Broadway Church of Christ Sermon Series
The weekly Sunday morning sermon series from the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. http://bwaychurch.org
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The Heart of a King: A Heart for God
09/02/2025
The Heart of a King: A Heart for God
Karl Ihfe concludes his series on King David by examining why Jesus is called the "Son of David" from Matthew 1 through Revelation 22:16. This title signifies hope, as David's reign represented Israel's golden age—a time when the kingdom was united, prosperous, and free from oppression. When people cried out "Son of David, have mercy" to Jesus, they were expressing hope that He could restore what was broken. The title also emphasizes Jesus' humanity through His genealogy in Matthew 1, which breaks traditional rules by including women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) and non-Israelites. This reveals that Jesus came not just for one ethnic group or gender, but for all people. Ihfe challenges us to follow David's example, who "served God's purpose in his generation" (Acts 13:36), and allow God's kingdom to break through in our lives despite our imperfections. https://bwaychurch.org
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The Heart of a King: A Compassionate Heart
08/25/2025
The Heart of a King: A Compassionate Heart
Karl Ihfe examines 2 Samuel 9, where King David seeks out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, to show him kindness. This story reveals three essential qualities of compassion that made David a man after God's own heart. First, compassion is personal—David called Mephibosheth by name, restoring dignity to someone who saw himself as "a dead dog." Second, compassion is active—David didn't just feel sorry for Mephibosheth but gave him land, servants, and a permanent place at the royal table. Finally, compassion is born out of love—David's actions flowed from his deep love for Jonathan that even death couldn't diminish. Ihfe connects this to Jesus's compassion in the Gospels and challenges the congregation to learn someone's name this week, take action for one person, and remember that true compassion flows naturally from those who understand how much they've been forgiven, as Jesus taught in Luke 7:47: "whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/37948220
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Find Home
08/18/2025
Find Home
Jeremy Smith, the college minister at Broadway Church of Christ, shared how Atlas Campus Fellowship has been diligently preparing for returning college students with numerous welcome events planned. He presented Atlas's vision to become "the most welcoming college ministry in Lubbock, Texas through radical hospitality," where every student feels "personally invited and genuinely seen." This vision is summarized in their motto: "find home." Jeremy highlighted the unique challenges college students face: newfound independence, forming identities, competing worldviews, and different pressures depending on their school environment. Using the example of Apollos from Acts 18, he illustrated how the early church didn't treat young believers as "almost Christians" but instead welcomed them, taught them "more adequately," and empowered them for ministry. Jeremy challenged the congregation to overcome the subconscious barrier of seeing college ministry as less valuable because students' time is temporary, reminding them that everyone shares responsibility for creating a welcoming church where people can find home. https://bwaychurch.org
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/37864875
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The Heart of a King: A Broken Heart
08/04/2025
The Heart of a King: A Broken Heart
Karl Ihfe explores the devastating relational brokenness in David's family from 2 Samuel 13, where David's failure to act at critical moments led to catastrophic consequences. Despite David's love for his children, he failed at three crucial crossroads: he wouldn't confront Amnon after raping Tamar, he refused to truly listen to Absalom after years of estrangement, and he didn't speak the necessary words until after Absalom's death when all he could say was "my son, my son." Ihfe challenges us to recognize similar crossroads in our own relationships, emphasizing that love requires more than feelings—it demands courageous action. Whether confronting difficult situations, truly listening to others, or speaking words that need to be said (like "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you"), we must act before regret sets in. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus as "the living Word" (John 1:14) who doesn't just feel love but actively intervenes in our lives. https://bwaychurch.org
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The Heart of a King: A Contrite Heart
07/28/2025
The Heart of a King: A Contrite Heart
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe addresses sin as the most destructive force humanity has ever faced, using David's moral failure with Bathsheba as a powerful case study. Ihfe identifies four crucial crossroads in David's journey: the spiritual drift that led him to remain in Jerusalem "at the time when Kings go off to war" (2 Samuel 11:1), his decision to ignore spiritual warning lights when informed Bathsheba was married, his refusal to repent when consequences began appearing, and finally facing God's judgment through Nathan the prophet. The sermon emphasizes how sin spreads like a disease when left unchecked, leading David from adultery to murder and deception. Yet when confronted with the powerful words "You are the man," David's heart softened and he confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13). Ihfe concludes by reminding the congregation that while sin has consequences, God's grace offers hope for transformation—embodying the church's motto that "everybody is welcome, nobody is perfect, but anything is possible" through Christ.
