Mercy Hill Church

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Takeaway: Engage your emotions for the glory of God.

Want to be wise? Here's the kind of person you need to become.

Sow wise attitudes, reap wise living.

What is the heart? How do we keep it?

Takeaway: Life is lived from the inside out.

Text: Proverbs 1:7

What is the fear of the Lord?

Takeaway: True Wisdom begins with Trembling Wonder.

Text: Proverbs 1:5-6, 20-23; 8:1-11, 32-36; 9:3-6

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Takeaway: Follow Wisdom on the path to Wisdom.

Text: Proverbs 1:1-6, 8:22-31

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Takeaway: To truly know wisdom, you must know Christ.

Text: Matthew 22 & 28

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We exist to spread a passion for the glory of Jesus in Port Austin and beyond.

Text: Isaiah 9:6

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Prince of Peace

Takeaway: Find peace by trusting in the Prince of Peace.

Text: Isaiah 9:6

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Everlasting Father

Takeaway: Your Everlasting Father will never leave you nor forsake you.

Text: Isaiah 9:6

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Mighty God

Takeaway: Your Mighty God is fighting for you.

Text: Isaiah 9:6

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Wonderful Counselor:

Takeaway: Your Wonderful Counselor is accomplishing His plan.

Text: Isaiah 9:1-7

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Takeaway: The King has come and He has promised to come again.

Text: Hebrews 13:20-25

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Takeaway: Grace be with you.

Text: Hebrews 13:9-19

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Takeaway: Seek the city that is to come.

Text: Hebrews 13:1-8

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Takeaway: Let’s display God’s glory in the lives that we live.

Text: Hebrews 12:18-29

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Takeaway: Rejoice in your King & His unshakable kingdom.

Text: Hebrews 12:12-17

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Takeaway: Endure in community.

Text: Hebrews 12:3-11

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Takeaway: Endure in hope.

Text: Hebrews 12:1-2

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Takeaway: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 11:32-40

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Takeaway: Faith perseveres, regardless of the outcome.

Text: Hebrews 11:23-31

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Takeaway: Faith risks what is seen to purse what is unseen.

Text: Hebrews 11:8-22

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Takeaway: Faith looks to God for the future and trusts God in the present.

Text: Hebrews 11:1-7

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Takeaway: We walk by faith, not by sight.

Text: Hebrews 10:26-39

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Takeaway: Don't shrink back.

Text: Hebrews 10:19-25

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Takeaway: Draw near, hold fast, consider others.

Text: Hebrews 10:1-18

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Takeaway: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 9:15-22

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Christ's sacrifice was...

Takeaway: Remember and rejoice.

Text: Hebrews 9:1-14

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Takeaway: Live Free.

Text: Hebrews 8

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Takeaway: Rejoice in the God of better promises

Text: Hebrews 7:1-28

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Takeaway: Jesus is better.

Text: Hebrews 6:13-20

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Takeaway: Hold Fast to Your Hope

Text: Hebrews 6:4-12

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Takeaway: Persevere.

Text: Hebrews 5:11-6:3

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Takeaway: Never stop growing as a Christian.

Text: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

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Takeaway: Because Jesus is matchless, we hold fast. Because Jesus is merciful, we draw near.

Text: Hebrews 4:12-13

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Takeaway: "Today, if you hear God's voice, do not harden your hearts."

Text: Hebrews 4:1-11

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Takeaway: What broken saviors are you currently looking to for rest?

Text: 1 Corinthians 15

Takeaway: "Christ died for our sins and was raised."

Text: Luke 19:28-44

Text: Hebrews 3:8-19

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Takeaway: How's your heart?

Text: Hebrews 3:1-7

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Takeaway: Life is a journey, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 2:14-18

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Takeaway: Remember Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 2:5-13

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Takeaway: Follow Jesus on the path to glory.

Text: Hebrews 2:1-4

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Takeaway: Don't drift away from Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 1:5-14

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Takeaway: We persevere as Christians by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Text: Hebrews 1:1-4

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Takeaway: Jesus is greater-Fix your eyes on him.

