Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

Browse and listen through our library of Sunday Sermons recorded at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.

  1. 4d ago

    The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

    Audio Recording The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Rev. Charles Drew Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Charles DrewSermon Series: Guest Preacher Psalm 116 (ESV)1 I love the Lord, because he has heard    my voice and my pleas for mercy.2 Because he inclined his ear to me,    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.3 The snares of death encompassed me;    the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;    I suffered distress and anguish.4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:    “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!” 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;    our God is merciful.6 The Lord preserves the simple;    when I was brought low, he saved me.7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death,    my eyes from tears,    my feet from stumbling;9 I will walk before the Lord    in the land of the living. 10 I believed, even when I spoke:    “I am greatly afflicted”;11 I said in my alarm,    “All mankind are liars.” 12 What shall I render to the Lord    for all his benefits to me?13 I will lift up the cup of salvation    and call on the name of the Lord,14 I will pay my vows to the Lord    in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord    is the death of his saints.16 O Lord, I am your servant;    I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.    You have loosed my bonds.17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving    and call on the name of the Lord.18 I will pay my vows to the Lord    in the presence of all his people,19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,    in your midst, O Jerusalem.Praise the Lord! Sermon Outline1.     Practicing thanksgiving: Treat it as a sacrifice v. 16: O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.  You have loosed my bonds.  I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving 1.     Practicing thanksgiving: Talk yourself into it v 7: Return, O my soul, to your rest for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. v 2: Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.  v 13: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. v 14: I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 1.     Practicing thanksgiving: Be specific v 3: The snares of death encompassed me. v 3: distress and anguish   v 8: wept and stumbled v 11: All men are liars! v 7: The Lord has dealt bountifully with me 2.     A cloud hovering over Ps 116 It celebrates only temporary reprieve 3.     Jesus dispels the cloud: He chose not to be rescued until after death v 16: Cords bound me at my arrest v 3: I suffered distress and anguish. v 8: I stumbled v 3: The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me. vv 8-9: You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I will walk before [you] in the land of the living 3.    Jesus dispels the cloud: He eternalizes Ps 116 v. 15: His death was precious in the eyes of the Lord Precious To God and us vv. 17-18: I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving . . . 18 I will pay my vows . . .  in the presence of all [your] people Every reprieve is a promise of the end of all tears and loss. Prayer of ConfessionGod our Redeemer, you are very kind to us. You keep us healthy. You provide us with food, shelter, family, and friends. You speak to us through people and your Word and enable us to hear your voice. You pray constantly for us. You console us when life is difficult and sit with us when it is unbearable. We confess that we chose to see and to acknowledge only the smallest part of all this lovingkindness. We tend to give our attention too much to what we are unhappy about. We complain too much about what we don’t have. We worry too much about what we don’t understand and can’t control. Forgive us for our indifference to your kindness. Forgive us above all for our indifference to your grief over the sorrows that we have brought upon ourselves. Forgive us for our cold response to the terrible suffering you chose to endure to deliver us from our sins, our sorrows, and our death. By your Spirit raise within us new songs of joy and new words of hope and kindness. Make us deeply and constantly thankful, even in our dark times. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Questions for Reflection Psalm 116:16 describes thanksgiving as a sacrifice, calling for costly, habitual, God-ward effort. What makes thanksgiving an effort for you? What practices have made thanksgiving easier for you? What gets in the way of making thanksgiving habitual for you? Reflect on the following: Psalm 116 describes only temporary deliverance. The psalmist is able to tell his happy story—but only because he has lived to tell it. Deliverance from shame, fear, stumbling, and death didn’t come for Jesus. Psalm 116, in other words, didn’t “work” for him. Why should we expect it to “work” for us? Jesus most likely sang Psalm 116 with his disciples at the Last Supper. Imagine him processing its words with his own (soon to come) suffering and deliverance in mind. Reflect on v 15: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. What made the death of Jesus precious to the Father? What makes the death of Jesus precious to you?

