Preaching the Word

2012-02-13T08:01:00.003-06:00

When we bring our needs and requests to God, we carry with us a lot of expectations. We fail to realize that these expectations can actually hinder us from receiving the blessing of God. We must drop our expectations, realizing that God is not bound by them. And we must simply look to him and trust in him. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/AHindranceToBlessing

2012-02-06T08:18:00.001-06:00

We all relish our freedom. It's true politically and in the church. We enjoy those things that God has not forbidden, and we don't let anyone strip us of our rights. However, when it comes to this freedom, there's something else we have to consider: the welfare of others in the church. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheProperUseOfFreedom

2012-01-30T07:54:00.002-06:00

We have so many responsibilities and commitments in life, that we have little time for much else. In fact, we put so much of ourselves into these commitments that we have little time for the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul expresses his desire that the people had an undivided devotion to the Lord. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/FullyDevoted

2012-01-23T08:40:00.002-06:00

Speaking to Jeremiah, God says that he knew him before he was formed in the womb. God says that, before he was born, he consecrated him as a prophet. We learn from this that, through abortion, we destroy a life that God knew; we destroy a life that he made for a purpose. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/BeforeYouWereBorn

2012-01-15T20:14:00.003-06:00

We often wish that he could hear from God; we wish we could hear his voice speaking directly to us. We envy those from Scripture, men like Moses, Abraham, and the prophets who heard the voice of God. But, when it comes right down to it, do we really want to hear his voice? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/HearingGod_849

2012-01-09T08:01:00.003-06:00

Where did we come from? How did life begin? There are questions asked by pretty much everyone. The message of society today is very different than that of the Bible. What are we to believe and why does it matter? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheBeginning_681

2012-01-02T08:22:00.003-06:00

Death is a subject that makes most of us uncomfortable. Even though we realize that everyone dies, we'd rather not think or talk about it. However, because of the coming of the Savior, we can have peace in the face of death. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/DepartingInPeace

2011-12-26T07:37:00.001-06:00

The message of Christmas is absolutely incredible. It's so incredible that, like the shepherds in the Christmas story, we should want nothing more than to share this good news with others. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/MakingJesusKnown

2011-12-19T08:37:00.003-06:00

According to the angel who spoke to Mary, it was because Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit that he was called holy, the Son of God. Apart from the miracle of Christmas, salvation would not be possible. This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SonOfTheMostHigh

2011-12-12T08:32:00.002-06:00

As Mary praised God because she would bear the Son of God, she says that God's mercy is for those who fear him. Why is the fear of the Lord the key to mercy? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/TheKeyToMercy

2011-12-05T08:29:00.002-06:00

Just as we prepare ourselves for Christmas, the people of Jesus' day had to be prepared for his coming. God prepared them by sending John the Baptist, who proclaimed to the people a baptism of repentance, and who pointed them to the coming Savior.

In these two ways, through repentance and the message of Jesus, we are also prepared for him. We're prepared to receive his salvation, we're prepared for his return, and we can use this message to prepare others for Christ as well.

This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PreparingForJesus

2011-11-28T08:40:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, we started the season of Advent with a message titled "Longing for Salvation." We heard how, during the Christmas season, we not only remember Jesus' birth, but we also long for him to come back; we long for him to deliver us from this world of sin and evil. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/LongingForSalvation

On Thanksgiving, we heard a message titled "The Blessing of Thanksgiving". We learned that, by expressing thankfulness to God, by remembering what he's done for us, we're enabled to trust in him in the present. This message can be found at http://www.archive.org/details/TheBlessingOfThanksgiving

2011-11-21T10:04:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we heard the fourth and final part of our series, "Living In the End Times". We heard that, as we await the Lord's return, we're to use our gifts to serve one another. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UseYourGifts

2011-11-14T09:39:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, we heard the third part of our series, "Living in the End Times." We heard that, as we await the Lord's return, we've been called to show hospitality to one another. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Hospitality_401

2011-11-07T09:05:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series, "Living In the End Times". We heard that, as we anticipate the return of Christ, we're to love one another earnestly. Even though this sounds common sense, and even though it seems easy to obey, it's much more difficult than we realize. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/EarnestLove

2011-10-31T08:13:00.002-05:00

Last week, we joined with the other churches in Northwood for a community service, put on by a group known as Harvest for Kids.

