rewarded by, God

• Matthew 25:21 & 23, 34-36

Wholehearted Worship

House Rules - Worship

Dave Riddle - 10/30/2022

Key Passage: Psalm 95

Wholehearted Worship

• …developing lips, hearts, and lives that acknowledge and celebrate the glory and goodness of God

• Worship = proskyneo (Greek: προσκυνέω) - to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence

• latreia (Greek: λατρεία): to serve in a sacrificial manner. Used in reference to religious practices and rituals. Divine priestly service.

• leitourgeo (Greek: λειτουργία): to do public service, (by analogy) to preform religious or charitable functions. Worship, obey, minister.

Singular

• Psalm 95:1 - Shout joyfully to the Lord the rock of our salvation

• Psalm 63:1a - You are my God I worship you

  • 1st Commandment

Personal

• Psalm 63:1-2 - You are MY God.

Collective

• Psalm 95:1, 6 - “Come let us…”

Truth 

• Psalm 95:3-5 - We sing truth.

• Our worship is a response to the truth of who God is and the truth of the transformation He is working in our lives.

Joyful Celebration

• Psalm 95:1-2 - Shout joyfully to the Lord. Shout triumphantly…

• rānan (Hebrew: רָנַן): to cry out, shout for joy

• rûaʿ (Hebrew: רוּעַ): to shout, cry out, give a blast

  • Joshua 6:20 (Jericho)

  • 1 Samuel 4:5 (shouts that shake the ground)

Intimacy

• Psalm 95:6

• 1 John 3:1

• Psalm 63:3-5

Obedience

• Psalm 95:7b-9

• Roman 12:1 - present your bodies as a living sacrifice

What’s Your Next Step?

What’s your next step?

Phil Woodman - 9/11/22

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

The Shema Prayer

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9

  • Hear/Listen!

• A fresh start

Where is your focus/commitment? 

• Joshua 24:14-15

  • How will you live?

  • Who will you serve?

What’s your next step?

Bible Reading

• Romans 12:2

  • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

• Set manageable goals

• Pick a plan and finish it

• Share it with someone

Find Connection

• Hebrews 10:24

  • We weren’t made to walk alone

• Join an ABF or Bible Study

• Find a smaller group that will encourage and challenge.

Find a Place to Serve

• 1 Peter 4:10

  • Use the gifts you’ve been given to serve others!

• Serve the church body

• Serve our community

• Discover your gift and use it

Share Your Faith

• 1 Corinthians 11:1

• 1 Peter 3:15

  • Do people know you’re a believer?

  • Share your story.

  • Ask Questions.

What Does Jesus Say About Hate?

Hate The World?

Dave Riddle • 05/22/2022

Key Passage: John 15:18-16:4

The “World” Hates Jesus

• John 7:7 (CSB): The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil.

  • Compare to John 15:18-19

A message for those of us who don’t want to be hated.

• James 4:4 - Friend of the world = enemy of God

A message for those of us who enjoy looking for a fight

• Romans 12:18 - as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

We need to live in the tension between these two passages.

Expect Persecution

• John 15:20

• Matthew 5:10

  • Persecution is a blessing!

• Matthew 5:11-12

  • Rejoice!

  • A blessed inheritance

Hating Jesus = Hating God

• John 15:21-24

  • Jesus makes a claim of divinity.

    • John 10:22-38

• Why did they hate Jesus? For no reason.

  • John 15:25

Jesus sends help!

• John 15:26-27

• The Holy Spirit

  • More on this next week.

“Fall away”

• John 16:1-2

  • Fall away, stumble, be trapped

  • skandalizō - to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall. to offend

Outcasts

• John 16:1-2

  • Outcasts: put out of your religious community, academic community, social community.

    • Did it happen? Yes.

      • Acts 26:9-11 - Paul’s testimony.

Why do they do this?

• Because they don’t know Jesus or the Father

  • John 16:3-4

    • Jesus doesn’t want his followers to be caught off guard.