  2. Oct 25

    Receiving the Grace of God

    Audio Recording Receiving the Grace of God Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (ESV)1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you,    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. Sermon OutlineGrace is transformative and we should be eager to allow it to work in every area of our lives (v1). 1. How do we receive God’s grace in vain? v13 “(I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. “ v12  “you are restricted in your own affections.” 2. What does it look like when grace is at work? v8 “through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise.” v4-5 “by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots…” v6-7  “by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness… with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left” vv8-10  “We are treated as… and yet…” 3. How can we grow in grace? v2 “Behold, now is the favorable time…” v3 “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way…” v11 “our heart is wide open”, v12 “restricted… affections”, v13 “widen your hearts also” Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, forgive every way we have received your grace in vain.  We have sought relief from our sins and their effects, but we have failed to turn fully from them.  We have lived as though your grace is a vehicle to advance our selfish agendas.  Our thoughts, words and actions evidence how rooted we are in our old ways.  Today you again extend grace, so we are turning to you to ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.  Help us to behold the glory in your grace, and may we glorify and enjoy you more as we root ourselves firmly in the grace of Jesus Christ.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What is appealing about grace? What are common misunderstandings about grace? How do you receive God’s grace in vain?  Where in your life do you discern a lack of grace? Why are difficult situations and circumstances places of temptation?  How do difficult situations provoke non-gracious responses in you? How can the comfort grace brings create opportunities for change? What does it look like to overcome evil with good?  Why is this so hard? How does God’s grace to us in Jesus show us God’s glory?  What are some things we can see? What can you do to cultivate new affections?  How can your affection for God widen? How can beholding the glory of God be something you enjoy?  How can you pursue joy within the Christian life?

  3. Oct 18

    New Creation

    Audio Recording New Creation Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (ESV)11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Sermon OutlineThe gospel urges participation in the new creation through new life in Christ (v17). 1. Living Beings v11 “… knowing the fear of the Lord” v12  “…those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart” v14 “For the love of Christ controls us” 2. Reconciled Beings v18 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself” v19 “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them” v21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” 3. New Beings v17 “behold, the new has come” v11 “what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience” v15 “… that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” v16 “From now on… we regard no one according to the flesh” Prayer of ConfessionOur creator and redeemer, help us. Our lives have been controlled by fear, not love. We boast in outward appearances because our hearts are corrupt. Forgive every sin that alienates us from you and has fostered division between us and the world. We look to Jesus in faith, grateful that you made him to be sin, marveling that through him we become righteous. We long to turn from living for ourselves to the one who has loved us and given us new life. Help us by your grace, we pray. Amen. Questions for Reflection When you read or think of the creation story in Genesis 1, what strikes you?  What do you observe about God? Should we “fear” God?  What does healthy fear of God look like?  What does unhealthy fear of God look like? How do we fall into idolatry?  Why is idolatry problematic? Why is reconciliation with God needed? How does Jesus reconcile us to God? What does it mean that Jesus is reconciling the world to himself? In what ways are Christians “new creation”? What does it look like to live “no longer for [yourself] but for him who for [your] sake died and was raised”? If the resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of new creation, what would you expect to see in the world in which we live?  If we are still awaiting all things to be made new, what do you expect to see in the world? How can you be more controlled by the love of Christ?

  4. Oct 11

    Prepared for Glory

    Audio Recording Prepared for Glory Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (ESV)16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 5:1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Sermon OutlineGod is preparing us for something of such great substance (4:17) that how we live and what we experience can become deeply intertwined with glory. 1. Our Longings v1 “…if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God…” (cf 4:16) v2, 4 “in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling” v3-4  “… not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed…” 2. God’s Preparations v10  “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” v1 “…if the tent… we have a building from God, a house not made with hands” v4 “so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” v5 “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God” 3. Faith that is Secure 4:16, 5:6, 5:8  “good courage” v7 “we walk by faith, not by sight” (cf 4:18) v5 “…who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee” v9 “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious God, we can’t fathom the profound greatness of who you are. We confess that instead of seeking it, we have sought satisfaction for our longings in what our eyes see, what our peers value, what the world runs after. We have betrayed you; we have betrayed others; we have betrayed ourselves. Forgive every sin. Forgive every time we acted for our own pleasure, rather than what would please you. Forgive our failure to trust you. We thank you for the eternal glory that is ahead, and for Christ who came to prepare us for it. We thank you for the Spirit that is a guarantee, a strength, a help, a comfort. Amen. Questions for Reflection How can glory have “weight” to it?  When you think of glory, what do you imagine, and is there any aspect of heaviness or substance to it? How can life in the body feel like we are inhabiting a tent?  What in that metaphor connects with the human experience? How do you understand life after death?  Is the soul free from a body?  Are you just a decaying body?  What is the Christian view of resurrection? How does Jesus prepare us for eternal life?  Why is preparation necessary? In what ways is the Holy Spirit a “guarantee” (or down payment)?   How does the Spirit enable us to know something of God?  What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?  How is Christian faith a form of knowledge of the eternal? How does the hope of future glory bring new possibilities for how we live now?  What does it look like to live a life that aims to please God?  Why should a person live this way?

