Tuesday, December 04, 2012

As Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his followers celebrated the coming of the Savior promised by God; they praised Jesus as this Savior.  This is what we do each Christmas season.  We celebrate the coming of our Savior.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TheSaviorHasCome

Monday, November 26, 2012

When will the end come?  When will Christ return?  Jesus tells us that no one knows the day or the hour.  But we can know that the season is approaching.  Yet, until it all unfolds, we must watch and wait.  http://archive.org/details/WatchingAndWaiting_438

Monday, November 19, 2012

The end times is a subject that fascinates just about everyone.  We want to know exactly what's going to happen, and we want an idea of when it will take place.  However, when asked about it in Mark 13, Jesus focus was a bit different.  He told his followers how they were to live in the end times.  To hear this message, go to this link  http://archive.org/details/LivingInTheEndTimes

Monday, November 12, 2012

In 1 Timothy 2, we're called to pray for all people.  In particular, we're called to pray for those in authority over us.  Yet, for whatever reason, this is an area where many of us tend to fall short.  http://archive.org/details/PrayingForOurAuthorities

Monday, November 05, 2012

We're often discouraged in evangelism because of the response of the world to the gospel, and because of our own failures.  It feels like we'll never accomplish the mission entrusted to us by Jesus, to make disciples of all nations.  However, in Revelation 7, we see that it will be accomplished; we see that God's plan will be fulfilled.  He will use imperfect vessels like us to gather people from all nations before the throne.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TheFulfillment

Monday, October 29, 2012

In the church today, the teaching is often controlled by the people.  Our goal is to keep people comfortable and happy.  We don't want to offend people by what is said.  So we fail to proclaim the whole of God's Word.  However, like Jeremiah, the faithful proclamation of God's Word must be our first concern.  http://archive.org/details/OurFirstConcern

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

We know that we can't take it with us.  Yet, even with this knowledge, we continue to live only for wealth.  In Ecclesiastes 5, Solomon points out that this is meaningless and shares with us about a greater blessing.  http://archive.org/details/ClingingToTheMeaningless

Thursday, October 18, 2012

In Mark 10, we hear about a man who came to Jesus, asking how he might receive eternal life.  This seems encouraging.  He's seeking salvation from Jesus.  However, when Jesus tells him to sell all he had and to give to the poor, the man turned away.  Because he loved his wealth, it was too great a sacrifice.  In the same way, many of us have sins that we're unwilling to give up for the kingdom of God.  We value our sin more than the Lord.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/TooGreatASacrifice

Monday, October 01, 2012

After God miraculously provided for the needs of his people in the wilderness, they became discontent.  Instead of being thankful for his blessings, the people grumbled against them.  Are we content with the blessings God's given us?  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/ContentWithGodsBlessing

Monday, September 24, 2012

Last week, our message was lost due to problems in the sound booth.  This week, however, we heard part 8 of our series, "The Names of God." We looked at the name, found in Jeremiah 23, "The Lord Our Righteousness." This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOurRighteousness_465

Monday, September 10, 2012

The first couple minutes of this recording was lost, but I hope the rest of it will bless you.  Yesterday, we heard part 6 of our series, "The Names of God." We talked about the name, "The Lord of Hosts." This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOfHosts

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Yesterday, we heard the fifth part of our series, "The Names of God." We looked at the call of Gideon, and we heard the name, "The Lord Is Peace." This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordIsPeace

Monday, August 27, 2012

Yesterday, we heard part 4 of our series, "The Names of God." We focused upon the name: The Lord Our Sanctifier.  We see in this name that it's the Lord who makes us holy.  It's not something we do or achieve for ourselves.  This too is a gift of grace.  It can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordOurSanctifier

Monday, August 20, 2012

Yesterday, we heard the third message of our series: The Names of God.  We heard a name, given by God to himself, which again reveals his character.  We focused on the name: The Lord Your Healer.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordYourHealer

Monday, August 13, 2012

This week, we heard the second part of our new series, "The Names of God." This week, we looked at a name, given by Moses: "The Lord My Banner." Once again, it reveals an aspect of God's character that fills us with hope.  It can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordMyBanner

Monday, August 06, 2012

This week, we began a new series of messages, titled: "The Names of God".  We're looking at the names of God, as seen in the Old Testament, and what they reveal to us about his character.  This first message of this series can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheLordWillProvide_994

Monday, July 23, 2012

What is your background?  Where have you come from?  Many of us are interested in genealogy; we're interested to learn about our roots.  One thing we discover as we look at our roots is that we're a sinful people.  We learn that we were once separated from God; we were once outside of his kingdom.  But we've been brought near because of Jesus.  It's only through him that we are saved.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/RememberYourRoots

