OAG Podcast Oxford Assembly of God

Do You Love Me? Exploring Peter's Journey from Denial to Redemption - Sermon by Pastor Strickland

Join Pastor Strickland as he delves into the powerful conversation between Jesus and Peter in the closing chapter of John. Discover the significance of Jesus' thrice-asked question, "Do you love me?" and reflect on your own relationship with Christ. Learn how Peter's journey from denial to redemption illustrates God's unwavering love and faith in us, even in our moments of failure. Don't miss this inspiring message of hope, forgiveness, and commitment. #Sermon #PastorStrickland #PeterAndJesus #ChristianFaith #Redemption #Forgiveness #DoYouLoveMe

Outline:


Introduction
The Significance and Lead-up to the Question
Peter's Responses and Our Personal Reflection
Misunderstandings and Their Clarifications
The Extended Context of Peter's Ministry
Communion

Unlocking the Power of Pentecost: Embrace the Holy Spirit's Transformative Role

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Derrel Strickland celebrated Pentecost Sunday, marking it as the 'birthday of the church' and a pivotal moment for the transformation from the Passover to Pentecost. He emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s power in exceeding our personal capabilities and guiding us in our spiritual journey. Highlighting the patience, power, passion, and personhood of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Strickland explained these elements as essential for living a fulfilled Christian life. Ultimately, the core message focused on understanding that our human efforts are insufficient without the divine intervention and strength provided by the Holy Spirit.

Outline:


Celebrating Community Achievements
Introduction to Pentecost
The Meaning Behind Pentecost
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Power and Person of the Holy Spirit
Prayer for Divine Manifestation
Historical Context of Pentecost
Reflections of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Final Thoughts and Blessing

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis.

Title: Experiencing the Supernatural Power of God: Lessons from Scripture

Summary: This week's message by Jeanie Davis focused on the dynamic demonstrations of faith and God's provision in the scriptures. We looked at two main stories: the prophet Elijah being miraculously fed by ravens, as ordained by God in 1 Kings, and the widow of Zarephath who, by obeying God's command through Elijah, saw her meager supplies of flour and oil never run out. These narratives led us to understand that when God commands, He also provides. The message underlined the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God's instructions, no matter how unusual they seem, with the assurance of His supernatural provision. The core takeaway of the sermon was about the vitality of active faith and expectation in God’s ability to provide and perform wonders in our lives.

Outline:

Opening Prayer


Invocation of God's presence and healing
Prayer for wisdom and guidance
Invocation of the Holy Spirit

Introduction


Importance of expecting God's presence and action
Reference to previous lesson on Rhoda's expectation

The Glory of the Lord Appears


Leviticus 9:22-24: Aaron and Moses bless the people, and the Lord's glory appears
The significance of God's glory appearing to the whole community
Imagining the scene of God's fire consuming the offering

The Budding of Aaron's Staff


Numbers 17:1-11: God ends murmuring with a miraculous sign
The sprouting, budding, blossoming, and fruit-bearing staff of Aaron
Lessons on God's chosen leaders and supernatural signs

Elijah and the Ravens


1 Kings 17:1-6: Elijah is fed by ravens during a drought
The supernatural provision of bread and meat by ravens
Trusting in God's specific guidance and provision

The Widow of Zarephath


1 Kings 17:7-16: Elijah and the miraculous provision for the widow
The widow's act of faith and God's continuous supply of flour and oil
The importance of sacrificial giving and trust in God

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand


Matthew 14:14-21: Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish
The compassion of Jesus and the miraculous feeding
God's ability to provide abundantly and meet every need

The Temple Tax and the Coin in the Fish


Matthew 17:24-27: Jesus instructs Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth
The supernatural provision for paying the temple tax
Lessons on obedience, provision, and the supernatural in everyday life

The Role of the Holy Spirit


John 15:18-27: Jesus promises the Advocate, the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's role in teaching, comforting, and guiding believers
The importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit

The Day of Pentecost


Acts 2:1-4: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all believers
The supernatural signs of wind and fire and speaking in tongues
The inclusivity of the Holy Spirit's filling for all believers

The Vision of Peter and the Gentiles


Acts 11:4-18: Peter's vision and the inclusion of the Gentiles
The Holy Spirit's instruction to Peter and the acceptance of Gentiles
The breaking of barriers and the universal offer of salvation

Conclusion


The importance of seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit
Encouragement to step out in faith and expect God's supernatural work
Reminder to stay connected to the community of believers and support each other

Closing Prayer


Thanksgiving for the lesson and God's presence
Prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit and boldness in faith
Encouragement to live out the lessons learned in daily life

In their sermon, Missionaries Marco and Amy Sardella share their transformative journeys of faith and service, from Marco's life-changing experience in a Bosnian refugee camp to Amy's missionary work in Zambia that led to their marriage. They highlight the profound impacts of their ministry on communities, emphasizing the power of trusting in God to perform miracles and meet the needs of the vulnerable, especially children in desperate circumstances.

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis.

Title: Faith and Faithfulness: Lessons from Unsung Heroes of the Bible

Summary: In this Sunday School lesson, Mrs. Jeanie emphasizes the importance of faith and faithfulness by exploring biblical stories of lesser-known women who demonstrated remarkable courage and obedience to God. Through personal testimony and scripture, she encourages listeners to use their words and actions to uplift others and remain steadfast in their commitment to God.

Outline:

I. Introduction


Greeting
Personal Testimony: Struggles with infertility and faith leading to the birth of her daughter.

II. Importance of Words


Impact of Words: Words can uplift or harm, based on a personal anecdote.

III. Study of Faithfulness


Hebrews 11: Overview and connection between faith and faithfulness.
Types of Discipline: Correction, commitment, and self-discipline.

IV. Examples of Faithful Women in the Bible


Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-21)
Jochebed and Miriam (Exodus 2:1-10)
Zipporah (Exodus 4:21-26)
Wise Woman of Abel (2 Samuel 20:14-22)
Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9:32-43)

V. Lessons on Faithfulness


Faith in Action: Ongoing commitment and action.
Personal Accountability: Encouragement to be faithful in all aspects of life.

VI. Call to Action


Self-Examination: Reflect on personal faithfulness.
Prayer and Intercession: Importance of praying for and supporting others.

VII. Closing Prayer


Prayer for Encouragement and Faithfulness

In his sermon, Pastor Strickland uses the peculiar rule at a golf course in Calcutta—where players must play the ball where monkeys drop it—to draw a parallel to life's unexpected challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and faith. He intertwines the biblical story of Joseph, highlighting how maintaining integrity and trust in God during trials can lead to divine fulfillment and purpose.

Sermon Outline

Introduction

- Anecdote about bringing a golf club to the sermon and a humorous description of the pastor's golf style.

- Introduction of the sermon theme linked to a past message inspired by a conversation and the Holy Spirit.

Main Body

1. The Golf Course in Calcutta:

- Description of a unique golf course in Calcutta, surrounded by jungle and frequented by monkeys who disrupt the game by moving golf balls.

- Introduction of the sermon's main metaphor: "You have to play it where the monkey drops it."

2. Application to Life:

- Transition from the story to life lessons about dealing with unexpected disruptions.

- Personal anecdotes about unforeseen difficulties within the church community.

3. Biblical Parallel - The Story of Joseph:

- Detailed recounting of Joseph’s life from the Bible, emphasizing his integrity and faith through trials.

- Joseph's resilience and trust in God's plan despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison.

4. Spiritual Lessons:

- Discussion of facing life's challenges with the right attitude.

- The importance of maintaining faith and integrity, similar to playing a golf game where disruptions are frequent.

Conclusion

- Reiteration of the metaphor and its spiritual significance.

- Encouragement to adopt a positive outlook and trust in God's purpose, despite life’s challenges.

- Closing prayer and invitation for personal reflection and acceptance of faith.