Explore Membership: Week 4

In this final message of our Explore Membership series, Pastor Michael explains three foundational convictions that shaped the writing of our church constitution:

Explore Membership: Week 3

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through our Church Covenant which says:

We have been brought by God’s grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have given ourselves to him and affirmed one another as citizens of his kingdom through baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Relying on his gracious aid, we do now solemnly and joyfully affirm our church covenant with each other.

We will worship and enjoy God as our supreme treasure by loving him and living for his glory in all that we do. We will pursue God through the regular practice of spiritual disciplines and live holy lives in this world, denying ungodliness, and seeking to reflect the holy character of our Lord.

We will walk together in love as members of Christ’s body, caring for each other, watching over each other, and encouraging and admonishing one another as occasion requires. We will not forsake the church’s gatherings and we will faithfully pray for one another. We will rejoice at each others’ happiness and bear each others’ burdens and sorrows. We will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.

We will work together to maintain a faithful gospel witness in our worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We will contribute cheerfully to the expenses of the church, the needs of our neighbors, and the spread of the gospel around the world. We will endeavor to lead those in our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and seek the salvation of our family and friends. We will seek to advance the gospel both to our neighborhoods and the nations through evangelism and missions.

If we leave this congregation, we will join another gospel-preaching church as soon as possible where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

Explore Membership: Week 2

In this message we walk through our Statement of Faith, based on the historic 1853 New Hampshire Confession, and we ask four key questions:

Explore Membership: Week 1

In this message, we explore our identity and purpose by examining three foundational questions:

In this message, Josh Slaughter walks us through the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15.

The Church: Sermon 7

In this message, we looked at 3 questions regarding church membership:

The Church: Sermon 6

“We believe a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, joined together by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel…The only scriptural officers of the church are elders (also called overseers or pastors) and deacons, whose qualifications and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and to Titus.”

In this message, Pastor Michael unpacks the two offices of the church:

He closes the message with this challenge, "Will you pray for God to raise up healthy leaders in our church?"

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through Matthew 11:28-30 and discusses the heart of Jesus, the invitation of Jesus, and the promise of Jesus.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30

(Please excuse the background noise, this sermon is from an outdoor service at a local park.)

The Church: Sermon 5

The rise of online church campuses during the global pandemic of 2020 has led to an important question: "Is the physical gathering necessary to be a church?" In this message, Pastor Michael argues that it is. In fact, a church that doesn't regularly gather is no longer a church. He then unpacks 5 reasons gathering is essential from Hebrews 10:19-25:

The Church: Sermon 4

Two weeks ago, we looked at the definition of a local church and said that it was an embassy of heaven, but that brings us to a critical question—there are a lot of groups out there that use the term “church” to describe themselves…so how do we know which churches are true churches and which ones are false?

In this message, Pastor Michael looks at 2 key marks of a true church, one that has the authority of a local embassy of heaven:

Mark Dever helpfully explains that these 2 marks are essential because they deal with both the creation and preservation of the church. He puts it this way:

“The first mark [preaching] is the foundation of God’s truth that gives life to his people, and the second is the lovely vessel to contain and display this glorious work. The church is generated by the right preaching of the Word. The church is distinguished and contained by the right administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” 

The Church: Sermon 3

What is the church like? The Bible gives us dozens of metaphors to help us answer this question. In this sermon, Pastor Michael highlights four of them:

What is the church like? It’s like a bride, like a family, like a body, like a temple, like a flock, like a branch, like a house, and so much more—all at the same time! Pastor Michael closed with a quote from Jonathan Leeman who put it this way, “There’s nothing on earth like the local church—it comes from the end of time!"

The Church: Sermon 2

What exactly is the church? In the message, Pastor Michael looks at Matthew 16 and 18 to show that the church is an embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven. They've been given the keys of the kingdom which enables them to answer two key questions:

This leads to three key applications:

This sermon ends with the challenge to, "Live as citizens of heaven together."

The Church: Sermon 1

Why does the church exist? To answer that question, Pastor Michael walks through the Bible in the following points:

These points lead to the conclusion that the church exists to display God's glory in the world. As the Body of Christ, the church is God's vehicle for bringing Christ to the world. 