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I took vacation this past week.  But, on July 8th, we heard the last part of our series: Man Up!  We looked at the apostle Paul.  And we saw that, in spite of the opposition he faced, he never quit.  And neither should we.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/NeverGiveUp_153

Monday, July 02, 2012

Yesterday, we heard the 8th sermon of our series, "Man Up!" We looked at Daniel and saw that the man of God will remain faithful to God at all costs.  It can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/FaithfulAtAllCosts

Monday, June 25, 2012

In part 7 of our series, "Man Up!", we saw that the man of God will do all he can to eliminate evil influence from those under his care.  My introduction failed to get recorded, but the content is there.  So I hope you'll be blessed by it.  It can be found at http://archive.org/details/EliminatingEvilInfluence

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

In part 6 of our series, "Man Up!", we heard that the man of God will desire, more than anything, to serve those under his care.  His life will not be focused on serving himself, but on serving God and others.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/ADesireToServe

Monday, June 11, 2012

Yesterday, we heard the fifth message of our series, "Man Up!" We saw that, as believers, we need each other.  We're under attack from every side, and we need the support of our brothers in Christ if we're to survive.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/StandTogether

Friday, June 08, 2012

On May 20, before I took a vacation, I preached the fourth message of our series: "Man Up!".  We saw that the man of God values obedience more than blessing.  It's more important to him that he honor God than that he attain a worldly blessing that he desires.  This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/ValuingObedience

Monday, May 14, 2012

As we celebrated Mother's Day, we looked at the example of Jochebed in Exodus 2.  We learned from her that the love of a mother is to be selfless.  The woman of God will be more concerned about the life and welfare of her child than she is about herself and her own desires.  This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/TheSelflessLoveOfAMother

Monday, May 07, 2012

Yesterday, as seven of our young people confirmed their faith, we considered the importance of laying God's Word in our heart.  We saw that, in this, there's great blessing for us and for future generations.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/LayingHisWordInYourHeart

Monday, April 30, 2012

Yesterday, we heard the third message of our series, "Man Up!" We talked about Joshua and Caleb.  They were willing to trust God and stand against the crowd even when everyone else had made up their mind to reject God's blessings and return to bondage.  As men, we must be willing to trust God no matter what the crowd is doing; we must be willing to serve him even if it's unpopular.  This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/AgainstTheFlow

Monday, April 23, 2012

Yesterday, we heard part 2 of our series, "Man Up!" We looked at a man named Phinehas in Numbers 25.  He stood up against sin because he was jealous for God.  And he was blessed for doing so.  In the same way, we're to be jealous for God.  We're to stand up against sin wanting people for the Lord, and for the Lord alone.  This message can be heard at http://archive.org/details/JealousForGod

Monday, April 16, 2012

Yesterday, we began a new series of messages titled, "Man Up!" We're looking at the calling God has placed on the lives of men. We're doing this by looking at men of faith in Scripture, and how they lived out their faith. In our first message of this series, we looked at Abraham. The character trait we see in him, that we also need, is faith in the Lord. This is the foundation of everything else we'll be considering. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/BelievingGod

Monday, April 09, 2012

On Maundy Thursday, we heard about the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. We learned that, during this time, he performed an act of humble service for them. He then instructed them to love one another as he'd loved them. Jesus says that people will know we're his disciples by our love. Is this what people see when they look at us? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/AsJesusLoved

On Good Friday, we finished our series looking at the questions of Lent. As Jesus was being led away to his death, some women followed him and mourned for him. Jesus turned to them and told them they were not to mourn for him, but for themselves. He told them of a terrible time that would come upon them. Then he asked, "..i they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" This message can be heard at: http://archive.org/details/WhenTheWoodIsDry

On Easter, we reflected on the significance of Jesus' resurrection. So many people in the church today don't get it. This can be heard at http://archive.org/details/WhyTheResurrection

Monday, April 02, 2012

Finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate wanted to release him. Each year, he would release to the Jews one prisoner. And along with Jesus, Pilate had in custody a notorious criminal named Barabbas. Pilate asked the Jews who they wanted released to them, Jesus or Barabbas. The chief priests told the people to ask for the release of Barabbas. Pilate then asked them what he should do with Jesus.