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/37579620
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The Heart of a King: A Generous Heart
07/21/2025
The Heart of a King: A Generous Heart
In this sermon, Nolan Maples examines David's generous heart as revealed in 1 Chronicles 28-29. Though David's dream of building God's temple was denied because he was "a man of war," he still gave his entire personal treasury—an estimated 225,000 pounds of gold and 525,000 pounds of silver—to ensure his son Solomon could complete the project. Nolan emphasizes that generosity isn't about what we give but where we give from, citing David's words in 2 Samuel 24:24: "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing." Nolan shares three studies demonstrating how generosity increases joy and happiness, from toddlers sharing candy to college students helping others. This reflects the Biblical truth that generosity leads to wholehearted joy, as seen when "the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly" (1 Chronicles 29:9). Ultimately, David's generosity points to Christ's greater sacrifice—not giving wealth but His body and blood. The sermon concludes with the powerful reminder from David's prayer that "all is yours," teaching us that recognizing God's ownership makes generosity natural.
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From Disgust to Loving Presence
07/13/2025
From Disgust to Loving Presence
Josh Jaynes explores the tension between our understanding of God's holiness and Jesus' willingness to be with sinners. He challenges the common teaching that "God cannot be around sin," noting how Jesus (who is God) was consistently comfortable around sinners - so much so that religious leaders criticized Him for it. Josh introduces the concept of the "psychology of disgust" and "negativity bias" that causes us to create distance from people we view as impure or contaminating. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, Josh highlights how Jesus deliberately chose a Samaritan - someone Jews found utterly disgusting - as the hero who crossed boundaries to show mercy. He quotes Dietrich Bonhoeffer, suggesting we must "regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in light of what they suffer." Josh concludes that God always bridges the gap to be with us, and likewise calls us to stop dehumanizing others and instead cross divides to be present with those from whom we might naturally distance ourselves. https://bwaychurch.org
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/37391230
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The Heart of a King: Hope for a Discouraged Heart
07/06/2025
The Heart of a King: Hope for a Discouraged Heart
Karl Ihfe continues the "Heart of a King" series by examining David's heart of hope during his most discouraging season. Using 1 Samuel 21-30, Ihfe traces how David lost everything—his job, security, family, mentor, and friends—and found himself hiding in caves as a fugitive. When David's men threatened to stone him after the raid on Ziklag, Scripture tells us "David strengthened himself in the Lord" (1 Samuel 30:6). Ihfe outlines four spiritual practices David employed to maintain hope: being honest with God through lament (Psalm 142), taking positive action when God directs it, resisting temptation to take moral shortcuts (as when David refused to kill Saul in the cave), and finding ultimate refuge in God alone. Ihfe concludes by connecting David's cave experience to Jesus' own suffering and resurrection, reminding us that "caves are where God resurrects dead stuff," giving us hope in our darkest moments.
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The Heart of a King: A Passionate Heart
06/29/2025
The Heart of a King: A Passionate Heart
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The Heart of a King: A Heart for Friendship
06/16/2025
The Heart of a King: A Heart for Friendship
Karl Ihfe delves into the topic of spiritual friendship, using the Biblical relationship between David and Jonathan as a prime example. He highlights how their covenant friendship became an anchor for David's soul, even amidst difficult circumstances with King Saul. The sermon explores three key questions: What is a spiritual friend? How do we find one? And is it worth the effort? Ihfe defines a spiritual friend as someone who helps us pay attention to God and challenges us to live up to our calling. He suggests that finding such friends requires prayer, putting ourselves in positions to meet like-minded people, and carefully testing potential friendships. While acknowledging that deep spiritual friendships are rare and can lead to heartbreak, Ihfe argues they are ultimately worth pursuing for their life-changing potential. He concludes by drawing a parallel between Jonathan's willingness to give up his claim to the throne for David and Jesus' sacrifice to become a friend to sinners. He encourages the congregation to take steps toward cultivating these transformative friendships, emphasizing their power to help us become the people God created us to be.
