Elevation Community Church's Weekly Sermon

Elevation Community Church
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Daily

Our #1 focus is to Fully Connect people to Christ, His Community, and His Cause.

  1. Oct 27

    Lessons from History | Jude 5-16

    False teachers. Spiritual deception. God's judgment. These are not abstract theological concerns. They are urgent realities that the Epistle of Jude addresses head-on, and they are just as relevant for the church today as they were in the first century. Jude writes to warn believers about teachers who had crept into the church and were distorting both doctrine and lifestyle. His core argument is that what you believe always shapes how you live. False belief produces false living, and Jude uses three powerful historical examples to show that God has never overlooked ungodliness among His people. First, Israel in the wilderness. Despite witnessing the parting of the Red Sea and eating manna from heaven, an entire generation died because of unbelief. Jude makes the striking point that it was the pre-incarnate Christ Himself who led them out and who also judged them. Miraculous experiences and close association with spiritual realities are no substitute for genuine saving faith. Second, the fallen angels of Genesis 6. These beings abandoned the boundaries and authority God had given them, pursuing what was forbidden. The result was catastrophic corruption and divine judgment. The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture: rejecting God's design leads to destruction. Third, Sodom and Gomorrah. Their destruction by fire stands as a permanent historical warning of the eternal judgment that awaits persistent ungodliness. Jude then describes the false teachers themselves using a series of vivid images: hidden reefs that shipwreck the church from within, shepherds who consume the flock rather than feed it, waterless clouds that promise nourishment but deliver nothing, and wandering stars destined for darkness. He contrasts their arrogance with the humility of the archangel Michael, who deferred judgment to God even when confronting Satan directly. Enoch's ancient prophecy confirms what is coming: Christ will return with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment on all ungodliness. Jude describes what ungodliness looks like in practice, including grumbling, self-promotion, and using flattery for personal gain, patterns that are easy to recognize in both false teachers and in our own hearts. But the message does not end in condemnation. Romans 5 declares that Christ died for the ungodly at exactly the right time. Grace is not for those who have made themselves righteous. It is for sinners who need it. Those who trust in Christ receive His righteousness, and the Father sees them through the perfection of His Son. Topics covered include: false teachers in the church, the Book of Jude explained, contending for the faith, God's judgment in the Bible, Israel in the wilderness, fallen angels in Genesis 6, Sodom and Gomorrah, Michael the archangel, Enoch's prophecy, signs of false teachers, grace and repentance, the Gospel for sinners, and how beliefs shape behavior. Whether you are studying Jude for the first time, wrestling with questions about spiritual discernment, or looking for a clear explanation of God's judgment and grace, this is a message worth your time.

  2. Oct 20

    Contending for the Faith | Jude 3-4

    What does it mean that salvation is common to all believers? How should Christians respond when false teaching quietly enters the church? And what does Jude mean when he says the faith was once for all delivered to the saints? These are the questions at the heart of the book of Jude, one of the shortest but most urgent letters in the entire New Testament. In just a few verses, Jude addresses the nature of salvation, the responsibility every Christian has to understand and defend what they believe, and the subtle but serious danger of false teachers who infiltrate the church from within. Salvation is not a tiered system. There is no category of Christians who are more saved than others or who possess a greater measure of the Holy Spirit. Every genuine believer stands before God on equal ground, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Romans 10:12-13 and 2 Peter 1:1 both affirm this truth clearly. But Jude also makes clear that this shared salvation comes with a responsibility. The faith has been perfectly and completely delivered through Scripture. There is nothing new to add, no fresh doctrinal revelation waiting to be discovered. Any teaching that goes beyond what God has already spoken is not spiritual progress. It is deviation. This has direct implications for how Christians evaluate claims of prophecy, new visions, and extra-biblical revelation. False teachers rarely announce themselves. They blend in, earn trust, ask leading questions, and slowly distort truth from within. Jude compares this to the serpent in the garden, beginning with doubt and ending with denial. A church can be theologically compromised for years before the damage becomes visible, much like a house being hollowed out by termites while looking solid from the outside. One of the most common distortions Jude identifies is the perversion of grace into a license for sin. The logic sounds like this: since salvation is by grace and not by works, how I live does not really matter. Paul confronts this directly in Romans 6. True grace does not only forgive sin. It frees believers from sin's power and produces a genuine desire to honor God. Jude's call to contend for the faith is not a call to become a heresy hunter who finds satisfaction in tearing things down. It is a call to love truth so deeply that distortions of it become recognizable and unacceptable. The best defense against false teaching is not suspicion. It is a thorough, consistent, and growing knowledge of God's Word. Topics covered include: the book of Jude explained, common salvation in the Bible, contending for the faith, false teachers in the church, once for all delivered to the saints, grace and holiness, soteriology for beginners, how cults begin, biblical discernment, and Christian apologetics.