Upside Down Worship

Upside Down Worship
03/06/2021 - Dave Riddle 
Key Passages: Psalm 95, Psalm 63

Worship begins with an invitation from God

Our Worship Must Be SINGULAR

• Psalm 95:1

• Psalm 63:1a

• Exodus 20:1-11

Our Worship Must Be PERSONAL and COLLECTIVE

• Psalm 63:1a - “I seek you”

• Psalm 95:1 - “Let Us”

Our Worship Must Be A VOCAL & LIVELY CELEBRATION

• Psalm 95:1-2 - shout, sing

  • rānan - to cry out, shout for joy, give a ringing cry.

  • rûaʿ - to shout, raise a sound, cry out, give a blast.

    • Joshua 6:20

    • 1 Samuel 4:5

    • 2 Samuel 6

  • Why? Because we have a lot to celebrate!

Our Worship Must Be Centered on TRUTH

• Psalm 95:3-5

Our Worship Must Be Filled With REVERENCE

• Filled with Joy & Bowed in Reverence

• Joy & Awe

• Wow & Woe

• Revelation 7:9-12 - Celebration & Awe.

Our Worship Must Have a Deep Level of INTIMACY & PASSION

• Psalm 63:3-5 - “Your love means more than life to me…”

  • Not ambivalent or neutral.

Our Worship Should Lead to OBEDIENCE

• Psalm 95:7b-9

• Exodus 17:7

• Romans 12:1

Upside Down Greatness

Message starts around the 29-minute mark

Upside Down Greatness

02/27/2021 - Dave Riddle 

Key Passage: Matthew 18:1

Who is the greatest?

• Matthew 18:1

Jesus turns the tables

• strephō: to twist, turn around, reverse (literally or figuratively). To change one’s mind.

  • Matthew 18:3

Childlike trust, reliance, and dependence 

• Matthew 18:2-3

Humility

• Matthew 18:4

• Humble = tapeinoō: literally to depress, figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart). Abase, bring low, humble oneself.

  • The opposite of pride

• Romans 12:3

  • If humility isn’t there then most likely obedience and service aren’t there either.

• Matthew 23:11-12

  • ...All who exalt themselves will be humbled…

  • Greatness is found in servanthood

Jesus is the example

• Philippians 2:3-8

United in Heart & Mind

Message begins around the 24-minute mark

United in Heart & Mind
01/23/2021 - Dave Riddle 
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:10-11

You are all one in Christ Jesus

• A theological scriptural fact

  • Acts 4:32

  • Galatians 3:23

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

• This is what Jesus prayed for.

Unity is our Calling

• 1 Corinthians 13:11

• Romans 12:16-18

• Romans 14:19

• Philippians 2:2

• Ephesians 4:3

• 1 Peter 3:8

• Hebrews 12:14

• 1 Corinthians 1:10

Undivided

• 1 Corinthians 1:10

  • There should be no schism, split, gap, divide…

• 1 Corinthians 1:11

  • There are quarrels among you

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Made complete, perfectly joined together.

Is Unity in this church possible?

• The redeemed live as one… are we?

  • Galatians 3:23

• What is God’s calling for me? Not for my brother or sister, but for me.

• Repentance seems to be rare, almost non-existent.

  • How is God calling us to respond?

  • Can we be agents of unity rather than division?

The Impact of Peace

The Impact of Peace

12/26/2021 - Dave Riddle 

Jesus is…

Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace

• Peace = shalowm (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם) - a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort, and more.

  • it has layers of meaning related to peace.

  • Widely used in the Hebrew Bible, shalowm clearly depicts a satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness.

Luke 2:13 – 14 - Peace on Earth

• Peace = eirēnē (Greek: εἰρήνη) - a state of tranquility, harmony, and safety. In a Christian context: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation.

(Re)Connection

• Peace with God Himself

  • Romans 5:1

Confidence

• John 16:33

  • Peaceful confidence provides escape from anger, worry…

Rest

• Matthew 11:28

  • Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….