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/37025200
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The Heart of a King: A Repentant Heart
06/09/2025
The Heart of a King: A Repentant Heart
In this sermon, Nolan Maples explores the concept of spiritual decay by comparing the lives of Saul and David. He identifies three stages of decay in Saul's life: tolerating a loss of intimacy with God, accepting poisoned relationships, and betraying core values. Maples uses Scripture, particularly from 1 Samuel, to illustrate these points, showing how Saul's spiritual decline led to his tragic end. Conversely, Maples presents David as a model of spiritual formation, emphasizing his repentant heart and desire for a clean heart from God. He references Psalm 51:10, where David prays, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Maples encourages listeners to examine their own lives for signs of spiritual decay and to seek God's cleansing and renewal, emphasizing the importance of community and honest self-reflection in this process.
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The Heart of a King: A Bold Heart
05/26/2025
The Heart of a King: A Bold Heart
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the famous story of David and Goliath, examining David's bold heart as a key characteristic that made him a man after God's own heart. Ihfe contrasts David's boldness with the Israelite army's "learned helplessness," highlighting how losing heart leads to false beliefs, misguided attitudes, and self-defeating behaviors. Ihfe identifies three situations where David demonstrated boldness: everyday challenges (like facing lions and bears), opposition and criticism (from his brother Eliab), and pressure to conform (rejecting Saul's armor). He applies these lessons to modern Christian life, encouraging believers to face their own "Goliaths" – whether at work, in relationships, or in sharing their faith – with God's help. The pastor emphasizes that boldness grows through small acts of courage and trust in God's presence, even when facing challenges alone.
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The Heart of a King: What Matters Most
05/19/2025
The Heart of a King: What Matters Most
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe begins a new series called "The Heart of a King," focusing on David's life and what made him "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22). He emphasizes that while David was gifted in many ways, it was his heart that drew God to him. Karl highlights three key characteristics of David's heart: 1. Wild abandon to God: David worshipped with unbridled passion, as seen in his dancing before the Ark (2 Samuel 6). 2. Deep reflection: David spent time alone with God, pondering and considering, as evidenced in many Psalms (e.g., Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Stubborn love: David loved persistently, even towards those who wronged him, like Saul and Absalom. Karl encourages the congregation to cultivate these heart qualities, reminding them that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/36617920
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Holy Interruptions
05/12/2025
Holy Interruptions
In this sermon titled "Holy Interruptions," Dr. Jeremy Smith explores the idea that God often works through unexpected interruptions in our lives. He begins by sharing a personal anecdote about his dogs interrupting his work, which leads to meaningful moments of reflection. Dr. Smith then delves into how Jesus' ministry was largely shaped by interruptions, citing numerous examples from the Gospels where Jesus responded to unexpected needs and requests. The speaker emphasizes that while we often resist interruptions, they can be opportunities for God to work in and through us. He references Mark 5, where Jesus stops to heal a bleeding woman while on His way to save a dying girl, as a powerful example of how God's priorities may differ from our own. Dr. Smith also discusses how the Apostle Paul's plans were redirected by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-10), reminding us that even our well-intentioned plans may not align with God's will.
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Go and Tell: Mission Sunday
05/05/2025
Go and Tell: Mission Sunday
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe outlines the church's recent focus on missions, stemming from a season of prayer and discernment. Survey results showed members' desire for emphasis on local missions, long-term partnerships, empowering indigenous workers, and intentionality in mission work. Ihfe discusses key partnerships like the children's home, Open Door, and Carpenter's Kitchen. The sermon delves into Biblical passages, including Matthew 28:16-20 and Romans 10:9-15, to underscore the importance of sharing the gospel. Ihfe uses these scriptures to remind the congregation of their role in God's mission. He shares a story about high school students providing prom dresses as an example of living out the gospel in practical ways. Ihfe concludes by challenging the church to be "the sermon" in their daily lives, encouraging members to seek opportunities to share God's love in their communities. He announces the church's plan to support members in local mission efforts, matching funds for various outreach initiatives.
