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Sermon Archives
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Nov. 26, 2006
Aggravating Characteristics of Jesus Christ: Part IV
His Simple Answers to Complex Issues
Matthew 6:25-34
Steve Eason
Steve's Soundbite (Video) Text (pdf) Audio (wma) Audio (mp3)
Some people probably stay away from the Church because it seems too complicated. Jesus said a lot of complex things, but what's most aggravating is when he says something so simple and clear that it's impossible to spin, interpret or ignore. There's no place to hide when he says "love God and love your neighbors as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40). So maybe that’s what’s so aggravating about this whole thing. Somebody loves us enough to tell us the truth in a way that we can understand it. The truth is not always complicated. It’s just never easy. |
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Nov. 19, 2006
Aggravating Characteristics of Jesus Christ: Part III
His Suspicion of Religious Behavior
Matthew 6:1-18
Steve Eason
Steve's Soundbite (Video) Text (pdf) Audio (wma) Audio (mp3)
Sometimes what we believe and what we practice are disconnected. Those outside the Church often accuse us of being full of hypocrites. In one sense, that’s probably true. Few people live up to their standards all the time, in or out of church. Jesus is not much on hypocrisy. It seems like he is more comfortable standing with people where they really are rather than watching them act like they’re somewhere else. The acting got in his way. Still does. Many of us feel superior because we pray regularly or give to the poor. We say "we're great Christians." These acts are all good, but in this message Steve discusses how what Jesus really wants us to be aware of our own sinfulness and our own need of grace and salvation. After all, that's what being a Christian is all about. |
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Nov. 12, 2006
Aggravating Characteristics of Jesus Christ: Part II
His Understanding of Sin
Matthew 5: 17-22
Steve Eason
Steve's Soundbite (Video) Text (pdf) Audio (wma) Audio (mp3)
The title is meant respectfully, but Jesus can be aggravating. That’s what got him crucified. If you’re looking for Jesus to bless you with a parking space you probably don’t want to read this. And if you just want to know that God loves you but doesn’t demand anything from you then you definitely don’t want to read this. We already know what sin is. Our problem is not knowledge; our problem is in the will. We have a problem wanting to live the life that God calls us to live. In this message Steve discusses how the real challenge is transforming our will to serve Christ. Following strict behavioral rules may keep the appearance that all is well, but our need is much deeper. The Law, for Jesus, was much like a chain. It was a good thing for keeping people in line, but once the chain was removed you still had a problem. Jesus goes deeper than the chain of our rules and regulations and goes to our heart and spirit. That’s what needs to be transformed. That’s what needs to be healed. That’s what needs to be surrendered to the will of God. That’s where our problem is. |
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