Sermon 6 in the Jonah Series:

In this final sermon of "The Gospel According to Jonah," Pastor Michael walks through Jonah 1-4 and highlights:

Because ultimately, the book of Jonah is not about a great fish. The book of Jonah is about a great God.

Sermon 5 in the Jonah Series:

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Jonah 4, highlighting:

He closes with the challenging question, "Does your character and attitude towards others reflects the character of the God you say you worship? Do you see others like God sees them?" 

Sermon 4 in the Jonah Series:

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Jonah 3, highlighting:

He closed with the encouragement, "We deliver the news, God does the saving."

Sermon 3 in the Jonah Series:

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Jonah 2, highlighting:

He closed with the challenge to "Rest & Rejoice in the God who saves."

Sermon 2 in the Jonah Series:

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through Jonah 1:7-16, highlighting:

He closed with this question to consider: Do you actually worship the Lord?

Sermon 1 in the Jonah Series:

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through Jonah 1:1-6, highlighting:

He closed with this question to consider: Are you trusting the Lord of the storm?

Sermon 10 in our Revelation Series:

"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) In this final sermon on Revelation, Pastor Michael walks through chapters 21-22 and examines the New City with four points:

He closed with this challenge: Are you seeking the city that is to come?

Sermon 9 in our Revelation Series:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” (Revelation 19:11)

In this sermon, Pastor Michael unpacks Revelation 19-20 with three observations about how Jesus will judge when he returns:

The King is coming, are you ready?

Sermon 8 in our Revelation Series:

Near the end of Revelation, we’re presented with a tale of two cities. On the one hand we have Babylon, the City of Man. This city represents every social enterprise that lives in defiance of God. This is contrasted with the City of God, represented by the New Jerusalem. The question for us to consider is: Which city do I call home?

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through Revelation 17-18 and unpacks four truths about Babylon, the City of Man:

“Fallen, Fallen is Babylon the Great! …Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” (Revelation 18:2, 4-5)

Sermon 7 in our Revelation Series:

"Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on..." (Revelation 16:15) In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through Revelation 15-16 and unpacks the final bowls of God's wrath with three observations:

At the end of the message, we're challenged with this question: "Are you living in light of the end?"

Sermon 6 in our Revelation Series:

"Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven..." Revelation 12:7–8.

In this sermon, Pastor Michael surveys Revelation 12-14 and makes four observations for Christians:

If the Christian life is war, the question for you to consider is: are you engaged in the fight?

Sermon 5 in our Revelation Series:

"Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Revelation 8-11 and applies three truths about citizens of God's Kingdom:

The question for you to consider is: which kingdom are you living for?

Sermon 4 in our Revelation Series:

"... hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:16-17)

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Revelation chapters 6-7 and shows that Jesus is Lord over history. He ends with a critical question for all of us to consider, "When the great day of God's wrath comes, will you be able to stand?"

Sermon 3 in the Revelation Series:

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through Revelation 4-5 and challenges us with this question: "Are you captivated by the glory of God?"

Sermon 2 in our Revelation Series:

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:22

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through Revelation 2-3 and challenges us with 7 messages from the 7 churches:

We were challenged to examine these 7 messages and consider the question, "Which path am I on?"

Sermon 1 in our Revelation Series:

"Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." Re 1:17–18.

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks through Revelation 1 and challenges us to "Fear not, because God is in control."

For the first sermon in 2021, Pastor Michael challenged us with something simple, but life-changing: "Walk worthy in 2021."

Joy Delivered: Week 3

In this final sermon in the Advent series, Pastor Michael reminds us of the truth, "Only Jesus can bring true and lasting joy."

Joy Delivered: Week 2

In this sermon, Pastor Michael continues the Advent series and compares the false promises of joy with God who always keeps his promises.

Joy Delivered: Week 1

In this sermon, Pastor Michael opens our Joy Delivered Advent series by considering why joy needs to be delivered. He walks through Genesis 1-3 and reminds us that, "Joy is always lost when we depart from God's design."