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Senior Sunday 2025
04/28/2025
Senior Sunday 2025
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into Matthew 28:16-20, examining Jesus' appearance to his disciples on a mountain and the Great Commission. He highlights the disciples' mixed reaction of worship and doubt, drawing a parallel to Peter's experience of walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31). Ihfe emphasizes Jesus' authority over all things and His plan to use the church to spread His kingdom. The speaker challenges the notion of following Jesus without the church, stressing that Jesus' plan involves His followers working together to make disciples. He encourages graduates and all believers to see their roles in life as opportunities to bring God's kingdom to earth. Ihfe concludes by reminding the congregation of their legacy in the faith and urging them to courageously live out the Great Commission in their daily lives.
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Running for Your Life: Marching to Zion
04/21/2025
Running for Your Life: Marching to Zion
Karl Ihfe delivers an Easter sermon based on the book of Hebrews, exploring four key comparisons that demonstrate Jesus' superiority. First, Jesus is greater than the angels, as He is the Son of God who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" (Hebrews 1:3). Second, He is greater than Moses, being both fully human and the Creator. Third, Jesus is superior to every priest, offering a perfect, one-time sacrifice for sins. Finally, His sacrifice is greater than any other, covering the sins of the world for all time. Ihfe emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection have profound implications for believers. It frees us from the fear of death, allows us to "approach the throne of grace with boldness" (Hebrews 4:16), provides complete salvation, and covers all our sins and shame. The sermon encourages Christians to persevere in faith, drawing strength from the great cloud of witnesses and fixing their eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
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Running for Your Life: Unshrinkable
04/14/2025
Running for Your Life: Unshrinkable
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe continues a series on endurance, focusing on Hebrews 11 and 12. He begins by reminding the congregation of the letter's context – written to a weary, persecuted church. Ihfe emphasizes the importance of holding onto faith and not losing confidence, quoting Hebrews 10:35-39 and referencing the prophet Habakkuk's words, "The righteous person will live by faith" (Hab. 2:4). Ihfe then explores Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," highlighting examples of faithful people who endured despite challenges. He compares the Christian life to a marathon, acknowledging that we all hit walls in our faith journey. However, he encourages believers to persevere, drawing strength from the stories of those who have gone before us. Ihfe concludes by urging the church to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate example of endurance, and to continue meeting together for mutual encouragement and support. https://bwaychurch.org
/episode/index/show/bwaycofc/id/36121305
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Running for Your Life: Advocate
04/07/2025
Running for Your Life: Advocate
In his sermon "Running for Your Life," Dr. Rodney Thomas explores the concept of hope and trust in the face of life's challenges. He shares deeply personal experiences, including the tragic deaths of his father and brother, to illustrate the reality of hardship in a believer's life. Dr. Thomas emphasizes that following Jesus does not shield us from tragedy but provides the strength to persevere. Rodney draws parallels between Jesus' suffering on the cross and our own struggles, highlighting Christ's unwavering forgiveness and love even in His darkest hour. He references Luke 23:32-38 and Hebrews 4:14-16 to underscore Jesus' role as our great high priest and advocate before God. Dr. Thomas concludes with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to place their trust in Jesus, follow His example of sacrificial love, and make a commitment to Him through confession and baptism.
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Running for Your Life: On the Road Again
03/31/2025
Running for Your Life: On the Road Again
In his sermon, Karl Ihfe continues the "Running for Your Life" series, delving into Hebrews chapters 3 and 4. He explores the theme of spiritual journey, comparing the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt to our journey of faith. Ihfe emphasizes the danger of drifting into rebellion, referencing Psalm 95 and the Israelites' disobedience in the wilderness. The speaker stresses the importance of community and encouragement, noting how the Hebrew preacher alternates between "you" and "we" language to foster a sense of shared responsibility. Ihfe illustrates this point with personal anecdotes and a news story about a losing ultimate Frisbee team, highlighting the value of perseverance and mutual support. Ihfe concludes by urging the congregation to "stay on the road" of faith, encouraging one another daily, and holding onto hope for the ultimate victory in Christ. He emphasizes that while we may face challenges, our focus should be on progress rather than perfection as we journey towards God's promised rest.
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Running for Your Life: A Word is Worth A 1000 Pictures
03/24/2025
Running for Your Life: A Word is Worth A 1000 Pictures
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the concept of the "lag" between what we hear in God's word and what we see in the world around us. Using Hebrews 2 and Psalm 8, he illustrates how we were created to rule with God, but sin disrupted this plan. Ihfe points to Jesus as the true human who has fulfilled this calling and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Ihfe acknowledges the tension we experience when we don't see everything subject to Christ yet, despite the promises we've received. He encourages believers to keep their eyes on Jesus, who has gone before us as our pioneer and guide. The sermon addresses the slavery to the fear of death that many experience and how Jesus frees us from this bondage. Ihfe concludes by urging the church to persevere in faith, to meet together regularly, and to support one another in life's challenges. He reminds us that Jesus, being fully human, has experienced our temptations and struggles, making Him the perfect leader to follow as we navigate this "already but not yet" reality of God's kingdom. https://bwaychurch.org
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Running for Your Life: God's Grand Design
03/16/2025
Running for Your Life: God's Grand Design
The Mar.16, 2025 Sunday morning sermon at Broadway Church of Christ oin Lubbock, TX. In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the Book of Hebrews, addressing the central question: "Is it worth it to keep following Jesus?" He begins by highlighting how God has spoken throughout history, ultimately speaking through His Son, Jesus Christ. Ihfe warns against two common pitfalls in dealing with our past: amnesia (forgetting) and atavism (glorifying). Instead, he encourages believers to see how our history points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan. Ihfe emphasizes Jesus' divinity and humanity, quoting Hebrews 1:3, which describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being." He reminds the church that Jesus is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all things. The sermon concludes with a warning against drifting away from faith and an encouragement to hold on to Jesus, who intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). Ihfe urges believers to live into God's grand story rather than settling for a lesser dream. https://bwaychurch.org
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Running for Your Life: Just Keep Swimming
03/10/2025
Running for Your Life: Just Keep Swimming
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe launches a Lenten series focused on the Book of Hebrews. He explains the purpose of Lent as a time of reflection and preparation, rooted in Biblical examples of 40-day periods. Ihfe then delves into the relevance of Hebrews for today's church, highlighting how both ancient and modern Christians struggle with the question, "Is it worth it?" to follow Jesus amidst persecution and challenges. Ihfe draws parallels between the early church's struggles and contemporary issues such as deconstruction of faith, institutional distrust, and political polarization within Christianity. He emphasizes the Hebrew preacher's message of perseverance, quoting Hebrews 10:35-36: "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Using the metaphor from the movie "Finding Nemo" of "just keep swimming," Ihfe encourages the congregation to endure in their faith, keeping their focus on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2). He concludes by challenging the church to read Hebrews and to support one another in the journey of faith. https://bwaychurch.org
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Prayer: Let's Pray
02/24/2025
Prayer: Let's Pray
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe explores the power and significance of prayer in the Christian life. Drawing from Luke 18, he emphasizes Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer, encouraging believers not to give up even when circumstances seem dire or God seems distant. Ihfe highlights Paul's prayer for the Philippian church, demonstrating how prayer shapes our hearts and helps us see the world through God's eyes. The pastor stresses that God is not just a starter but a finisher, who will complete the good work He begins in us. He encourages the congregation to pray together, citing Philippians 4:6-7, which instructs us to pray in every situation. Ihfe explains that communal prayer ushers us into the reality of our need for one another and brings about a peace that defies understanding. He concludes by challenging the church to be people of prayer, partnering with God in His reconciling work in the world.
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In View of God's Mercy
02/22/2025
In View of God's Mercy
In this sermon, Chad Hammond delves into the concept of God's mercy as presented in the book of Romans. He begins by highlighting the importance of church attendance as a spiritual discipline that encourages the body of Christ. Hammond then focuses on Romans 12:1, particularly the phrase "in view of God's mercy," which leads him to explore Paul's exposition of God's mercy in the preceding chapters. Hammond emphasizes that all people, regardless of background or religious observance, deserve God's wrath due to sin. However, through Christ's faithfulness, we receive God's righteousness and mercy. As Romans 8:1 states, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This understanding of God's mercy should transform how we view and treat others, including our enemies. Hammond concludes by urging the congregation to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21), reflecting the extravagant mercy we've received from Jesus.
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Open Door: Kingdom Building
02/03/2025
Open Door: Kingdom Building
Chad Wheeler, CEO of Open Door, shares the organization's journey from a small gathering at Carpenter's Kitchen to a thriving ministry serving hundreds. He emphasizes the importance of building something that lasts, based on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7:24. Wheeler outlines three key steps to building in the way of the kingdom: listening, seeing Jesus in others, and responding to their needs.
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In With the New: Walking in the Way of Love
01/27/2025
In With the New: Walking in the Way of Love
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe explores the concept of walking in the way of love as a core tenet of Christianity. He begins by drawing parallels between inheriting traits from our earthly families and inheriting spiritual traits from our heavenly Father. Ihfe then focuses on Jesus' example of love, particularly in John 13 where He washes His disciples' feet. The sermon delves into the transformation of the apostle John, from an aggressive and ambitious disciple to one who identifies himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This change, Ihfe argues, came through John's experience of Jesus' love and the resurrection. Karl challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they show a family resemblance to God through their love, emphasizing that this should be the defining characteristic of Christians in a world that may not share their beliefs or values.
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In With the New: Walking in Wisdom
01/13/2025
In With the New: Walking in Wisdom
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the concept of wisdom, distinguishing between earthly and heavenly wisdom as described in the book of James. He highlights how James, once skeptical of Jesus, transformed after witnessing the resurrection, leading him to write about true wisdom from God. Ihfe explains that heavenly wisdom is characterized by action, humility, and peacemaking. He emphasizes that wisdom is not just knowledge, but the application of that knowledge in our lives. Using examples from Jesus' teachings and personal anecdotes, Ihfe illustrates how earthly wisdom often leads to envy, selfish ambition, and disorder. Karl encourages his congregation to seek God's wisdom, reminding them of James' words in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." He concludes by urging listeners to apply this wisdom in their daily lives and relationships.
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In With the New: Walking in Obedience
01/05/2025
In With the New: Walking in Obedience
In this New Year's sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the question of how we measure a good life or a good year. He begins by referencing Psalm 128, which states, "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him" (Psalm 128:1). Ihfe explains that this fear is not terror, but a reverent awe of God that leads to obedience. Ihfe then turns to Jesus' teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, to illustrate what a life of obedience looks like. He focuses on Matthew 7, where Jesus provides four images to help understand true discipleship: the narrow gate, the good tree, doing God's will, and building on the rock. These images emphasize the importance of not just knowing about Jesus, but actively living out His teachings. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the congregation to either reaffirm their commitment to walking in obedience or to make that commitment for the first time. Ihfe encourages listeners to leave old habits behind and embrace new ones that align with God's will, emphasizing the importance of community support in this journey.
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New Years Prayer
12/31/2024
New Years Prayer
In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into Paul's prayer for the Colossian church, found in Colossians 1:9-14. He sets the context by explaining the challenges faced by the Colossians, including the pervasive influence of Rome and the temptation of syncretism. Karl emphasizes the power of prayer, noting how Paul, despite being imprisoned, could still impact the church through his prayers and letters. The core of the message focuses on Paul's specific prayer for the Colossians, which Karl adopts as his prayer for the church in the coming year. This prayer centers on being filled with the knowledge of God's will through the wisdom and understanding given by the Holy Spirit. The desired outcomes of this spiritual filling include bearing fruit in good works, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with God's power for endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father. Karl stresses that this spiritual filling leads to a transformation in how we live, enabling us to see God at work in the world and respond with gratitude and hope, even in challenging circumstances. He concludes by reminding the congregation that God has already qualified them for His kingdom through Christ's redemptive work. https://bwaychurch.org
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