  3. Oct 14

    Called, Beloved, Kept | Jude 1-2

    What does it mean to be a Christian? The answer is not a list of rules or religious achievements. According to the opening verses of Jude, Christian identity is defined by three words: called, beloved, and kept. These words describe what God has done for His people, and they form the foundation of everything else in the Christian life. Jude was the half-brother of Jesus Christ. He grew up in the same household as the Son of God and yet did not believe in Him during His earthly ministry. It was only after the resurrection that Jude came to faith and chose to identify himself not as Jesus' brother but as His servant. That shift in identity is a picture of what genuine saving faith produces. This message explores what each of these three words means and why they matter for everyday life. What is the difference between the outward call of the gospel and the inward effectual call of the Holy Spirit? Why does God choose His people based on love rather than merit? What does it mean to be kept by God, and how does that security shape the way we live? These questions are answered through a careful look at Jude 1:1 alongside key passages from Romans 8, John 6, John 10, Ephesians 1, and 1 Corinthians 1. The result is a clear and grounding picture of sovereign grace and the assurance of salvation. Topics covered include the doctrine of election, effectual calling, the perseverance of the saints, eternal security, Christian identity, the Golden Chain of Redemption, and how grace produces transformation rather than complacency. Whether you are new to these doctrines or have studied them for years, this message offers a fresh and practical look at what it means to be held fast by God. Keywords: Jude 1, Christian identity, called beloved kept, effectual calling, perseverance of the saints, eternal security, doctrine of election, sovereign grace, assurance of salvation, Golden Chain of Redemption, Romans 8:30, John 10:28, Ephesians 1, what is a Christian, Reformed theology, expository preaching, Bible study, book of Jude, grace and holiness, security in Christ

  4. Sep 18

    Matthew 25 Ministries | Joe and Pam Leonard

    One of our elders, Greg Dolby, introduces us to Matthew 25 Ministries and leads us in a "panel" style discussion with Joe & Pam Leonard, both longtime active members and volunteers with the organization, followed by Joe Leonard bringing us the sermon of the week.

  5. Sep 16

    Out of the Depths | Psalm 130

    Psalm 130 is one of the most powerful and personal prayers in the entire Bible. In just eight verses, it moves from the depths of human despair to the heights of God's steadfast love, and it speaks directly to some of the most important questions anyone can ask: What do I do with my sin? Can God really forgive me? How can a sinful person stand before a holy God? This exploration of Psalm 130 walks through each section of the psalm and unpacks what it teaches about sin, mercy, forgiveness, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Topics covered include the meaning of the Songs of Ascents, the biblical imagery of the depths, the difference between kindness and mercy, why no one can stand before God if He counts their sins, the doctrine of original sin and federal headship in Adam, how faith connects us to God's forgiveness, the significance of the watchman waiting for morning, and the meaning of the Hebrew word chesed, often translated as steadfast love. One of the most important truths addressed is the widespread misconception that God tolerates a certain level of sin, and that good people can earn their way into His presence. Scripture is clear that every sin is committed against an infinitely holy God, which makes every sin infinitely serious. James 2:10 teaches that failing in even one point of the law makes a person guilty of all of it. This is not meant to discourage but to point us to the only real solution: the plentiful redemption found in Jesus Christ alone. The gospel message at the heart of Psalm 130 is that when we could not climb out of the pit ourselves, God came down into it with us. Jesus Christ took on flesh, lived without sin, bore the punishment we deserved on the cross, and rose from the grave. His resurrection is the guarantee that those who trust in Him are brought up out of the depths with Him. Hebrews 7:25 says He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him. Whether you are someone who has never trusted Christ, someone who struggles with guilt and shame, or a believer who wants to go deeper in understanding the Psalms and the gospel, this message from Psalm 130 has something for you. Keywords: Psalm 130, Songs of Ascents, forgiveness of sins, what is mercy, how to be saved, gospel of Jesus Christ, steadfast love of God, chesed, original sin, federal headship, can God forgive me, salvation by faith, plentiful redemption, Hebrews 7:25, James 2:10, how sinners are saved, Bible study Psalms, Christian sermon, expository preaching, what does the Bible say about sin, grace and forgiveness, crying out to God, waiting on the Lord