Yesterday, we began a series of messages that will take us up to Thanksgiving. We're told in Scripture that Jesus will soon return; we're told that the end will come. And we're told that we're to be prepared. So, how are we to live in the end times?

In this first message, based on 1 Peter 4:7-11, we hear that we're to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SelfControl_111

2011-10-17T08:20:00.002-05:00

We all want the grace of God for ourselves. We want it also for our family and friends. We even want it for many people that we don't know, for those we deem good people. However, there are certain people we believe to be unworthy of God's grace. If God is generous with them, we resent his grace. However, we should never resent the grace of God. We should always rejoice in it. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/RejoicingInGodsGrace

2011-10-10T08:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we heard from missionaries Steve and Alberta Knudtson. They shared with us about missionary life and also about the vision they have for ministry. Their message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SAKnudtson

2011-10-03T08:18:00.002-05:00

In the church today, even though we can articulate the gospel message, and even though we can recite John 3:16 from memory, many of us are depending on ourselves to earn forgiveness; we're depending on our obedience to the law to earn salvation. However, according to Galatians 3, by doing so, we remain under the wrath of God. We're saved only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/InGodWeTrust_414

2011-09-27T08:19:00.002-05:00

Most people in our society know of Jesus. But they have many different ideas about him. And many of these ideas are not Scriptural. We sometimes think these differences are no big deal. But they are a big deal. Believing Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the foundation of the Church.

We had some audio glitches during this message, which you will hear in the recording. We were attempting to fix them, and eventually switched microphones. I hope it's not too distracting, but the entire message is available. It can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/WhoIsThisJesus_386

2011-09-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

Our God is deserving of worship; the Lord is worthy of our praise. And we're called to worship him. However, no matter what we do, his praise will go forth. No one and nothing can stop his praise from going forth. But are we giving him the praise he's due? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/HeWillBePraised

2011-09-12T08:05:00.001-05:00

Young people have been leaving the church at an alarming rate. What can we do to stop the bleeding? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PassingItOn

2011-09-06T07:24:00.001-05:00

We often declare that our life is our own; we say that this is our body. And what we're saying is that no one can tell us what to do; we're saying that we're in charge of our own life. However, in Colossians 1 we're told that we were created by Jesus and for Jesus. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/CreatedByHim

2011-08-29T08:14:00.001-05:00

We all have many things that we value in life. But what is most important to you in life? Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is so valuable, that we should be willing to sacrifice everything in order to possess it. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/OurGreatestTreasure

2011-08-22T08:28:00.001-05:00

The church in our nation is heading in many different directions; their are many different priorities on which they focus. But what does Jesus tell us about the mission of the church? What should be our primary focus? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheMissionOfTheChurch

2011-08-16T09:50:00.001-05:00

This week, Pastor Elden Nelson, president of the AFLC, was with us to install Pastor Kent at Ebenezer. He delivered a message about the call of God that can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Installation

2011-08-02T09:19:00.001-05:00

Here is my first message as pastor of Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church. We all have limitations. This includes me, as a pastor. If I try to do it all, it will take away from my primary calling, which is the ministry of the Word. So, as a church, we need everyone to pitch in. The more who serve and use their gifts, the more lives we'll touch for Christ. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/Limitations

2011-07-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Below is the link to my final sermon as pastor of Grace Free Lutheran Church in DeKalb, IL. In it, I focused on the call of God and how, as his people, we must follow his call. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PastorKentsFinalSermonAtGflcDekalb

2011-06-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

We often fail in our calling because we don't feel qualified to carry it out. However, as we see in 1 Corinthians 1, this is how God intends it to be. He calls and uses those who aren't qualified. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryUnqualified

2011-06-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

In the church today, we too often fail to expect God to work through us as we serve him. We don't believe that God will do the miraculous through us. However, because of God's calling, we should expect him to do great things. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryExpectingGreatThings

2011-06-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we heard the last message in our series on Christian parenting. We heard how we must find the right balance. Just as we must not be permissive, neither must we provoke our children to anger. We must not do this because it hinders our ability to train them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryRightBalance

2011-05-31T09:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we heard the third part of our series on Christian parenting. And we learned that discipline is essential if we're to raise godly children. Even though no one enjoys disciplining their children, they do it out of love for their children and out of a desire for their salvation. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryDiscipline

2011-05-16T09:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we continued our series on Christian parenting. We heard that, according to Scripture, it's the parents' responsibility to instruct their children in the Word of God. God says that we're to immerse our kids in his Word. So, even though others might help us in this, it's our responsibility first and foremost. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperrySharingtheWordofGod

2011-05-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I started a series of messages on Christian parenting. We heard that the goal of Christian parents is to raise their children in faith. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheGoalofChristianParents

2011-04-27T07:23:00.000-05:00

On Easter, we heard that we're not without hope. Even though with all of the pain and suffering in our world today, and even with that which we experience, we always have hope in Jesus. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryNotWithoutHope

2011-04-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

On Maundy Thursday, we finished up our series, "Disciplines of Grace", with a message on the sacraments. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheSacraments

On Good Friday, we had one more message of our series: "The Attitude of Christ". It's about Jesus' brokenhearted spirit. It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryBrokenhearted

2011-04-18T09:33:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we concluded our series, "The Attitude of Christ", by looking at the attitude of submission. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperrySubmissive

This past Wednesday, we heard another message in our series, "Disciplines of Grace", by looking at the blessing of God received through ministry. It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryMinistry

2011-04-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

Part 3 of our Lenten series: "The Attitude of Christ". It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryForgiving

2011-04-07T06:45:00.001-05:00

Last night, we heard part 5 of our Wednesday night Lenten series, "Disciplines of Grace", where we heard about the blessing of generosity. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryGenerosity

2011-04-04T07:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we heard the second of our Sunday Lenten messages on the attitude of Christ. The attitude we focused on this week was love. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryLove

2011-03-31T10:03:00.001-05:00

Last night, I delivered part 4 of our Wednesday night Lenten series: Disciplines of Grace. This time, we heard about worship. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryWorship

2011-03-28T07:13:00.000-05:00

Part 3 of our Wednesday evening Lenten series is on the topic of fellowship. In it, we see that God doesn't desire for our relationships within the church to be shallow. And we see that, through fellowship, we receive great blessing. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryFellowship_0

2011-03-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

On the Sundays of Lent, I'll be delivering a series titled, "The Attitude of Christ." We'll be looking at the attitude displayed by Jesus during the passion and how we, as believers, are called to reflect that attitude. The first message of this series, delivered on March 13, is on humility. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryHumility

2011-03-23T08:24:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday nights, during Lent, I'm giving a series of messages titled "Disciplines of Grace." The first, delivered on March 9, is on Scripture. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryScripture

The second message, delivered on March 16, is on prayer. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryPrayer_0

2011-03-07T07:12:00.001-06:00

As believers, we know we've been called to honor Christ. However, so often, we're unwilling to honor Christ because of fear. We're afraid of how the world might respond to us if we live out our faith; we're afraid of how the world will respond to the gospel if we proclaim it. However, because of our faith, we have no reason to fear. We know what God has prepared for us. And this enables us to serve Christ by life or by death. This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryHonoringChrist

2011-02-28T16:56:00.000-06:00

We get so worried about the needs of this life. They consume us. We seek to fulfill them before all else. But Jesus tells us not to worry about the things of this life. He tells us to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. And he promises that, when we do so, he'll supply all of our needs. This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperrySeekingtheThingsofGod

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromFebruary27childrensmessage

2011-02-21T07:24:00.000-06:00

From the time we're small children, we hate rules. We long to be free from the rules laid down by those in authority over us. This is even true when it comes to the Lord, when it comes to his law. We ignore his commands because we want to do things our own way. However, the true believer will love God's law; he'll long for the ways of God. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryLongingfortheWaysofGod

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromFebruary20childrensmessage

2011-02-14T07:24:00.000-06:00

None of us want to be doormats. We don't believe that we should let people walk all over us. But, when we read the words of Jesus in Matthew 5, it sounds like this is what he wants for us. Is this true? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryDoormats

2011-02-07T07:19:00.000-06:00

We all find things in our home that no longer serve their purpose, things that are good for nothing. But have you considered the fact that the same thing might be true of us, that we might we good for nothing? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryGoodforNothing

2011-01-31T07:25:00.000-06:00

So many people in our nation claim to believe in God, they profess faith in Jesus, but they live in rebellion against him. Because of this, we deserve God's wrath. We can bring nothing to God to appease him. He calls on us to repent that we might receive his mercy. This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryWhatstheProblem

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromJanuary30childrensmessage

2011-01-24T07:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we talked about the dreaded question every parent hates to hear: Where do babies come from? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheDreadedQuestion

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromJanuary23childrensmessage

2011-01-17T07:20:00.000-06:00

Last week, we had a recording glitch. So our message was lost.

This week, we heard about John the Baptist. He told the people that the reason he came baptizing with water was that Jesus might be revealed to Israel. And just as this was his purpose, so should it be ours. Our purpose is to reveal Jesus to those who don't yet know him. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryRevealingJesus

Our children's message for the day, about our ticket to heaven, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromJanuary16childrensmessage

2011-01-03T07:27:00.000-06:00

If you could have anything you wanted what would it be? If you could ask for anything you desired, what would you ask for? We learn from Solomon in 1 Kings 3 that it pleases God when we make an unselfish request; it pleases God when we ask for the ability to serve others effectively. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryOurGreatestWish

2010-12-27T08:06:00.000-06:00

On Christmas morning, we finished up our Advent series with a message titled "Jesus Is: Our Reconciliation." It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryOurReconciliation

Yesterday, we looked at Genesis 12:1-9 and we observed how Abram built altars wherever he went. This shows us the priority he placed on worship. We're called to worship God as well. So why don't we give it the same priority? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheAltar

Our children's message for yesterday, about an unopened gift, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromDecember26childrensmessage

2010-12-20T07:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we heard in part 4 of our series "Jesus Is...", that Jesus is the head of the church. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryHeadoftheChurch

2010-12-13T07:17:00.001-06:00

This week, we come to part 3 of our Advent series: "Jesus Is..." We learn this week from Colossians 1 that Jesus is the creator and the sustainer of all things. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheCreator

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromDecember12childrensmessage

2010-12-06T07:28:00.000-06:00

In our Advent series, "Jesus Is...", based on Colossians 1:15-20, we learned that Jesus is the firstborn. This does not mean that he was created or that he had a beginning. It's referring to his position and status. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheFirstborn

2010-11-29T07:50:00.000-06:00

We began a series of messages that will carry us through Advent and Christmas. We're looking at Paul's description of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20 and seeing who Jesus is. In the first message of this series, we saw that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheImageofGod_0

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromNovember28childrensmessage

For Thanksgiving, we heard about giving thanks in all circumstances. We had a series of mini-sermons delivered by myself, Mark Fagerstrom, Roger Seldal, and Shawn Blobaum. It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryGivingThanks_0

2010-11-22T07:16:00.000-06:00

According to Scripture, believers will suffer persecution. We tend to think that persecution hinders the work of ministry. But, in reality, it provides opportunity for us to bear witness. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryAGreatOpportunity

Our children's message for the day, focusing on encouraging one another, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromNovember21childrensmessage

2010-11-15T07:41:00.000-06:00

A vast majority of people in the United States say they're Christian; they say they believe in Jesus. But is this true? A disciple of Jesus, a Christian, will abide in his Word. This message can be downloaded and heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryDisciplesofJesus

This week, the message was brought by Gilbert Sebenste, one of the deacons at Grace. He shares how true believers will demonstrate love by serving others. He wants the disclaimer added that he jumbled the order in one of the Scriptures he shared. But it didn't alter the meaning or the message of the passage. It can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/GilbertSebensteSincereLoveThroughService

2010-11-01T07:21:00.000-05:00

Pastor Connely Dyrud, former missionary to Brazil, was with us at worship this week and brought the message. He spoke about the basics of prayer. His message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/ConnelyDyrudTheBasicsofPrayer

