Church Life

United in Membership, pt. 2 (1 Peter 4:10)

Life is short. Jesus is coming. Don't you want to spend your life doing something of eternal impact? One of the greatest ways we can redeem the time is by being committed to a local church -- the only institution Jesus said he would build. To attend it, to serve it, to build it up, to support it. Now that’s laying up treasure in heaven! In this second sermon on church membership, we learn...
What is church membership?
How Jesus' return will take people by surprise
What is a spiritual gift? How is this different than a natural talent?
Shrinking church attendance in America
How church membership encourages faithfulness
Being "equally yoked" for the gospel
Thanks for listening! For a complete list of lessons, please visit my sermon page.

United in Membership, pt. 1 (Romans 14:19)

There are a lot of modern misconceptions about church membership. In this two-part study, Pastor Stephen explains the purpose of church membership and walks through the commitments of our church member covenant. In this lesson, we learn...
How church membership is different than other memberships and loyalty clubs
The value of commitment in a local church
Ways we can promote church unity
How church life is like team sports
Encouragement to invite more visitors to church  

A Culture of Grace (Ephesians 4:31-32)

From the moment a person visits our campus or checks out our website, we want there to be a “sweet aroma” that draws them in. The church should be permeated with a spirit of love and a culture of grace that makes people glad they came, then makes them want to stay. In this lesson, we learn...
What the church can learn from Cinnabon
The importance of preaching the gospel to ourselves daily
Some nasty behaviors we need to "put off"
What's the difference between patience and kindness?
Signs of a loving church
Thanks for listening. This sermon was preached at Calvary Church West Hills on Sunday, April 21, 2024 as part of our introductory series of the five foundations of ministry. For more info on our church, please visit our website. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies organized by category, please visit the sermon page on my blog.

Believing Together (Acts 2:37-44)

We tend to think of salvation in individual terms. Each of us are saved into a personal relationship with Jesus. This is true, and it's a wonderful reality. But it's not the full story. We are also saved to be part of something bigger than ourselves, called the church. In this study of Acts 2, we discover...
Why becoming part of a church family is not always easy
The only way we can be delivered from sin
Four activities that marked the early church and should characterize us as well
The importance of the Holy Spirit in our worship
How "body" imagery teaches both diversity and unity in the church
Taking the next step in your church involvement
Thanks for listening. This is part 2 in our series "Welcome to the Family," helping people to believe and belong at Immanuel. We hope wherever you are that you will find a church home and plant your roots deep in a local, Bible-believing church. If you are in the Highland/San Bernardino area, come visit us as Immanuel! We would love to meet you and help you find a place to settle and serve.

The Church at Prayer (Acts 2:42)

All would agree prayer is important. But many of us must admit we do not pray as much as we'd like. In this message, we focus on one specific type of prayer - corporate prayer – that could change how we view prayer and Christian ministry. In this study, we learn...
The benefits of corporate prayer
Why prayer is more than just a preface to ministry
The importance of prayer in Spurgeon's life
How to stay focused in prayer
Thanks for listening. 

A Prayer for Spiritual Vision (Ephesians 1:15-23)

There's more going on than what you can see. Paul teaches us to pray so the eyes of our heart will be opened to spiritual realities.
Thanks for listening. To support our ministry, please visit crossviewyucca.org/giving

The Family of God (Romans 16:1-16)

Romans 16 could be labeled the "Hall of Faithfulness." It's a record of everyday men and women who stood firm and trusted God.

The Gospel Driven Church (1 Corinthians 2)

The gospel will guide and govern the ministry of any healthy church.

The Glorious Purpose of God’s Church (Eph. 3:20-21)

God is glorious and made the church to glorify Him

Sinners and Saints (Titus 3:9-15)

We conclude our study of Titus with a look at church discipline and the benefits of doing ministry together.