  5. Oct 4

    Beholding Glory Through Suffering

    Audio Recording Beholding Glory Through Suffering Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you. 13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. Sermon Outline1. Suffering is real 2 Corinthians 1:8–9  [8] For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. [9] Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. 2 Corinthians 4:8  We are afflicted in every way…perplexed… persecuted…struck down 2 Corinthians 4:16  … our outer self is wasting away… 2. Suffering is not wasted 2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:6  …the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. [11] For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. [12] So death is at work in us, but life in you. 3. Suffering is not final 2 Corinthians 4:14  knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. Revelation 21:4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. 2 Corinthians 4:17  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison 2 Corinthians 4:16  So we do not lose heart. Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, while there is so much that is good and beautiful in our world, the reality of brokenness and suffering weighs on us.  We confess that when we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down, we cling to the things that are seen rather than the things that are unseen and eternal.  Forgive us for trusting more in our own power and strength than in the surpassing power that belongs to you.  Renew us by your grace.  Help us to carry the life of Jesus in our frail and broken lives.  And by your Spirit, strengthen us to hold fast to the promise that you who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us into his presence.  Give us grace to not lose heart.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? What stands out to you about how honestly Paul describes his suffering in this passage? Why do you think it can be hard for Christians to be honest and to admit when we’re struggling and when life is hard? In verses 10-12, Paul connects his suffering with the death and life of Jesus. What do you think it means for the Christian life to follow this pattern of death giving way to life? How might God be inviting you to see his power at work through weakness and suffering rather than only waiting for it to disappear? Paul calls his suffering a “light momentary affliction” compared with an “eternal weight of glory.” How does the resurrection change the way we understand present suffering? Paul says “we do not lose heart,” not simply “you should not lose heart.” What might it look like for our church to encourage one another in times of suffering? When have you experienced the gift of Christian community in difficult times? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  6. Sep 27

    The Glory of Christ

    Audio Recording The Glory of Christ Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (ESV)1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Sermon OutlineAt the heart of Christianity is God opening the eyes of people to see the glory of Christ (v4). 1. We are meant to reflect God’s glory v6 “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’…” v4 “…Christ, who is the image of God” 2. We have been prohibited from seeing God’s glory v3 “…even if our gospel is veiled” v4  “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” 3. God shines the glory of Christ into our hearts v6  “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” v5 “what we proclaim is not ourselves… your servants for Jesus’ sake” Prayer of ConfessionOur great and glorious God: you have made the world to flourish but we have made a ruin of it.  We have been mistaken thinking we could have life apart from you and like fools we have turned from you.  We have not reflected the honorable characteristics in you, like truth, wisdom, justice, and goodness.  Instead we are guilty of sin, having said and done things which dishonor you, and which we regret.  We cannot escape our own twisted thoughts.  If you were not merciful, we would be without hope.  Forgive us.  We marvel how unlike us you are, and we thank you for the grace to show us your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.  We pray for more light in our lives, and for the gracious working of your Spirit to help us to see and to transform us into the image and likeness of Christ.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What makes the gospel message “good news”?  What is so good?  What do you think are the most attractive aspects of Christianity? Why is there an emphasis in the New Testament on “seeing” or “looking to” Christ?  How do we fix our eyes on Jesus? What does it mean that humans are made in God’s image?  What are some of the implications of this? What does it mean that Jesus “is” the image of God?  If the gospel message is so good and attractive, why do people reject it?  What is the Bible’s explanation?  How do you experience the “god of this world” coming between you and God?  How do you feel you are kept from seeing the glory of Christ? How does the Holy Spirit open our eyes so that we see the glory of Christ?  How does God bring light into our lives? What can you do when you are not able to see the glory of Christ?  What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight? How can the glory of Christ help you become a more authentic person?  Where do you struggle with superficiality, hiding, trying to impress people, etc.?  How can you experience more joy in living so that your life helps people see the glory of Christ?