2010-10-25T07:11:00.000-05:00

As Paul approached the end of his life, and as he evaluated his life and ministry, he is confident that he's fulfilled God's call on his life. Do we have this same confidence? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryFulfillingtheCall

2010-10-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

We all know that prayer is an essential part of the life of the believer. However, we often become frustrated in prayer. We become frustrated because, at times, it feels like our prayers are falling on deaf ears. What are we to do in times like this? We find the answer in Luke 18. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryKeepFaith

Our children's sermon for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromOctober17childrensmessage

2010-10-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

We tend to think that we should be rewarded for our efforts; we like to think of ourselves as free men. And this way of thinking creeps into our understanding of the Lord; it creeps into our understanding of salvation. According to Scripture, we're undeserving servants. And even though this sounds demeaning, in reality it's a great blessing. This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryKnowYourPlace

2010-10-04T07:10:00.000-05:00

People today are hard to convince; people are skeptical. And, because of this, we don't think that simply teaching and preaching the Word of God will bring people to faith. We think they need more; we think they need some evidence. But if people will not hear the Word of God, nothing will convince them. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheSourceofFaith

2010-09-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

This week, the message was brought by Gil Sebenste. He talked about genuine love. His message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/GilbertSebensteGenuineLove

Our children's sermon for the day can be found at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromSeptember26childrensmessage

2010-09-20T07:19:00.001-05:00

No matter how much wealth we have, we always want more. We're never satisfied. But we fail to realize that this love of money can destroy our relationship with God. True blessing is found in godliness with contentment. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryEnoughAlready

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromSeptember19childrensmessage

2010-09-13T07:23:00.001-05:00

Even though the Lord loves those who are his, he's never satisfied. He desires the salvation of all people. And because of this, he actively reaches out to them. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryNeverSatisfied

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromSeptember12childrensmessage

2010-09-07T09:02:00.001-05:00

Last week, a power outage during the sermon wrecked our recording. This week, the record button didn't get hit until late, cutting out the first couple minutes of the message. But it's only part of the intro that was lost. You can definitely get the point of the message.

We know that God's salvation is a free gift. But it doesn't come without cost. Jesus taught that, if we're to follow him, we must renounce all else. If we're to be his disciple, we must count the cost; we must see if this is a price we're able to pay. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryKnowWhatYoureGettingInto

2010-08-23T07:08:00.000-05:00

Scripture tells us that Jesus is the only way of salvation. But many people have trouble accepting this. They have trouble accepting that so many people will go to hell because they don't know Jesus. The Bible says that the door to salvation is a narrow one and, because of this, we must strive to enter it. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheNarrowDoor

Our children's message for the day, about rules, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumAugust22childrensmessage

2010-08-16T07:18:00.000-05:00

Many believers today fret because our leaders seem so ungodly; they fret because the laws being passed and the decisions being made seem so ungodly. However, we're assured in Scripture that God is in control. He can even use ungodly leaders to accomplish his purpose. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryGodIsinControl

Our children's message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumAugust15childrensmessage

2010-08-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

In Scripture, we're called to be righteous; we're called to be holy. But we're also told that we're unrighteous and sinful; we're told that our hearts are corrupt. How, then, are we to live the righteous life? How are we to become righteous? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheSourceofRighteousness

Our children's message for the day, about being rooted in Christ, can be found at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromAugust8childrensmessage

2010-08-02T07:37:00.000-05:00

As believers, even though we know that the things of this life are only temporary, we seek after them, we pursue them, like everyone else. However, as people who've been given new life by God, we've been called to set our mind on things above. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryWhatAreYouSeeking

2010-07-26T07:30:00.001-05:00

It's important for believers to grow in faith, to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Christ. This was Paul's concern for the Colossian church. He wanted them to grow that they might have the full assurance that comes with this growth, and that they might not be led astray. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryWalkinginChrist

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromJuly25childrensmessage

2010-07-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

I've been on vacation and at camp recently. Here is the sermon I delievered on July 4, before leaving on our trip. We've all heard Jesus statement that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. And, because of this, we're called to pray that the Lord will send out laborers. We're willing to do this; we're willing to pray. But we fail to realize who it is that Jesus called to prayer. It was those he sent that he called to pray. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryDontStopatPrayer

While I was gone, two of our deacons filled in. On July 11, Gilbert Sebenste delivered a message titled "I Came to Serve." It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/GilbertSebensteICametoServe

Paul Parry filled in on July 18. His message, about the assurance we have as believers, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/PaulParryWeHavetheTape

Our children's message for July 18 can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumJuly18childrensmessage

2010-06-28T07:29:00.000-05:00

It's easy to get frustrated in ministry. This is especially true when people seem unresponsive or even hostile to the gospel. However, as we see in 1 Kings 19, we're called to continue on even when times are difficult. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryContinueOn

2010-06-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

When we talk about sin, we usually talk about those we consider to be big sins. We all know that we sin by what we say. But we consider these sins to be no big deal. But, as we see in James 3, these sins are a very big deal. Not only do they harm others, but by them we also cause great harm to ourselves. This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperrySayNoEvil

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumJune20childrensmessage

2010-06-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

We're constantly faced with various choices. We often rely on our feelings or our reason in order to make them. But we find in Scripture that we cannot trust ourselves. To hear or download this message, go to http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryFollowingHisHeart

2010-06-08T07:07:00.000-05:00

There are many people out there preaching what they call "truth" and a message they call the "gospel." But is the message we believe, is the message we proclaim, truly the gospel. Is it man's gospel or the Lord's gospel? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheLordsGospel

2010-05-31T09:19:00.001-05:00

In our day and age, we fail to realize the value of remembering. But remembering is important. When it comes to our faith, remembering is essential. If we fail to remember, we won't trust in the Lord. And without faith, we cannot receive his blessings. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryLestWeForget

2010-05-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

Most of us say we love the Lord. But the reality is that we love the things of this life more. But as we see in Scripture, nothing is to be more precious than the Lord and his kingdom. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryNothingMorePrecious

2010-05-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

There is a lot of fear in the church today. With the direction of our society, the world, and even the church, we fear that the ministry God has entrusted to us may be stopped. However, as we see in Scripture, there is no stopping it. No matter what they try, the world cannot put an end to the ministry of the church. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryNoStoppingIt

2010-05-10T07:02:00.000-05:00

What do motherhood and evangelism have to do with one another? Motherhood, parenting, is an important form of evangelism. God has called us to fill the earth. And we accomplish this by having children and by bringing them to the Lord. This message can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryFillingtheEarth

Our children's message for the day, based on Mother's Day, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumMay9childrensmessage

2010-05-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

In our society, it's politically incorrect to try to convert someone to the Christian faith. We're supposed to acknowledge that all beliefs and practices are good and valid. Because of this, the church has changed its tactics when it comes to outreach. It's become much more subtle. However, as we see from the example of Paul in Acts 26, we must not be so subtle. We must be open and direct. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryNotSoSubtle

2010-04-26T06:59:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I continued our look at evangelism. We all know we're called to reach out with the gospel, but most of us don't do it. Most say that they don't do it because of fear. But when we look at Scripture, we see that the prophets, apostles, and the early church continued in their calling despite the persecution they faced. Why were they willing? And why should we be willing? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryFaithfulUntoDeath

Our children's sermon for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumApril25childrensmessage

2010-04-19T10:13:00.001-05:00

We have a lot for you to hear and digest this week.

First of all is the message I delivered at Redeemer in Ashton. We see in Acts 20 that Paul declared himself innocent of the blood of the Ephesian church. He was innocent because he'd declared to them the full counsel of God. If they strayed from the Lord, their blood would be on their own head. Can we say the same thing, that we're innocent of the blood of those God has placed in our path? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryInnocent

Our children's message for the day, focusing on Daniel and the lion's den, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumApril18childrensmessage

We began a series of revival meetings at Grace with Pastor Paul Nash, the home missions director of the AFLC. He's preaching on Romans 12:1-2. The series is titled, "Be Transformed." The first of his messages can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/PaulNashBeTransformed1

His second message, delivered Sunday night, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/PaulNashBeTransformed2

The third message, delivered Monday night, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/PaulNashBeTransformed3

The final message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/PaulNashBeTransformed4