Sermon 8 in the 1 Peter Series:

In this final chapter of the letter, Peter is going to wrap up his teaching on the Christian life by reminding his readers that they must live in community with other believers under the loving leadership of shepherds who care for their souls. Pastor Michael covers this chapter in 2 sections:

1. The Shepherds:

2. The Sheep:

The key challenge to walk away with is this: "Stand firm in God's glorious grace."

Sermon 7 in the 1 Peter Series:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Pe 4:12)

How should a Christian respond to suffering?

God has a reason for your suffering and the challenge from this message is, “Don’t waste your suffering.”

Sermon 6 in the 1 Peter Series:

1 Peter 4:7, "The end of all things is at hand; therefore..."

"Start living in light of the end."

Sermon 5 in the 1 Peter Series:

In 1 Peter 3:8-22, we see that local churches should be a compelling communities that...

Together, let's be the compelling community God has called us to be.

Sermon 4 in the 1 Peter Series:

In 1 Peter 2:13-3:7, the Apostle Peter gives some very practical instructions on how to represent Christ in the different roles of this life. Specifically, he covers:

The overall challenge is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as citizens in the public square, servants in the workplace, and spouses in the home.

Sermon 3 in the 1 Peter Series:

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through 1 Peter 2:4-12 and answers the questions:

He closes with the challenge to, "Live as the chosen people of God."

Sermon 2 in the 1 Peter Series:

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 and shares three ways to live in exile:

Sermon 1 in the 1 Peter Series:

In this message, Pastor Michael shares three truths from 1 Peter 1:1-12 that can help Christians persevere in difficult times:

"We can endure present suffering with future hope."

In Genesis 22, Abraham faces the ultimate test from God. On one side is human wisdom, emotions, ambitions, and affections, on the other side is the clear command from God. What will he do?

After walking through the passage, Pastor Michael highlights three ways that we can cultivate faith in God: 1) Trust God's promises 2) Trust God's power 3) Trust God's provision

Summer in the Psalms: Week 8

"Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy..." Psalm 67:3–4

In Psalm 67 we see a stirring call to missions with a God-centered zeal for the nations. John Piper put it best when he said, "Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more."

Enjoy this sermon from Psalm 67!

Summer in the Psalms: Week 7

In Psalm 100 we see that worship is treasuring God above all else and responding in awe with a joyful devotion. The question for you to consider is, "Am I living a life of worship to God?"

Summer in the Psalms: Week 6

In Psalm 110, a psalm written 1,000 years before Christ, we have the privilege of digging into a trinitarian conversation between God the Father and God the Son. Pastor Michael points out three awesome realties about Jesus in this psalm and encourages us to fix our eyes on the exalted King.

Jesus is...

Summer In The Psalms: Week 5

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

In this message, Josh Slaughter walks us through Psalm 46 and challenges us to take refuge in God, dwell with him, and be still.

Summer in The Psalms: Week 4

You're going to die. How should this reality shape the way you live? 

In this message from Psalm 90, Pastor Michael challenges us to pray with Moses, "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

Remember your death, and let it shape the way you live.

Summer in The Psalms: Week 3

What is sweeter than honey and more desirable than gold?

The first half of Psalm 19 celebrates the glory of God in His World. The second half celebrates the glory of God in His Word. Enjoy this message from Psalm 19:7-14!

Summer in The Psalms: Week 2

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1 

In this message, Pastor Michael celebrates the glory of God in creation by walking us through Psalm 19:1-6.

Summer in the Psalms: Week 1

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

In this message, Josh Slaughter walks us through Psalm 16 and points us to the only place true satisfaction can be found.

Sermon 15 in the series through Ephesians:

In this final sermon from our series through Ephesians, Pastor Michael covers verses 10-20 in chapter six and looks at the topic of spiritual warfare. The question for us to consider is this: Have you done all to stand?

Sermon 14 in the series through Ephesians:

In this message from Ephesians 6:5-9, we see the gospel applied to Christian employees and employers in the workplace. The challenge for us is to do everything we do for the glory of Jesus.

Sermon 13 in the series through Ephesians:

In this sermon from Ephesians 6:1-4 we see the gospel applied to relationships of parents and children with an emphasis on Christ as the center.

