Sermons by Jacob Rutledge
The God Who Hears When You’re Hurting
Introduction Did you know that people lie every week when they come to church? They do so with just two words: “I’m good.” Outwardly they look the part; but inwardly they are absolutely broken. Realize we don’t intend for that to be a lie; we mean it most of the time (as in, ‘I’m good enough to be here.’ Many times, its said because they don’t want to burden others; if we are being honest we often don’t want to…
Sacred Worship: Which Transforms Our Lives
Introduction Popular YouTube video, homeless Army Veteran Jim Wolf, transformed and looks like a completely different man. Know its a process; at the end of the video, we see that isn’t simply an outward transformation but an inward one (joined AA, and found housing). Warms our hearts; enjoying seeing a transformation. But not all transformation is good (Psa. 115:4-8). Profound truth: we become what we worship. What we place the most value/worth shapes the entirety of our lives—its molds us,…
God’s Land: Part 3
Introduction “Sing to me of heaven, let me fondly dream, of its golden glory, of its pearly gleam. Sing to me when shadows of the evening fall; sing to me of heaven, sweetest song of all.” We’ve been singing that song for the past two weeks; the sweet, sweet song of eternity. Hopefully the things we have been studying will comfort you when the shadows fall on your life. I know by the end of this study all of our…
Sacred Worship: By Grace Bought Sinners
Introduction The Nike company became famous for a single line, “Just do it.” The entire reason this slogan became popular is due to the fact that its very difficult to “Just do it.” In fact, very rarely do we just “do something”—whether its a diet, our jobs, or even cleaning the house—there is often a greater motivation that pushes us to do it. In Revelation John is given a simply command: “Worship God” (Rev. 22:9). Seems easy enough—but why? We’ve…
Sacred Worship: Offered in Spirit and Truth
Sacred Worship: Offered in Spirit and Truth Introduction Begin with a thought that really goes against the grain of modern Christian worship: God doesn’t have to accept the worship you give him (Gen. 4:3-5; Heb. 11:4; Heb. 12:28-29). If my worship has to be acceptable, then that means that there are certain requirements. Also implies that I can worship God in a way that is unacceptable. We just assume that God has to accept—but throughout scripture he rejects sacrifices. Of…
Sacred Worship: A Sacrifice of Praise
Sacred Worship: A Sacrifice of Praise Introduction Yesterday was my dad’s birthday. Went out to buy him a card. Any kind of card you want; whether your relationship is distant or intimate. Beautiful words that you simply have to sign your name to and mail it in (literally). While I am sure my dad appreciates getting a card in the mail, that’s all it is—a form letter. How often is worship like this? Form letter, named signed, “Thanks God for…
He Must Increase, I Must Decrease
He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease Introduction “Pray dangerous prayers.” Patience, endurance, greater faith, constant sense of your abiding presence, etc. Are we ready for God to answer those prayers? Process before the prize (James 1:2-3). Dangerous prayer: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” God’s answer to John’s prayer? He was imprisoned, beheaded, and humiliated. No doubt everyone here want’s Jesus to increase—but are you ready for that prayer to be answered? Does that mean that desiring God…