A Gift

• John 14:27

  • Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you…

    • Something only Jesus can give.

    • An invitation, a gift.

• Philippians 4:7

  • A peace He gives to us, not something we develop

  • A peace that is so great we can’t understand it!

A Spiritual Orientation

• Galatians 5:22 - fruit of the Spirit.

  • You are peaceful now live in peace.

    • A reality and a challenge

A Calling

• Colossians 3:15

  • Let peace of Christ rule in your heart.

• Romans 12:16

  • As much as it depends on you…

• Hebrews 12:14

  • Strive for peace with everyone.

Surrender your will to the will of the Father

Pray and ask for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts

A Struggle

• Matthew 10:34

  • Jesus becomes the dividing line

  • There is no peace without him.

Blessing

• Matthew 5:9

  • Blessed are the peacemakers.

Reflect, Encourage, Share Peace

Church is Who We Are

Church is Who We Are

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Dave Riddle

Why Celebrate? Grad Sunday

Why Celebrate?

Grad Sunday 6/6/21 - Phil Woodman

Why do we celebrate?

It’s a Natural Response

• Luke 15

  • Celebrate finding what was lost

  • Celebrate the returned prodigal

God Tells us to

• Romans 12:15

  • Rejoice with those who rejoice!

“Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity the disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees.”

• Richard Foster - Celebration of the Disciplines

To Recognize God’s Work in our Lives

• 3 John 3-4

  • I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth

• Philippians 1:3-6

  • Paul celebrates the work of God in the lives of these believers.

• Milestones

  • Stones from the river

  • Nehemiah and the wall

• Supportive community

  • We don’t celebrate alone.

Motivation to keep us going

• Philippians 3:12 - I have not yet reached my goal.

  • Press on.

• Hebrews 10:23-25

Why Child Dedication?

Why Child Dedication?
Baptism Sunday 5/9/21
Key passage: Psalm 127

Child dedication is not a baptism

• we practice believer’s baptism. (See last week)

Child dedication is not a guarantee 

• not a guarantee of salvation

Why child dedication?

It reminds us of both the miracle and value of human life.

• Genesis 2:7 - humanity was created by God Himself.

• Genesis 1:26-28 - humanity was created in the image of God.

We’re recognizing and affirming that children are a gift from God

• Psalm 127:3 - a special reward

• Psalm 127:5 - a blessing

To acknowledge the challenge and responsibility of being a parent

• Deuteronomy 4:9 - teach them and model for them.

• Ephesians 6:4 - train and instruct

• Deuteronomy 6:5 - a personal practice that you pass down.

Child dedication places children in the context of a larger family… God’s!

• The church has a responsibility (you, all of us)

• Philippians 2:3-4 - we are a family

• Romans 12:10 - be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

It’s an opportunity for parents to surrender their child to God’s will and mission.

• what is it that you want most for your daughter or son?

• 1 Samuel 1 - Hannah and Samuel

Peace - God in Our Midst

Peace - God in Our Midst
12/27/20 - Dave Riddle
Key Passage: Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace

• Shalom: a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort and more. An unconcerned state of peacefulness.

  • Matthew 10:34-39 - do not suppose that I have come to bring peace...

    • Jesus is our number one priority, and that will lead to division.

• eirene: a national state of tranquility, harmony, and safety. In a Christian context: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation

Confidence

• John 16:33 - you are going to have suffering, but you can have confidence because Jesus has conquered the world!

Rest

• Matthew 11:29 - Take up my yoke and you will find rest.

(Re)Connection

• Romans 5:1 - since we have been justified we have peace with God through Jesus.

Invitation (A Gift)

• John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.

• Philippians 4:7 - peace that surpasses all understanding.

Challenge (A Calling)

• Colossians 3:15 - let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, as members of one body you were called to peace.

• Romans 12:18 - as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

• Hebrews 12:14 - pursue peace with everyone.

Orientation (A Fruit) 

• Galatians 5:22-23 - peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can create or attain on our own.

Peace be with you!