  7. Sep 20

    Spiritual Transformation

    Audio Recording Spiritual Transformation Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Sermon OutlineWhen those seeking God get a glimpse of God’s glory, their lives are transformed as they behold it.  We need: 1. A way to navigate growth (vv4-6) v4 “confidence” vv5-6 “not that we are sufficient… God… has made us sufficient” v4 “confidence… through Christ toward God” 2. The humility to look outside ourselves (vv7-11) v7 “ministry of death”, “stone”; v9 “condemnation”; v11 “brought to an end” vv7-8 “if… will not… even more glory?”; v9 “far exceed it in glory”; v10 “because of the glory that surpasses it”; v11 “how much more…” 3. The gracious working of God’s Spirit to transform us (vv12-18) v6 “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” v16 “when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed” v17 “where the Spirit of the Lord is…”, v18 “… are being transformed… this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” Prayer of ConfessionMerciful God, we confess that we have put our confidence in ourselves rather than in Christ. We have trusted in our own strength, wisdom, goodness, and ability to change, forgetting that our sufficiency comes from you. We have allowed the cares and desires of this world to veil your glory from us, so that we have been slow to see, slow to believe, and slow to delight in Christ. Forgive us for seeking glory for ourselves instead of beholding the glory of your Son. Thank you that in Christ the veil is removed, that your Spirit gives freedom, and that you are patiently transforming us into the likeness of Christ. Turn our eyes again to Jesus, that as we behold his glory, we might be changed by your grace and increasingly reflect his glory in the way we live.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What happens when you compare yourself with others?  What good comes from it?  What problems come from it? How is confidence different from arrogance?  How is humility different from low self esteem? How do we attain secure confidence through faith in God?  How does relocating the center from in us into Christ bring true security as well as a truer sense of self?  Why is it valuable to see that the people who had God’s presence, commands, and were witness to his remarkable deeds, still failed?  Do you imagine if you were present in the days of Moses that you would have performed better?  How does the impossibility of achieving/earning God’s favor impact you?  How are you discouraged?  How are you being led to see something of greater value? What makes the glory of Christ surpass all other glory?  What are we meant to see when we look to Christ? How does God’s grace and generosity promote deep change in us? How can your imagination be stirred to consider the wonder of glory when it is too magnificent to grasp?  Do you recognize a longing in you for it, even if you can’t see it or don’t fully understand it? Jesus calls us to seek God – what does that mean?  Why is our transformation a work of God’s Spirit?  What role do we play in our own path of growth?

  8. Sep 13

    Behold the Glory of God

    Audio Recording Behold the Glory of God Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Behold the Glory of God 2 Corinthians 3:4-18 (ESV)4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Sermon OutlineAs a church, we are beginning a season of seeking God to gain insight on how lives are transformed by beholding God’s Glory. 1. Glory v18 “beholding the glory of the Lord” 2. Veil v18 “with unveiled face” 3. Transformed Images v18 “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” v14 “the same veil remains unlifted…through Christ it is taken away” v18 “Beholding” v12 “since we have such a hope, we are very bold” Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious, radiant God: we bow before you, aware that the kingdom, power and glory are yours.  We admit our lack of understanding, our unbelief, our disinterest.  We admit our sin that prohibits us from seeing, acknowledging and experiencing your glory.  We have looked to created thing to satisfy us.  We have given our devotion and energies to people, things and ideas that have ensnared us.  We have not walked the path of grace and truth that you have set before us.  Forgive every sinful thought, word and deed.  We thank you for Jesus, who has come near to make you known, has opened the way, and who calls us to follow him in the paths of life.  Transform us by the work of your Spirit; show us Jesus so that we may behold your glory.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What does glory mean?  What do you think of? How would you describe glory? Do you ever experience glory (or have you ever)?  Describe the experience. Why do you think God wants us to behold His glory? What makes beholding God’s glory so difficult? How have you tried to behold God’s glory?  What has worked?  What hasn’t? What happens to us when we behold something or someone else, in the place of God? What did Jesus do that makes it possible for us to behold God’s glory? How is looking to Christ a central part of the Christian method of transformation?  How does one “fix their eyes” on Jesus? How are other aspects of the Christian life (ethics/behavior, spiritual disciplines, theology, etc.) integrated with beholding God’s glory?  What happens if we pursue them apart from looking to Christ?  What role does Sunday worship with God’s people play in a lifestyle of seeking God and beholding His glory?  Why is it important?  How can you make the most of each worship service towards this goal?

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