Living Stones Spanish Springs

This sermon from Pastor Mark, emphasizes the theme of 'Grace for the Outsider' as part of our Advent series “Roots of Redemption”. The sermon explores the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman and a triple marginalized figure, showing her journey from an outsider to an insider within the lineage of Jesus Christ. By examining Ruth 1:1-18 and Ruth 4:13-22, Pastor Mark outlines four aspects of covenantal comfort—its difficulty, attachment to a person, redefinition of identity, and lifelong commitment. The sermon underscores how Christ, much like Boaz did for Ruth, redeems and brings outsiders into the family of God through his ultimate sacrifice.00:00 Scripture Reading03:28 Introduction05:10 Understanding Advent06:50 Feeling Like an Outsider12:02 Ruth's Journey of Loss16:38 Ruth as an Outsider23:01 Naomi's Bitterness vs. Ruth's Loyalty28:34 The Comfort of Community29:03 Struggles of Sentimentality31:23 Covenantal Comfort in Ruth's Story34:48 Theological and Social Transformation43:48 Boaz: The Redeemer's Sacrifice53:00 Sean Moss’ Story of Grace for the Outsider58:12 Invitation to Covenant Commitment

In this sermon, Pastor Mark delves into the story of Rahab from the Bible, focusing on her transformation from a Canaanite prostitute to a key figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the concept of 'grace for the guilty,' explaining how Rahab's actions demonstrated her faith in God despite her past. Mark draws parallels between Rahab's story and the celebration of Advent, highlighting the importance of recognizing our guilt and seeking authentic grace that leads to true transformation. The sermon concludes with a personal testimony from a member of the congregation, illustrating the impact of grace and redemption in contemporary life.00:00 Scripture Reading04:49 Introduction06:59 Understanding Advent13:00 The Story of Rahab14:45 Rahab's Background and Significance22:05 Facing Our Guilt and Need for Mercy26:29 Rahab's Faith and the Coming Judgment28:39 Facing Divine Judgment29:40 The Fall of Jericho33:26 Rahab's Risky Faith36:26 The Cost of True Grace45:13 Rahab's Redemption and Legacy53:36 A Testimony of Grace

This sermon, delivered by Pastor Gregg, explores the theme of skepticism met with grace through the lens of biblical genealogy and historical evidence. The sermon uses passages from Matthew, Genesis, and Galatians to highlight key points: the historical accuracy of the Bible, the inclusivity of Jesus's lineage, God's faithfulness, and the role of faith in overcoming skepticism. Pastor Gregg also includes a personal testimony from a church member to underscore the relevance of these biblical stories to contemporary life. The sermon aims to encourage believers to move from skepticism to faith, emphasizing the unexpected and miraculous ways through which God's grace manifests.00:00 Scripture Reading02:36 Welcome and Introduction to Advent03:45 The Significance of Jesus' Genealogy05:42 Testimony: Grace for the Skeptic11:42 Addressing Skepticism with Historical Evidence18:12 Abraham's Journey of Faith and Skepticism22:07 The Promise of Isaac and God's Faithfulness28:02 Paul's Message to the Galatians35:26 The Hope of Christmas and Call to Faith37:40 Closing Prayer

In this sermon, pastor candidate Andy Musick delivers a detailed exposition of John chapter 8, emphasizing Jesus' declaration of being 'the light of the world.' The sermon explores how light reveals the truth about ourselves, the Father, and Jesus. Andy discusses the Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' claims, highlighting the importance of abiding in Jesus' word for true discipleship. He underscores the contrast between the enslavement to sin and the freedom offered through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' words. The sermon concludes by stressing the unity between Jesus and the Father and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.00:00 Scripture Reading07:20 Introduction13:03 The Light Reveals the Truth19:14 Jesus' Mission to Save Sinners20:36 The Sacrifice of Jesus22:02 Jesus Addresses Believers22:58 The Importance of Abiding in Jesus' Word23:50 The Pharisees' Denial and Cultural Superiority26:43 Slavery to Sin and the Need for Jesus' Words32:43 The Pharisees' Rejection and Jesus' Eternal Nature36:00 The Promise of Eternal Life Through Jesus40:26 Final Prayer and Reflection

In this sermon on John 7:1-52, Pastor Mark South explores what happens when Jesus unapologetically positions himself at the very center of our lives. During the Feast of Booths—a Jewish celebration remembering God's provision of water in the wilderness—Jesus dramatically interrupts the climactic water-pouring ceremony, standing and crying out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." Mark challenges the congregation to examine whether Christ is truly at the center of their lives or merely off to the side. He unpacks how Jesus refuses to operate on our timeline or perform according to our script, and how true faith means more than being captivated, impressed, or warm toward Jesus—it requires complete surrender. The sermon culminates with the central question: Will we drink from the living water of Christ, or will we dry up seeking satisfaction from empty wells?00:00 Scripture Reading04:15 Introduction06:41 Thanksgiving and Family Drama15:37 Jesus' Timing and Authority27:14 Jesus' Private Arrival at the Feast28:36 Jesus Enters the Feast30:14 Jesus' Teaching at the Temple31:40 The Glory of God Revealed36:01 The Hypocrisy of the Law38:27 Christ as the Center of Worship41:17 Living Water: The Source of Life50:01 The Spirit and the Glorification of Christ51:34 Responses to Jesus55:17 Final Reflections and Prayer