Sermon 12 in the series through Ephesians:

In the sermon from Ephesians 5:22-33 we look at marriage and the mystery of the gospel.

Sermon 11 in the series through Ephesians:

In this sermon from Ephesians 5:15-21 we learn about the importance of the Christian's walk. 

Sermon 10 in the series through Ephesians:

In this sermon from Ephesians 5:3-14, we see that at one time we were darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. Therefore, we should walk as children of light.

Sermon 9 in the series through Ephesians:

In this sermon from Ephesians 4:17-5:2 we see a step by step process for living the new life that Christ has purchased for us. We put off, be renewed, and put on. 

Sermon 8 in the series through Ephesians:

In Ephesians 4:7-16 we see 3 components of a healthy church. We also see that the church is the body of Christ and a display of God's glory. Therefore, we are the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us and God's vehicle for bringing Christ to the world. 

Sermon 7 in the series through Ephesians:

In Ephesians 4 Paul shifts from who we are in Christ to focusing on how we should live in light of that new identity. Verse 1 of the chapter summarizes it nicely:

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." Ephesians 4:1

Sermon 6 in the series through Ephesians:

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul's prayer for his readers is that they would "...know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge..." Ephesians 3:19

Do you know the limitless love of Christ?

Sermon 5 in the series through Ephesians:

Most of us view the church and our participation in it as something ordinary, something mundane, and sometimes even boring. One of Paul’s goals in Ephesians 1-3 is to pull back the curtain of eternity and give you a glimpse of just how astounding the church, and your participation in it, really is.

Enjoy this message from Ephesians 3:1-13

Sermon 4 in the series through Ephesians:

At one time, we were separated from Christ, alienated from God's promises, and without hope in the world. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13

Remember who you were, and rejoice in who you are.

Sermon 3 in the series through Ephesians:

“Your life task is to be a character in the greatest story ever told. It is what you were created for. If faith were primarily an idea, the intellect alone might be adequate for dealing with it. Since it is instead a life to be lived, we need story.”-Dan Taylor

In this message, Pastor Michael walks through Ephesians 2:1-10 and describes the story of every Christian. One chapter in the grand story of redemption that God has been writing since eternity past.

Sermon 2 in the series through Ephesians:

What types of requests do you pray for? In Ephesians 1:15-23 the Apostle Paul gives us three biblical requests that we can fill our prayers with. Pastor Michael calls them, "oxygen truths." 

Be encouraged in this message to live, "full of hope, secure in God's love, and dependent on God's power."

Sermon 1 in the series through Ephesians:

If you are in Christ, the triune God planned in eternity past that he would purchase you as a trophy of his grace to display the all-surpassing worth of Jesus Christ. You were chosen by the Father, you were redeemed by the Son, and you were sealed by the Spirit. How should we respond to this? We should rejoice in God's grace, and live for God's glory.

Enjoy this sermon from Ephesians 1:1-14.

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" Revelation 5:12

In this sermon, Josh Slaughter walks through Revelation 5 and reminds us how worthy Jesus is.

Sermon 3 in the Series: Habits of Grace

Word, Prayer, and Fellowship.

Or as David Mathis describes, “Hear God’s voice, have God’s ear, and belong to God’s body.”

In this message, Pastor Michael concludes this series on the Habits of Grace with a message on fellowship from Hebrews 10:24-25.

Sermon 2 in the Series: Habits of Grace

"The speaking God not only has spoken, but he also listens—he stops, he stoops, he wants to hear from you. He stands ready to hear your voice. Christian, you have the ear of God. We call it prayer." - David Mathis

In this sermon, Pastor Michael walks us through the model prayer in Matthew 6 and draws some practical applications of this amazing privilege.

Sermon 1 in the Series: Habits of Grace

What does God use to help his children grow? The Word, Prayer, and Fellowship. Or as David Mathis says, we "hear God's voice, have God's ear, and belong to God's body." 

This message focuses on the first of those habits: The Word of God.

In this message, we take a fresh look at the mission of our church:

"We exist to spread a passion for the glory of Jesus in Port Austin and beyond."

Sermon 4 in the Series: Carols of the King

In this sermon Pastor Michael uses the song, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," to answer the questions:

This song reminds us that, "God came down to save us from our sins and bring us back to him."

