Sermons by Andy Bratton (Page 19)
A Gift From the Host
Luke 19:1-10 Sermon Big Idea: Truly inviting Jesus to our feast is to let him be the host. Short in stature, short in morals, but a tall stack of money had he. Zacchaeus couldn’t resist the desire to see Jesus. What identified Zacchaeus was replaced with Jesus. Jesus healed another blind man. Jesus became the host of Zacchaeus’ house by way of salvation.
The Guest List
Sermon Scripture: John 2:1-12 Sermon Big Idea: When Jesus is invited, watch for the miracles. In Jesus’ first miracle we find much symbolism. In Jesus’ first miracle we find great satisfaction. In Jesus’ first miracle we find his first glorious sign. In Jesus’ first miracle we find a satisfying symbol of his glory that turns bad situations into great celebrations.
A Royal Reversal – Pt. 2
Esther 9:20-28 Sermon Big Idea: From destruction to salvation, God’s power can turn any of us around. Purim is celebrated on a memorable month. (9:20-22) Purim is celebrated in remembrance of the adversary. (9:23-24) Purim is a celebration of rescue! (9:25-28) And then came Jesus! (Matthew 1:21) Our remembrance resembles that of Purim. However, the focus is on Jesus, not the adversary. And, our focus is not on rescue, but on salvation!
A Royal Reversal – Pt. 1
Sermon Scripture: Esther 8-10 The Big Idea: When we stand strong, God will deliver on his promises. When we turn our heart away from him we end up in exile. Esther gets a reversal of fortune from the king. God reminds people of their upcoming reversal of home. Israel gets a reversal from victims to victors. The Persians and Medes feared the reversal of position. When we stand strong in Christ, no reversal is necessary.
Best Laid Plans
Esther 5-7 What are we willing to give up for our pride? Haman lived his life for himself. The king lived impulsively. Esther lived courageously and sacrificially for others. Mordecai lived for the promise of God. How then will you live? Will you live sacrificially, courageously, impulsively, selfishly, or will you live for God’s promise?
Jumping without a parachute
Sermon Scripture: Esther 4 Sermon Big Idea: Life brings difficult situations. When they come, how will we respond? When in distress, go humbly before the Lord. When in distress, look where God is already working. When in distress, ask the hard questions. When in distress, do the hard thing. The easy way out usually isn’t a way out at all.
The Agitator
King Ahasuerus rewarded people for the wrong reasons. Mordecai used his belief system to resist allegiance. Haman revealed his character and pride in his resolve. King Ahasuerus remains impulsive and ignorant. We discover the importance of the book of Esther. Theological Lessons: God’s promise to Abraham was about to be in jeopardy. Satan was told he would bruise the heel of Eve’s offspring. God first, country second. Practical Lessons: Surround yourself with people of Godly character. Don’t let pride cause How COVID has affected us
A Star is Born
Esther 2 Sermon Big Idea: God can use anybody in any situation to do His will. But He would rather use a surrendered heart. The king ruined one life, now he is about to ruin many more. (v. 1-4) Mordecai rescued Esther and Esther will rescue Israel. (v. 5-11) A night with the king becomes a nightmare. (v. 12-14) The bright star shone brightly. (v. 15-18) A plot was revealed that will play a part in the larger plot. (v. How COVID has affected us
Compulsion
Esther 1 Sermon Big Idea: Pride and ignorance are not lost on the rich and powerful Ahasuerus wanted to display his power (v. 1-4) Ahasuerus wanted to buy loyalty (v. 5-9) Ahasuerus wanted to feed his pride (v. 10-11) Ahasuerus wanted to order honor (v. 12-22) Journeying with Jesus starts with your own royal rescue. And that means undoing the one thing that can be undone.
Proven
Psalm 46 God is still our proven help. (v. 1-3) God still sits on His throne. (v. 4-7) Be still and know that He is GOD! (v. 8-11) The world around you may feel like it is crumbling apart, but take hope in the proven power of our almighty God.