2010-04-12T07:28:00.000-05:00

As believers, we've all been called to serve the Lord. But many of us resist his calling; we refuse it. We fail to realize that serving the Lord is a great honor, and that we should thank him for the privilege. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryThankfultoServe

2010-04-05T08:34:00.000-05:00

Our Easter message ended our series on brokenness. We heard that the person with a spirit of brokenness will live the resurrected life. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheResurrectedLife

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromApril4childrensmessage

Our Holy Thursday we heard that the person with the broken spirit will humble himself and serve others. This message can be found at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTrueHumility

2010-03-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Our message yesterday continued our series on brokenness. We saw that, if we have a broken spirit, we will not try to claim ownership of our life, but will offer it to the Lord. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryOfferingOurselves

Our children's message, focusing on Palm Sunday, can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromMarch28childrensmessage

2010-03-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

Last night, Pastor Randy Nelson concluded our Wednesday Lenten series with a message titled "The Christ of the Cross." It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/RandyNelsonTheChristoftheCross

2010-03-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

As we continued our look at brokenness, we saw that our sin affects not only us, but other people as well. And if we have a broken spirit, we'll be concerned about this. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryLovingOthersinBrokenness

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumMarch21childrensmessage

2010-03-18T13:52:00.001-05:00

Last night, Pastor Peter Ward from Faith Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL brought the fifth message of our Wednesday night series. He brought a message titled "The Challenge of the Cross." It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PeterWardTheChallengeoftheCross

2010-03-15T07:11:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, we continued our series on brokenness. We saw that, if we have a broken spirit, we know we can't depend upon ourselves if we're to be justified before God. The one who's forgiven is the one who looks to Christ for mercy. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheOneWhoIsForgiven

Our children's message for the day talked about the fact that Jesus holds all things together. It can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MarkFagerstromMarch14childrensmessage

2010-03-11T06:56:00.000-06:00

Last night, Pastor Ed Strom, from rural Ottawa, IL brought the message at our Lent service. His message, the fourth in our series on the Christ of the Cross, he talked about the cancellation of the cross. His message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/EdStromTheCancellationoftheCross

2010-03-08T06:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I continued our series on brokenness, the attitude God desires of us, with a message titled: "The One Who Loves Jesus". Even though so many people in our society today claim to believe in Jesus, there is no love for him evident in their lives. Even though the people of the church claim to love Jesus, it all seems very cold. Why is this? We see in Luke 7 that the one who loves Jesus is the one who sees his sin. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheOneWhoLovesJesus

2010-03-04T07:23:00.001-06:00

Last night, Pastor Steve Heilman delivered part 3 of our Lenten series on the Christ of the Cross. His message was titled "The Conquest of the Cross" and can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/SteveHeilmanTheConquestoftheCross

2010-03-03T09:33:00.000-06:00

Sunday, I was extremely sick, so one of the guys filled in last minute. Shawn Blobaum delivered a message, sharing with the church Jesus' invitation to take his yoke. It can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/ShawnBlobaumFeb28message

Our children's message for the day can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/MollyBlobaumFeb28childrensmessage

2010-02-25T07:27:00.000-06:00

Last night, Pastor Patrick Lohse, from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris, IL was at Grace. He preached the second message of our Lenten series focusing on the cross. His message is titled "The Centrality of the Cross" and can be heard and downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/PatrickLohseTheCentralityoftheCross

2010-02-22T07:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we began a Lenten series on brokenness. We looked, in yesterday's message, at the spirit of brokenness. Many people in the church today simply go through the motions. It looks like they're living a life of faith, but the reality is much different. If our repentance is to be accepted by God, it must flow from the heart. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryASpiritofBrokenness

2010-02-18T07:51:00.000-06:00

Last night, several pastors from the Illinois district of the AFLC began a Lenten series that'll be shared in each our churches. The first message, heard last night at Grace, is titled "The Crime of the Cross." We looked at the fact that Jesus was completely innocent of any crime when he was convicted to death and that a murderer was released in his place. We also looked at the fact that each one of us are guilty and deserving of death, but Jesus, even though he was without sin, took the penalty of sin upon himself. He died in our place that we might have life. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/KentSperryTheCrimeoftheCross