In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 131

A Life Of Grace Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Jun 9, 2020

To avoid unrighteous judgment: 1) Be merciful, 2) Be humble, 3) Be helpful.

Healthy Disciples: A LIFE OF GRACE—Matthew 7:1-6 ***(before you read the text) What quotations from the Bible are you most likely to hear from non-Christians?...There is one in our text today.** Read Matthew 7:1-6. “Do not judge…” No one likes to be judged—for their appearance, their taste in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Life Without Worry Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Jun 9, 2020

To overcome worry: Ramp up worship. Re-align ambitions. Trust God, one day at a time.

Healthy Disciples: A LIFE WITHOUT WORRY—Matthew 6:25-34 (Read the text first.) “Do not worry…” What would it take for you to stop worrying? Would 10 million dollars be enough money? Would a cure for cancer set your mind at ease? Worry is a common human thing. People worry about their kids or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Life Of Value Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Jun 9, 2020

Value is not found in earthly wealth or treasure, but in the kingdom of heaven. Choose your Master. Clarify your vision. Invest in the kingdom of heaven.

Healthy Disciples: A LIFE OF VALUE—Matthew 6:19-24 Matthew 5-7 is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It was not really a sermon, as Matthew tells us, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” Jesus began his teaching that day with what ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: Righteousness Has Its Rewards Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

The rewards of serving God are a righteous life with him. God rewards prayer, giving, and seeking him (fasting). Seeking rewards without seeking God misses God's best.

Getting Life Right: RIGHTEOUSNESS HAS ITS REWARDS—Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18 ***In a commercial for a credit card, a young man and woman are sitting at a table in a restaurant. The man is handing his credit card to the server, who looks soberly at the young lady, saying, “You know, he’s using you. He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8, Matthew 6:16-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: Re-Cycling Relationships Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

1) Break the Cycle of Retribution, 2) Start a New Cycle of Love. "What goes around comes around" is not the final answer. Love graciously as God loves.

Getting Life Right: RE-CYCLING RELATIONSHIPS—Matthew 5:38-48 Most relationships follow a simple rule: “What goes around comes around.” If interactions between people are going in a positive direction, the relationship thrives, with reciprocal affirmation, encouragement, cooperation, and kindness. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: Promises Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

Life is built on promises. Every word a Christian speaks represents God, whether we take an oath in his name or simply make a promise.

Getting Life Right: PROMISES—Matthew 5:33-37 “You promised.” There’s something about that! There is something about a child being able to trust a parent’s promises, a husband or wife trusting every commitment made, or being able to count on people at work to do what promise to do. LIFE IS BUILT ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: Sexuality Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

Be wise about temptation, channel sexuality, and support marriage. Practical and positive, while presenting clear expectations and recognizing our need for God's help.

Getting Life Right: SEXUALITY—Matthew 5:27-32 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gathered his closest disciples around him, teaching them how to get life right. We began our series with Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus affirmed the enduring value of the OT law, but said that the law alone does not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32, 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: If Words Could Kill Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

Words have the power to destroy life, or support life. Fix relationships, and give those you love what you owe them.

Getting Life Right: WORDS—Matthew 5:21-26 Last week, we heard what Jesus said about the enduring purpose of the Old Testament: Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Then Jesus said something ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26, Romans 13:8-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Life Right: No Rules, Just Right Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

The Old Testament is not a book of rules, but a guide to WHO God is, WHAT righteousness is, and HOW to bring righteousness into our lives. Jesus fulfills the law, but affirms its continuing relevance.

Getting Life Right: NO RULES. JUST RIGHT. Matthew 5:17-20 Some years ago, Outback Steakhouse had an advertising slogan: “No Rules. Just Right.” The slogan conveyed a relaxed attitude, symbolized by the lack of a set closing time posted on the door, and leaving no customer request unfulfilled. NO ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Cancel Easter?

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Apr 1, 2020

Especially for 2020. On the first Easter, Jewish power players tried to MANAGE they truth of the resurrection, to cancel Easter forever. The truth could not be canceled, because disciples saw the risen Lord. The guards were afraid, but both the angel and Jesus said, "Do not be afraid."

CANCEL EASTER? Matthew 27:61-28:15 (Revised in 2020, during the novel coronavirus, covid-19 church cancellations—can be easily modified) In the eyes of many people, Easter has been canceled this year. Church is online only. Easter egg hunts and family dinners are canceled. Malls are closed, and ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Easter: "we Had Hoped..."

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 27, 2020

We say it, just like the 2 disciples on the way to Emmaus. Jesus 1) opens the conversation, 2) opens the Scriptures, and 3) opens our eyes. Jesus is alive, and our hope is alive!

EASTER: “WE HAD HOPED…” --Luke 24:13-35 On a Sunday, about 2000 years ago, 2 disciples were walking down the road. It might have been 2 men, or a man and wife. They were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7 miles. It was a walk of despair, for their hopes and dreams were gone. Read Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Philippians And Stress 6: Don't Face Stress Alone Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 26, 2020

In times of stress, we need people...to support us...teammates...to care about

PHILIPPIANS AND STRESS: DON’T FACE IT ALONE ***Fresh out of school, I started my first job, teaching high school math. I had 5 classes, with more than 30 students filling the desks each hour. I was immature and unprepared for the challenges before me, figuring things out as I went. I worked from ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20, Philippians 4:2-3, Philippians 2:19-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Philippians And Stress 5: Choose Not To Be Anxious Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 26, 2020

Alternatives to Anxiety: Prayer, Pure Thoughts, Putting God's Word into Practice.

PHILIPPIANS AND STRESS: CHOOSE NOT BE ANXIOUS—Philippians 4:4-9 ***Project on the screen a hand-written note: “Dear stress, Let’s break up.” If only it were that simple!** The Apostle Paul was writing the letter to the Philippians from prison, or perhaps house arrest. It had to be a stressful ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Philippians And Stress 4: Performance-Driven Stress Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 26, 2020

Performance-driven stress is overcome by a clearer focus on Christ. Not pressure to perform, but passion to take hold of the prize.

PHILIPPIANS AND STRESS: PERFORMANCE-BASED STRESS—Philippians 3:1-21 As we read Philippians, we have been focusing on how to handle stress. One of the biggest sources of stress is pressure to perform. It starts with children: “Be a good boy.” “Be a nice girl.” “Make Dad proud.” “Don’t make us ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Philippians And Stress 3: Eliminating Istress Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 26, 2020

Some stress is an "I problem"--especially stress in the church. Jesus helps us get over our focus on our own needs.

PHILIPPIANS AND STRESS: DITCHING iStress—Philippians 1:27-2:18 Have you ever thought about how much stress comes from our own self-centeredness? At work, people are always asking: Am I successful, valued, getting ahead? In marriage: Am I getting my way? Am I finding fulfillment? Am I getting ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed