Sermons by Andy Bratton (Page 26)
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.
Sing a Joyful Noise
Psalm 150 As long as you are breathing, praise the Lord. And when your breath is gone you will get to praise Him even louder! Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise. The kind of noise you make when you are in a King’s presence. Psalm 98 Salvation deserves a new song sung by all of God’s creation. What is the song you will sing before the throne?
Psalm 127
Make God the GC and the security system. (v. 1) Don’t let anxiety be your alarm clock. (v. 2) Raising godly children changes the conversation of our community. (v. 3-5) 1 Kings 2:1-4 David’s charge to Solomon: Build your life on God 1 Kings 3:3-14 In his anxiety, Solomon heard from God, and had peace. 1 Kings 11:1-4 Solomon built his family on personal desire and greed. 1 Kings 11:9-13 Solomon’s life and wisdom are now overshadowed by his disobedience.
The Great Restoration
Galatians 6 The Big Idea: We are to bear one another’s scars, not take credit for their healing Bear the burdens of our brothers Bear the responsibility of good Bear the marks of Christ “The grace of Christ be with us all.” Because the works of the law won’t save us.
The Inside Guide
Stand… Firm in truth (v. 1-12) Firm in love (v. 13-15) Firm in the Spirit (v. 16-26) Our behavior reflects whether we have chosen to live by the guide inside or the noise of the outside voice.
Hindsight
“The principles of the world are weak and worthless.” (v. 8-11) Trust the one who makes much of Jesus. (v. 12-20) Slaves of our past or heirs of a future promise? (21-31) Let the life in your rearview mirror stay farther away than it appears.
Sandal Season
The Father made a covenant with a son. The children needed a guardian to know the Father. The covenant was satisfied through another Son. The Father has given us the opportunity to become heirs. Dads let’s take a lesson from The Father: Pass the sandal. Place healthy boundaries around your kids. Point your kids to the Redeemer.
The Shield
5 Questions to know whether you are being a “foolish” Galatian: Have you heard and understood the Gospel? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is in you by way of faith or the law? Do you acknowledge that your journey to be like Jesus is a Spirit led thing, or a man led thing? Does God answer your prayers because of your faith or your works? Are you a son of Abraham? The law convicts. A shield defends.