April 2015
March 2015
A Shield in Times of Trouble – Part Two
Last time Pastor Pete took us into the historical background of Psalm 3: and the coup of King David’s son, Absalom. In this message we will see a shadow of Christ Himself as He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday knowing the promise of betrayal and yet able to ride triumphantly into a City that would in just one week’s time put Him to death by crucifixion. Sermon Outline: Our complaint, v. 1,2; Our Confession, v. 3,4; Our Conviction, v. 5,6; Our Commitment, v. 7; Our Confidence, v. 8. As we come to this psalm and God plucks at our heart strings, we must pause to “SELAH” and make the necessary adjustments to our hearts and lives. Listen For LIFE!
A Shield in Times of Trouble
Have you ever woke up facing battles not of your own choosing? Conflicts left and right, from work, from family, from friends who’ve deserted and forsaken you, maligned you and even hated you? King David, the Psalmist, woke up one morning with the realization of the horror of his kingdom taken from him through the treachery of his son Absalom. Those loyal to his kingdom and rule had been lured away and their hearts stolen by his son. It doesn’t get more tragic than this! What do we do in the face of such betrayal, trouble and heartache? David pours out his heart, in Psalm chapter 3: before God then and before us as we see him surrounded by his enemies, shielded by his God, sustained by his God, saved by his God and ultimately surrendered to his God. Take comfort in the Word of God for your life today. Listen for Life!
The HIGH KING of HEAVEN
Psalm 2:1-12 is a Messianic Psalm describing the collective hatred of mankind in rebellion against the rule and authority of God over men. This Psalm sets the record straight as to Who is in authority and in charge over the affairs of men. The High KING of Heaven is not One to be trifled with or to be tempted with sedition, rebellion and treason. We must all (“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and perish in the way.” - Psalm 2:12a) In a time where it seems as if all hell has broken lose and the kings of the earth are cutting down the righteous in world-wide persecution and hatred of Christ and of believers, we all must be reminded once again that God is still on His throne and orchestrates over the affairs of men. (“He who sits in heaven shall laugh, the LORD shall hold them in derision!” – Psalm 2:4) This message is one we all need to hear again and again to set our minds straight as to the true war and battle in the heavenlies over truth and righteousness. Take hope and comfort in the One true Ruler over the Universe, “The HIGH KING of HEAVEN! (“Now, therefore, be wise O kings; be instructed you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.” - Psalm 2:10,11) – Listen for LIFE!
February 2015
ROMANS: A Peek Inside the Door Part Two
In Part Two from last week’s sermon on an introduction to the Book of Romans, Pastor Pete takes us on an overview of Saul, later to become Paul’s life. From Saul’s impressive religious credentials and passion to destroy the people of “the Way,” in his youth, to his amazing conversion on the road to Damascus, his changed heart, life and Spirit filled passion for Christ and His Gospel, we see Saul the Persecutor turn into Paul the Persecuted. Listen for LIFE!
Romans: A Peek Inside the Door
Where does one begin when trying to give a proper introduction to such an amazing doctrinal book such as the Book of Romans? In this week’s sermon, Pastor Pete will ask and answer seven fundamental questions to help us take a peek inside this amazing book. Why was the letter written? Who was it written to? What is the theme and simple outline? How does the Old Testament Tabernacle wonderfully illustrate the flow of the book of Romans in: Condemnation, Justification, Sanctification, Consecration and Glorification? What questions does the book of Romans answer for the believer? What made the ministry and legacy of the Apostle Paul so great? Listen for Life!
ROMANS: A Book of Doctrinal Foundations
Do you remember Super Bowl 49? The last play of the game was one for the record books. Some might think it was the worst play in the history of the game. Isn’t it funny what we get so excited about? Many will remember all the stats for either the Patriots or the Seahawks for years to come but after this week Super Bowl 49 will likely become a fading memory. This week Pastor Pete begins another study in one of the greatest books of the Bible: The Book of Romans. Here’s something to get excited about! For over 2000 years this book has been the source of great debates and discussions. It was written by a zealous, educated Jew who hated followers of “the Way”, despised Christ, persecuted Christians and became one of the greatest believers and Christians of all time, from Saul the persecutor to the great Apostle Paul. In this message we will look at why this book is so foundational for our Christian doctrinal teaching and understanding of true salvation and the walk of the believer. This series will be preached throughout 2015 and 2016 every other month in partnership with the Old Testament Book of Psalms. Listen for Life!
January 2015
Two Ways, Two Roads, Two Destinations Part Two
Last time Pastor Pete introduced the first book of Psalms (Psalm 1-41) with Psalm 1:1-6, “Two Ways, Two Roads, Two Destinations” – (The End of the Ungodly and the Way of the Righteous Compared). In this message we concentrate our attention on the characteristics of the way of the Righteous Man who knows God, believes God and follows hard after God. These two messages serve as the Gate Keepers for the rest of the Psalms and a clear Biblical definition of true and false salvation. Which way, which road and which destination are you on? Listen for Life!
Two Ways, Two Roads, Two Destinations
This week we start a new series on the first book of Psalms, Psalm 1-41. Our New Series Title: “The Life of Christ IN the Believer in the Book of Psalms. The Psalms are a synopsis of the first five books of the Pentateuch. In this first section, Psalms 1-41 we see a mirror image of the first book of the Bible in the book of beginnings, Genesis: Man and Creation. The Psalms were set to stringed instruments and served as the Temple Hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people. Psalms means poetry sung to stringed accompaniment. This week we will look at one of the more familiar Psalms or Songs, Psalm 1: “Two Ways; Two Roads: Two Destinations” – (The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly) We will look at what a godly man does, is like and is before God. Next we look at the contrast of the ungodly man in what he does, what he is like and what will be his end result. This descriptive psalm speaks to the marvelous work of Christ in salvation and regeneration of the true believer. Listen for Life!
An Introduction to the Book of Psalms
In this week’s sermon Pastor Pete introduces what will be MBC’s trajectory for 2015 and beyond. The twin peaks of the Himalaya’s: the Book of Psalms and the Book of Romans. Both books were what God used in Martin Luther’s life to prepare his heart and theology for the Reformation. Prior to Luther’s conversion he taught the book of Psalms at the University of Wittenberg. The Psalms gave Luther his high and exalted view of God as the High King of heaven. The book of Romans gave Luther his proper view of theology, Psalms gave Luther his thunder in preaching and in leading the Protestant Reformation. If a new reformation and revival of the church is to take place in America we desperately need to return to these twin peaks: a high view of God and a proper understanding of theology. These two books will be taught one month at a time, a month on and a month off. January – Psalms; February – Romans. Listen for LIFE!