Sermon 3 in the Series: Carols of the King

In this sermon, Pastor Michael shares four reasons for joy from the song, Joy To The World:

This song reminds us that, "Jesus came as the conquering King to purchase eternal and unshakable joy for all who would believe."

Sermon 2 in the Series: Carols of The King

In this sermon, Pastor Michael uses the song, "What Child is This?" to dig deeper into the amazing reality of who Jesus is and what it means for us.

Sermon 1 in the series: Carols of the King

Few songs capture the essence of the Advent season like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." In this sermon, Pastor Michael explains the meaning of this song with a problem, a solution, and a response. 

We all experience the pain and brokenness of this sin-cursed world but, "This song reminds us to rejoice in our exile because Emmanuel is coming again."

In this sermon, missionary David Velasquez unpacks three truths about praise from Psalm 145.

In this sermon, Tyler Ziemer shares three attitudes from 1 Thessalonians 5 that every Christian should strive to maintain with the strength that God supplies.

Sermon 7 in the Galatians Series: Set Free, Live Free

In this final sermon of the series, Pastor Michael points out three marks of Spirit-led living from Galatians 6: 

1. Walk in Authentic Community 

2. Cultivate Spiritual Growth 

3. Keep the Cross Central

Sermon 6 in the Galatians series: Set Free, Live Free

The Christian life is a path of Spirit-empowered living, but there are ditches on either side of that path. On one side there is the ditch of legalism and on the other side there is the ditch of license. How do we stay on the path? The Apostle Paul answers that question in Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Sermon 5 in the Galatians Series: Set Free, Live Free

From slaves of sin to children of God, that is the freedom that comes from the gospel. However, even Christians who have been set free have a tendency to wander back into slavery. In this message, we hear a strong challenge from the Apostle Paul to stand firm in the freedom we have in Christ. 

Sermon 4 in the Galatians series: Set Free, Live Free

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26

In this message we learn about 3 blessings that flow out of our union with Christ:

1. We receive new status.

2. We receive new power.

3. We receive new hope.

The key thought is to, "Live in the freedom of being God's child."

Sermon 3 in the Galatians series: Set Free, Live Free

Are you looking to your own works to justify yourself? Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? The Apostle Paul calls that foolishness, and in Galatians 3 he gives several arguments for his position.

Sermon 2 in the Galatians series: Set Free, Live Free

In Galatians 2 we see a picture of self-centered living that leads to insecurity, fear, and hypocrisy. We also see a picture of gospel-centered living that leads to freedom, power, and confidence. Which picture best represents the life you are living?

Sermon 1 in the Galatians series: Set Free, Live Free

In this message, Pastor Michael gives an overview of the letter to the Galatians and covers chapter 1. The challenge for this week is: Do you know the gospel?

Last week Pastor Michael gave us 5 weapons to use in the fight for joy. This week he gives us 5 more. Enjoy!

If it's true that, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." (John Piper), then the Christian life is a fight for joy. 

In this sermon, Pastor Michael shares five weapons to use when fighting for joy in God.

Everyone wants to be happy, this is without exception. And this desire influences everything we do. However, what does the Bible say about this universal human desire? In this message, Pastor Michael answer that question from Philippians 1.

In this message from John 21, we see the love and mercy of Jesus as He graciously restores Peter to service. This is the final message in our series on John, to view all the messages visit cbcportaustin.org/john.

The first Adam walked into a tomb and brought death to us all, the last Adam walked out of a tomb and brought life to us all. 

Enjoy this sermon from John chapter 20!

From a human perspective, the cross looks like defeat. But from a divine perspective, the cross was the coronation ceremony of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Behold the Man, behold our God, the crucified King.

How would your Christian life be impacted if you knew that Jesus was praying for you? In John 17, we learn that He is. We are escorted into the holy of holies and we get a glimpse of our Savior's petitions on our behalf. What a powerful source of encouragement and motivation for all true believers!

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." -Jesus (John 15:4-5)

​In this message from John 15-16, we have the privilege of hearing Christ's final words to His disciples the night before He is crucified.