Romans - Government Matters

Romans - Government Matters

Dave Riddle - 1/05/20

Key Passage: Romans 13:1-7

The Authority of the State

• Romans 13:1 - let everyone submit

• “Submit” - hypotassō (Greek: ὑποτάσσω) to place; arrange under; to post under; to subject; to be obedient, to carry a burden

  • Luke 2:51 - Jesus submitted to his parents’ authority.

  • Ephesians 5:21 - submit yourself to one another

  • John 19:11 - you would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above.

The Function of the State

• Romans 13:3-4

  • We know that this isn’t always true.

  • Paul is expressing the ideal.

    • 1. The state should exist to restrict and punish evil.

    • 2. The state should promote and reward goodness

  • Is wrong to speak out against authority? No!

    • We have a right and a responsibility to do so when the state isn’t living up to these ideals.

Our Relationship with the State

• Romans 13:5

  • Therefore, you must submit.

    • What about when the will of the state is at direct odds with the will of God?

    • Acts 5:27-29

      • We must obey God rather than men.

  • Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone

• Romans 13:6-7

  • what do we owe?

    • Tangible - tolls and taxes

    • Intangible - respect and honor

The Will of God

The Will of God

Charles Bai - 10/13/19

Key Passage: Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2

• The will of God... is good acceptable and perfect

  • Good: Luke 18:19 - no one is good except God alone.

  • Acceptable: Matthew 3:17 - This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.

  • Perfect: Revelation 4:11 - all things created by the will of God

Matthew 6:9-13

• When we pray we need to think about three things.

  • The name of God

    • Holy

  • The Kingdom of God

    • Will come

  • The Will of God

    • On Earth as it is in Heaven

Matthew 7:21

• Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.

  • So, what IS the will of God?

1 Thessalonians 4:3

• For this is the will of God, your sanctification...

  • Sanctification

    • To be made holy

    • To be set apart

How are we sanctified?

• by the Holy Spirit

  • Romans 15:16

• Through the truth of God’s word

  • John 17:15-17

    • Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

  • Read the word of God!

Ephesians 4:24/Colossians 3:10

• “Put on the new self/new man...”

A Loving Koinōnia

Romans 12 - A Loving Koinōnia
Dave Riddle - 10/6/19

Key Passage: Romans 12:9-16

koinōnia (Greek: κοινωνία) - fellowship, association, community, intimacy, joint participation (the share which one has in anything), communion. 

Sincerity

• Romans 12:9

  • Let love be without hypocrisy

  • anypokritos (Greek: ἀνυπόκριτος) - originally used to refer to actors or one playing a part: unfeigned, undisguised, sincere.

Spiritual Sensitivity 

• Romans 12:9

  • Detest evil

  • Cling to what is good

Affection

• Romans 12:10

  • Love one another deeply.

  • Be devoted to one another

  • As brothers and sisters

Esteem

• Romans 12:10

  • Outdo one another in showing honor.

  • Honor one another above yourselves.

Passion

• Romans 12:11

  • Don’t be lazy, don’t lack zeal.

  • Be fervent - zeō (Greek: ζέω) - to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), i.e. (figuratively) be fervid (earnest):—be fervent.

Resolute

• Romans 12:12

  • The picture of someone who is determined.

  • Hopefulness rather than hopelessness

Big Hearts

• Romans 12:13

  • Share with the saints in their needs

  • Emotionally, spiritually, and practically!

Open Arms

• Romans 12:13

  • Pursue hospitality

  • philoxenia (Greek: φιλοξενία) - love to strangers, hospitality

  • Not just waiting but actively looking for opportunities to show hospitality to strangers.

Unnatural and Unexpected 

• Romans 12:14

  • Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse

Empathy

• Romans 12:15

  • Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

  • Not just sympathetic but empathic.

One Accord

• Romans 12:16

  • Live in harmony with one another.

  • Of one mind.

Down to Earth

• Romans 12:16

  • Associate with the humble.

Which one or two of these areas is the Holy Spirit highlighting in your own life?