  6. Sep 5

    Standing Firm | 1 Peter 5:8-14

    Are you facing a battle you feel like you are losing? You are not alone, and you are not without help. Based on 1 Peter 5, this teaching walks through one of the most practical and encouraging passages in all of Scripture on the topic of spiritual warfare, resisting the devil, and standing firm in faith as a Christian. Topics covered include who the devil really is and why it matters, what the enemy actually wants from your life, when to flee temptation and when to stand and resist, how faith in Jesus Christ is the key to resisting the devil, why resisting temptation gets easier over time, the role of Christian community in spiritual warfare, and the powerful promise God makes to every believer who endures. Key passage: 1 Peter 5:8-12. Additional passages referenced include James 4:7, Luke 22:31-32, and 1 Corinthians 10:13. Whether you are struggling with a recurring sin, feeling overwhelmed by spiritual attack, or simply want to understand what the Bible teaches about the devil and spiritual warfare, this message offers biblical clarity and genuine hope. Keywords and topics for search: spiritual warfare, resisting the devil, 1 Peter 5, how to resist temptation, standing firm in faith, Christian spiritual warfare, the devil in the Bible, how to fight sin, overcoming temptation as a Christian, James 4:7, roaring lion Bible verse, Christian living, biblical teaching on the devil, faith and temptation, how to stand firm, God restores believers, victory in Christ, Christian community and accountability, expository preaching, Bible study 1 Peter. If you have been struggling and wondering whether the fight is worth it, the answer from Scripture is always yes. Sixty years of fighting is worth an eternity of rest. The God of all grace has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, and He Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

  7. Sep 3

    Casting Your Cares | 1 Peter 5:6-7

    Are anxiety and pride connected? The answer might surprise you. First Peter 5:6-7 reveals that the path to peace runs directly through humility, and understanding why changes everything about how we handle worry. Anxiety is one of the fastest-growing struggles in the modern world, with clinical diagnoses rising by roughly 60% over the last 15 years. Culture offers many solutions, but Scripture offers something unexpected: humble yourself under God's mighty hand, cast your anxieties on Him, and trust that He cares for you. In this message, we explore why pride and anxiety are so deeply connected, what it means to walk at the pace of grace instead of sprinting ahead of God, and how the gospel is the ultimate foundation for lasting peace. Topics covered include: Why humility is the biblical cure for anxiety How pride feeds worry and blocks gratitude What it means to cast your cares on God rather than simply lay them down Why God's timing is never early and never late How the stories of Joseph, David, and Jesus himself speak to our anxious hearts Why the cross is the deepest answer to the deepest anxiety Key passages referenced: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 23, Psalm 40:1-2, Psalm 55:22, John 15:5, Isaiah 57:15, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Galatians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 11, Hebrews 4 Whether you are struggling with financial stress, relational tension, fear about the future, or a burden for someone you love, this message offers a biblical and gospel-centered path forward. Keywords: anxiety and faith, overcoming anxiety biblically, Christian peace, humility and worry, casting your cares on God, 1 Peter 5 6 7, how to deal with anxiety as a Christian, biblical anxiety relief, trust God with your worries, Christian sermon on anxiety, peace that passes understanding, gospel and anxiety, pride and anxiety, God's timing, faith over fear, Christian mental health, Bible verses for anxiety, how to stop worrying, Philippians 4 6, Psalm 23

  8. Aug 25

    To Know Him | Phil. 3:4-11

    Do your good works, church attendance, or religious background make you right with God? It is one of the most important questions anyone can ask, and the answer from Scripture might surprise you. In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul lays out one of the most powerful arguments in all of the New Testament against self-righteousness and works-based salvation. Paul was not writing as someone unfamiliar with religious achievement. He had elite Jewish heritage from the tribe of Benjamin, was circumcised on the eighth day, trained as a strict Pharisee, zealous beyond his peers, and blameless under the law by every outward standard. If anyone had grounds to trust in religious credentials, it was Paul. And yet he called all of it rubbish. The Greek word Paul uses is skubalon, one of the harshest terms available to him. He was not being dramatic. He was being precise. When we use our good works to try to earn God's favor, those works become something God finds offensive, not because good works are wrong, but because using them as payment for what God freely gives is a rejection of grace itself. This message walks through what Paul was warning the church about, who the true people of God actually are, why righteousness cannot be earned, and what it means to gain Christ. It also explores the critical difference between Christianity and every other world religion, including Islam, Buddhism, and works-based religious systems, all of which operate on the same basic principle: do this and deserve that. The Gospel says something entirely different. Key topics covered include salvation by grace through faith, the meaning of justification, the role of good works in the Christian life, what it means to be found in Christ, and how to practically apply Paul's teaching to everyday life. Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, wrestling with doubts about your own standing before God, or a longtime believer who has quietly been keeping score with God, this message speaks directly to the heart of what it means to trust in Christ alone. Scriptures referenced include Philippians 3:3-11, Romans 4:5, Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:20, and John 3. Relevant topics: salvation, grace, faith, works-based religion, Philippians 3, Paul's testimony, justification by faith, righteousness, Christian living, what is the Gospel, how to be saved, difference between Christianity and other religions, Sermon on the Mount, self-righteousness, trusting in Christ.

See All (419)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Our #1 focus is to Fully Connect people to Christ, His Community, and His Cause.

Information