You and I are confronted with the same question every day. What will we do with Jesus? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/WhatShallIDoWithJesus

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Last night we finished up our mid-week Lenten series, looking at Jesus' condemnation of the religious leaders in Luke 11. He again addresses the lawyers, telling them that they'd taken away the key of knowledge. What does this mean? Do we sometimes do the same thing? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://archive.org/details/HinderingSalvation

Monday, March 26, 2012

As Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, he said that he's the bringer of truth. Pilate responded by asking: "What is truth?" Then, he left. Many people today have the same attitude when it comes to the truth. What's yours? This message can be heard and downloaded at http://archive.org/details/WhatIsTruth_649

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Last night, we continued in our series from Luke 11, looking at Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees and lawyers. He brought out the fact that, although the claimed to honor the prophets, their hearts were really no different than their fathers'. The truth was that they wanted to silence the voice of God. We often have the same attitude in the church today, claiming to honor his Word but seeking to silence his voice. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/FalseHonor

Monday, March 19, 2012

After he was arrested, Peter followed Jesus to the home of the high priest. While there, he was asked by a servant girl if he was one of Jesus' disciples. Peter denied it. As believers, we will be asked whether we are followers of Jesus. How will we answer? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/OneOfHisDisciples

On Wednesday night, we looked at Jesus' first accusation against the lawyers. He told them that they placed burdens on people that were difficult to bear. And they, Jesus said, were not willing to help. How might we be guilty of this sin? This message can be heard here: http://www.archive.org/details/BurdeningOthers

Monday, March 12, 2012

This week, we had Pastor Paul Nash, Home Missions Director of the AFLC with us. He spoke at our men's conference on Friday and Saturday, as well as at worship on Sunday. There's a lot of content here, so I'll be uploading it gradually.

The first session of our men's conference can be heard or downloaded here: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession1

The second session of the men's conference can be found at this link: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession2

The fourth session of the men's conference can be heard here: http://www.archive.org/details/MensConferenceSession4

We have a glitch with session 3 that we're trying to work out. We hope to have it available soon.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

This past Wednesday, we continued our series on Luke 11. As Jesus addressed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, he said that they were unmarked graves. What does this mean? How might we also be unmarked graves? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UnmarkedGraves

Monday, March 05, 2012

In the second message of our Lenten series, we jumped forward to the events of Jesus' arrest. As the soldiers came for him, Jesus approached them and asked whom they sought. In doing so, he turned himself over to them; he submitted himself to the will of God. Are we willing to do the same? Are we willing to submit ourselves to the will of God, no matter what it means for us? This message can be heard at http://www.archive.org/details/WhomDoYouSeek

On the Wednesday's of Lent, we have another series going. In it, we're looking at Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees in Luke 11 because of their hypocrisy. And we're seeing how we often display the same attitudes. The first message of this series failed to be recorded. So we're jumping in with message 2.

This week, we heard how the Pharisees had a love of honor. Do we possess that same love? This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/TheLoveOfHonor

Monday, February 27, 2012

Peter boldly asserted that he would lay down his life for Jesus. But, that very night, he denied the Lord three times. Like Peter, we often overestimate our faith. We say that we believe in him; we say that we love him. But then we deny him in word and deed. We must look to the Lord who will not only forgive us, but strengthen us that we will sacrifice all for his sake. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/WillYouLayDownYourLife

Monday, February 20, 2012

As believers, we know that God wants to use us; we know that he wants us to serve him. And most of us would say that we're willing to do so. But not many of us have prayed that God would use us; not many of us have asked God to do great things through us. When we look at ourselves compared to other believers, to those who've accomplished great things for God, we feel unworthy and inadequate. However, they can inspire us to serve. They can motivate us to seek to be used by God. This message can be heard or downloaded at http://www.archive.org/details/UseMe_15

Monday, February 13, 2012

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

Monday, February 06, 2012

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

Monday, January 30, 2012

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

Monday, January 23, 2012

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

Sunday, January 15, 2012

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

Monday, January 09, 2012

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

Monday, January 02, 2012

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

Monday, December 26, 2011

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

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

Monday, December 05, 2011

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

Monday, November 28, 2011

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

Monday, November 21, 2011

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

Monday, November 14, 2011

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

Monday, November 07, 2011

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

Monday, October 31, 2011

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

Monday, October 17, 2011

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

Monday, October 10, 2011

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

Monday, October 03, 2011

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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

Monday, September 19, 2011

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

Monday, September 12, 2011

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

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

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

Monday, August 29, 2011

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

Monday, August 22, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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

Monday, June 20, 2011

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

Sunday, June 12, 2011

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

Monday, June 06, 2011

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

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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

Monday, May 16, 2011

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

Monday, May 09, 2011

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

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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

Monday, April 18, 2011

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

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

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

Thursday, April 07, 2011

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

Monday, April 04, 2011

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

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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

Monday, March 28, 2011

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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
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

Monday, March 07, 2011

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

Monday, February 28, 2011

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

Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Monday, February 14, 2011

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

Monday, February 07, 2011

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

Monday, January 31, 2011

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

Monday, January 24, 2011

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

Monday, January 17, 2011

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

Monday, January 03, 2011

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

Monday, December 27, 2010

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

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

Monday, December 13, 2010

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

Monday, December 06, 2010

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

Monday, November 29, 2010

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

Monday, November 22, 2010

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

Monday, November 15, 2010

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

Monday, November 01, 2010

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