How do we maintain hope when our hearts are troubled? Jesus gives us the key in the first part of His farewell discourse. Enjoy this sermon from John 14.

In John 13 we see a mind-blowing display of humility and service when the Creator washes the feet of those He created. What is Jesus doing here? What is He teaching? In the message, Pastor Michael shares 4 lessons we can learn from this story.

In this final message of the series, "Life on Mission," Pastor Michael examines what it looks like to follow Jesus and help others do the same. He unpacks a simple pathway of discipleship using worship, community, service, and multiplication.

We’re all called to join the mission of God, but what does that look like in everyday life? In this message, Pastor Michael gives three practical steps to get started.

What is the gospel? If someone asked you to explain it to them, could you? It is absolutely essential that every Christian has a firm understanding of the gospel. In this message, Pastor Michael explains what the gospel is by using four key words: God, Man, Christ, Response.

Why did God create the world? What has He been doing throughout history? What is His ultimate mission? In this message, Pastor Michael explains the mission of God from the Scriptures and how we are called to join Him in that mission. 

Worship is so much more than just singing. Worship is treasuring God above all else and responding in awe with our hearts, minds, and actions. In John 12, we see a beautiful example of this type of worship in the life of Mary. 

What does success in motherhood look like? What matters most? In this message, Pastor Michael highlights three practices of biblically faithful mothers. They teach the Word to their children, they live the Word for their children, and they send the Word with their children. 

In this message from Psalm 32, Josh Slaughter discusses the importance of confession and walking in the light as we follow God's heart.

In this message from Romans 5 and 6, Pastor Michael shares three truths about our union with Christ. 

In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Michael unpacks the radical claim of Jesus from John 11:25 where He says, 

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

The question for you to consider is, do you believe this?

 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." -Jesus (John 10:11) 

In this message, Pastor Michael shares five truths about Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and the abundant life He offers. 

In John chapter 9 we see the fascinating story of Jesus opening the eyes of a man who had been blind since his birth. This is a beautiful picture of the Gospel, where God commanded the light to shine out of darkness and gave us, ". . .the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

When we stood guilty and condemned, surrounded by the punishment that we rightly deserved, Jesus set us free.

Have you experienced this grace and forgiveness? Come to Jesus today, He can set you free. 

In this passage Jesus places His finger on the universal human problem of soul thirst. That longing of the heart, that desire for satisfaction, that aching of the inner man. Have you experienced it?

Jesus says, "Does your soul thirst? Come to me and drink, I'll satisfy your soul."

Enjoy this sermon from John 7:32-52.

One of the worst days in history was when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged humanity into sin and death. Thankfully, that's not where the story ends. There was another Adam, with another tree, who turned the worst day ever into the best day ever. 

Jesus died on the cross for our sins and offers forgiveness and salvation to all who will turn and trust in Him. Enjoy this message by Tyler Ziemer from Genesis 3. 

We exist for the name and fame of Jesus Christ and we are devoted to spreading a passion for His glory.

In this sermon, Pastor Michael highlights the devotion of the early church and challenges us to follow in their footsteps. 

True greatness is not making a lot of money, having a lot of friends, running a big business, or being well known.

True greatness is grabbing a towel, kneeling down, and washing the feet of others.

In this sermon from John 13, Pastor Michael explains what gospel-empowered service looks like.

Community is participating in the activities and privileges of a people redeemed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the sermon from 1 Corinthians 12, Pastor Michael explains what gospel-empowered community looks like.

As human beings, we are all worshippers. It's hard-wired into our DNA. We're all living for something and that something controls our worship. 

The Gospel invites us into a life of true worship. A life of radical joy for the glory of Jesus Christ. 

In this sermon from Romans 12:1-2, Pastor Michael explains what a life of worship looks like.

Join Pastor Michael and his wife Shannon as they discuss Vision Sunday and our theme for 2019, "Devoted."

In John 6:37 Jesus makes this amazing promise, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

What are the practical applications of this? Enjoy this sermon from John 6.

In John 6:35, Jesus says, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

In this sermon, Pastor Michael talks about the satisfying relationship with Jesus that is offered to all.