Raintree Community Church

This is the podcast for Raintree Community Church in Lee's Summit, MO. It features Raintree's most recent sermons.

The Supremacy of Christ in Our Witness | Dr. Stephen Conley 11/18/2024

The Supremacy of Christ in Our Witness | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 4:5-6 Gospel Urgency with Wisdom (4:5) We are called to conduct ourselves in biblical wisdom to those around us. We are called to use our time wisely for the Gospel’s sake. Gospel Fluency with Grace (4:6) We are called to speak grace-filled words that are seasoned with the flavor of Christ. We are called to respond to others with grace-filled answers that point them to Christ and His Word. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33974817

The Supremacy of Christ in Our Prayers | Dr. Stephen Conley 11/11/2024

The Supremacy of Christ in Our Prayers | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 4:2-4 Dependance Upon Christ in Prayer (4:2) Pray with steadfast consistency. Pray with persistent watchfulness. Pray with Godward gratitude. Devotion to Christ’s Mission Through Prayer (4:3-4) Pray for opportunities to declare the Gospel. Pray for obedience to make the Gospel known. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33879052

Christ's Last Command Must Be Our First Commitment | Jeff Fitzgerald 11/04/2024

Christ's Last Command Must Be Our First Commitment | Jeff Fitzgerald Text: Acts 1:1-11 Jeff Fitzgerald preaches to us about how Christ's last command to His disciples as He ascended into heaven must be our first commitment as we live out our discipleship here on earth. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33767242

The Supremacy of Christ in the Workplace | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/28/2024

The Supremacy of Christ in the Workplace | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1 Christ-Centered Servanthood (3:22-25) We are called to obey our superiors as unto the Lord for His glory. We are called to serve wholeheartedly in all things for the Lord and His reward and reckoning. Christ-Centered Supervision (4:1) We are called to treat those we lead with respect and equality, knowing that Jesus is Lord and supreme over all. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33639987

The Supremacy of Christ in the Home | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/21/2024

The Supremacy of Christ in the Home | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:18-21 Christ-Centered Submission (3:18) Christ calls and empowers wives to submit to their husbands in a way that brings glory to Him. Christ-Centered Love (3:19) Christ calls and empowers husbands to love their wives in a way that treasures them with gentleness. Christ-Centered Obedience (3:20) Christ calls and empowers children to obey their parents in every way that pleases Him. Christ-Centered Parenting (3:21) Christ calls and empowers parents to shepherd their children in a way that proves their love for them while not provoking them to become embittered or lose heart. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33550147

"Contribute": Serving Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley 10/07/2024

"Contribute": Serving Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley Texts: Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30; Romans 15:1-7; Romans 12:3-8 We Serve in a Gospel-centered Partnership (Philippians 1:3-11, 27-30) We are saved into a partnership with one another through the Gospel. This partnership manifests itself in a life worthy of the Gospel that strives side by side together. We Serve in a Gospel-centered Culture (Romans 15:1-7) We are called to a unity and harmony by Christ. We are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. We Serve through Gospel-centered Gifting (Romans 12:3-8) We are equipped to serve one another by the grace that saved us in Christ. Each gift is an opportunity to build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33364737

"Connect": Growing in Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley 09/30/2024

"Connect": Growing in Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley Texts: Colossians 2:6-10; Ephesians 4:11-16 We are Rooted in Christ Together for Gospel Growth (Col. 2:6-10) We are established in Christ. We are steadfast in Christ. We are fulfilled in Christ We are Equipped in Christ Together for Gospel Ministry (Eph. 4:11-16) We are equipped by the Word through gifted shepherds. We are matured by the Word through the Christ’s working. We are discipled by the Word through one another. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33261917

"Come": Worshipping Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley 09/23/2024

"Come": Worshipping Christ Together | Dr. Stephen Conley Texts: Psalm 95:1-7a; 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:7 Worship: The Attitude of the Heart (Psalm 95:1-7a) Worshipping God is about an internal attitude before it is an external activity. Worshipping God reframes our reality around God’s Word. Worship: The Transformation of the Life (2 Corinthians 3:18) Worshipping God leads to a life that beholds the glory of Christ. Worshipping God leads to a life that is transformed by the glory of Christ. Worship: The Proclamation of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:1-7) Worshipping God leads to faithful Gospel ministry that is fueled by God’s surpassing power. Worshipping God leads us to proclaim Christ, not ourselves. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33171152

The End of the Matter | Dr. Stephen Conley 09/16/2024

The End of the Matter | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Consider the Weighty Words of Wisdom (12:9-12) God’s wisdom is like a goad that spurs us onward. God’s wisdom is like well-driven nails that fix our hearts to truth. God’s wisdom comes to us from the Shepherd of our souls. Consider the Whole Duty of Man (12:13-14) We are called to walk in the fear of God. We are called to obey the Word of God. We are energized and equipped by God to walk in His ways (1 Thess. 5:23-24). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/33071302

How to Live in Light of the End | Dr. Stephen Conley 09/09/2024

How to Live in Light of the End | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8 Live Every Day With Faith in God’s Plan (11:1-6) We must live surrendered lives before the face of God, trusting in God’s sovereign plan. The future may seem uncertain to us, but we can trust in the certainty of God’s faithfulness. Live Every Day With Gratitude for God’s Gifts (11:7-10) We must celebrate our days before the face of God, rejoicing in all He has given and done for us. We must live wisely before the face of God, knowing we are ultimately accountable to Him. Live Every Day in Remembrance of God’s Name (12:1-8) We must live our days before the face of God, for the glory of God alone. We can face suffering and death before the face of God knowing that He will safely bring us into His presence to dwell with Him forever. (2 Cor. 4:13-18) /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32971667

The Devastating End of Foolishness | Dr. Stephen Conley 09/02/2024

The Devastating End of Foolishness | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 10 Foolishness Will Lead You Astray (10:1-4) A little bit of foolishness goes a long way to lead your heart astray from God’s wisdom. A little bit of foolishness leads to a life that lacks any sense. Foolishness Will Lead You to Ruin (10:5-14) Foolishness will inevitably cause your downfall into destruction. Foolishness will inevitably consume you through your reckless words. Foolishness Will Lead You to Indolence (10:15-20) Foolishness will cultivate a lifestyle of laziness and apathy. In the end, we must leave foolishness behind and look to Christ as our power and wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-25) /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32867052

True Realities About Life and Death | Dr. Stephen Conley 08/26/2024

True Realities About Life and Death | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 9 The Unfailing Hand of God’s Providence (9:1) As we consider our lives, the future often seems uncertain and unpredictable. Therefore, we must rest our lives in God’s sovereignty and trust in His promises. The Inescapable Reality of Our Death (9:2-6) Death is the great leveler and the inevitable event for all mankind. Therefore, we still have hope while we live if we will trust in the salvation of Christ. The Meaningful Enjoyment of God’s Gifts (9:7-10) In this life, God has given us wonderful gifts to enjoy that we do not deserve. In view of our death, we learn to rightly assess and appreciate what God has given to us. The Trustworthy Nature of God’s Wisdom (9:11-18) When we view life under the sun, it seems uncertain, unpredictable, and unrewarding. When we view life from God’s perspective, we see how His wisdom surpasses everything else. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32745377

God's Wisdom on Authority | Dr. Stephen Conley 08/19/2024

God's Wisdom on Authority | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 8 Be Submissive to Earthly Authorities (8:1-9) We must wisely align ourselves under earthly authorities because they are set up by God. Our submission and obedience ultimately rests in God. Fear God as the Ultimate Authority (8:10-13) We must walk in the fear of the Lord despite the evil we experience around us. We know that God is the final authority and judge of all. Look to God’s Unfathomable Wisdom (8:14-17) Life can seem unfair and unjust when viewed from our limited perspective. We must submit to God and His unlimited wisdom to make sense of life’s challenges. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32640247

Consider the Work of God | Dr. Stephen Conley 08/12/2024

Consider the Work of God | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 7 Consider God’s Lessons on Death (7:1-6) God presents death to us as a teacher who instructs us on what is most important in life. Consider God’s Wisdom on Life (7:7-12) God calls us to be self-controlled, eternity-focused, and to prize wisdom over wealth. Consider God’s Work of Providence (7:13-18) We must trust in the sovereignty of God and walk in the fear of God. Consider God’s Provision of Wisdom (7:19-29) Wisdom is often sought after, but rarely found in the minds of mankind. Wisdom can only be found in God through Christ, the source of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32542312

Never Satisfied | Dr. Stephen Conley 08/05/2024

Never Satisfied | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 6 The Pointless Pursuit of All Earthly Things (6:1-6) Satisfaction cannot be found in wealth, possessions, and honor. Satisfaction cannot be achieved in a full bank account, a thriving family, and a long life. Satisfaction can only be found in an eternal God who put eternity in our hearts. The Limitless Longing in All People (6:7-9) We all have an insatiable desire that cannot be satisfied apart from God. We can either find our satisfaction in God, or we can chase after the wind. The Certain Cycle of All Events (6:10-12) Human words and effort cannot change the inevitable end of all things. There is no meaning to life apart from God. Consider Christ, the Bread of Life as your ultimate satisfaction (John 6:35). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32443532

No Greater Love | Sid Werges 07/29/2024

No Greater Love | Sid Werges One of our elders, Sid Werges, preaches to us from John 15:12-13. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32338372

God's Wisdom on Worship & Wealth | Dr. Stephen Conley 07/22/2024

God's Wisdom on Worship & Wealth | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 5 The Posture of Intentional Worship (5:1-7) As we worship God, we are called to guard our steps carefully, take our vows seriously, and approach God humbly in awe. The Poverty of Loving Money (5:8-17) We must recognize the fleeting and unsatisfying nature of pursuing wealth. The Pleasure of God-Centered Contentment (5:18-20) We must learn to be content in the Lord and find joy in His sufficient provision for us. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32241332

Two Are Better Than One | Dr. Stephen Conley 07/16/2024

Two Are Better Than One | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 4 Oppression Without Comfort (4:1-3) Oppression without comfort leads to misery and despair. Envy With Anxiety (4:4-6) Envy with anxiety leads to a dissatisfied restlessness. Wealth Without Contentment and Community (4:7-8) Wealth without contentment and community leads to loneliness and emptiness. Life With Companionship (4:9-12) Life with companionship leads to community and wholeness. Isolation Without Wisdom (4:13-16) Isolation without wisdom leads to foolishness and emptiness. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32154157

God's Sovereign Rule Over Time | Dr. Stephen Conley 07/08/2024

God's Sovereign Rule Over Time | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 3 God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Comprehensive (3:1-8) The statements in these verses give the full range of the human experience after the Fall in Genesis 3. From birth to death and everything in between, there are no gaps in God’s sovereignty and His plan of redemption. God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Providential (3:9-15) God has created everything for His glorious purpose; therefore, He will make all things beautiful according to His time. God has put eternity in our finite hearts; therefore, our toil only makes sense and brings joy when it is God-centered. God’s Rule Over Time is Eternally Just (3:16-22) God stands as the eternal Judge over all; therefore, He will execute justice according to His will. In the end, death comes to us all; instead of living in denial, we must be prepared for it. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/32046682

Revelation 1 | Drew Erickson 07/01/2024

Revelation 1 | Drew Erickson Our Youth Director, Drew Erickson preaches on Revelation 1: Christ the Son of Man is the ruler over the kings of the earth and will build His Church and save His people from every tribe, tongue, nation, people and language. Christ, the Son of Man will return in glory, and all those who have rejected Him will be judged. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31967937

The Endless Pursuit of Satisfaction | Dr. Stephen Conley 06/23/2024

The Endless Pursuit of Satisfaction | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 2 The Emptiness of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3) The pursuit of pleasure apart from God may lead to momentary happiness, but ends in permanent emptiness. The Futility of Worldly Achievement (2:4-11) The pursuit of finding life’s meaning in worldly achievement may take you to the top, but it will ultimately end in gaining nothing. The Limitations of Worldly Wisdom (2:12-17) The pursuit of intellectualism may lead to acquiring knowledge, but the wise and fool all come to the same end in death. The Satisfaction of God-centered Living (2:18-26) All accomplishments and achievements without God at the center lead to emptiness and frustration Satisfaction in life is found in the hand of God, who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31857462

Life is a Vapor | Dr. Stephen Conley 06/17/2024

Life is a Vapor | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Ecclesiastes 1 Life is Short in Light of Eternity (1:1-7) Our lives are the equivalent of a vapor that appears for a brief time. When our lives are centered on God, then our focus is not on the brevity and emptiness of this life, but on eternal life. Life is Wearisome Under the Sun (1:8-11) Our lives can feel exhausting, monotonous, and futile. When our lives are centered on God, then our satisfaction is found in Him and His Word. Life is Meaningless Apart from God (1:12-18) Our lives are wrapped up in striving and searching for meaning. When are lives are centered on God, then our life is not meaningless striving after the wind, but pursuing God and His wisdom. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31770549

Ecclesiastes: Living in Light of the End | Dr. Stephen Conley 06/10/2024

Ecclesiastes: Living in Light of the End | Dr. Stephen Conley “Ecclesiastes: Living in Light of the End” (Book Overview) The Author of Ecclesiastes The human author is announced in 1:1 as the “Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” This is most likely referring to Solomon, who also wrote the Book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon. When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom instead of wealth and honor, which God granted to him in abundance. (1 Kings 3:5-15). However, Solomon went astray from God’s wisdom to following His own heart. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as he seeks to make sense of his life. The Arrangement of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes is bookended with these phrases: “All is vanity” and “Fear God and keep His commandments.” The word vanity is a key word in the book that refers to life being a “breath” or “vapor.” Ecclesiastes is arranged for the reader to see what life looks like when it is lived backwards. The Aim of Ecclesiastes The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to help us to live our lives backwards – in light of the end. This book helps us to loosen our grip on the temporal and live for the eternal. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31673427

The Priority of Obedience | Dr. Alex Granados 06/03/2024

The Priority of Obedience | Dr. Alex Granados The Priority of Obedience - Psalm 119:1-8 The perspective of all the faithful on the priority of obedience (vv. 1-3) They experience the happiness of obedience (vv. 1-2) They experience the practicality of obedience (v. 3) The perspective of God on the priority of obedience (v. 4) His standard concerning obedience (v. 4a) His burden concerning obedience (v. 4b) The perspective of the psalmist on the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8) His positively phrased plea for enablement points to the priority of obedience (vv. 5-8a) His negatively phrased plea for communion points to the priority of obedience (v. 8b) /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31573507

Word-Centered Worship 05/26/2024

Word-Centered Worship Text: Colossians 3:15-17 Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Governed by the Peace of Christ. (3:15) The peace of Christ comes to us through the blood of Christ which reconciled us to God. We are called to rest in the peace of Christ to rule every moment of our lives and build unity within the church. Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Filled by the Word of Christ. (3:16) We must let the Gospel of Christ occupy the residence in our hearts in abundance We are called to express our belief in Christ and unity in Christ through corporate worship. Our Hearts Must be Gratefully Devoted to the Name of Christ. (3:17) All we do and say must be for the glory of Christ All we do and say must be carried out with thankfulness to Christ. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31471517

Living Out the New Life in Christ 05/19/2024

Living Out the New Life in Christ Text: Colossians 3:12-14 The New Life Begins in Christ (3:12a) As believers, we are chosen, sanctified, and loved by God. This new life does not rest on our merits, but on Christ and His work in us. The New Life Looks Like Christ (3:12b-14) As believers, our life should reflect the grace we have received in Christ. This new life is characterized by Christlike love which gives way to Christlike harmony. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31373492

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley 05/12/2024

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 2 | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:7-11 We Must Cast Off the Sins of the Old Life (3:7-9) Christ calls us to turn from our former life of sin and never look back. Christ equips us to comprehensively target all forms of ungodly behavior and put them to death. We Must Put On the Identity of the New Life in Christ (3:10-11) The new life in Christ has replaced the old life of sin. The new life in Christ is created in us through Christ. The new life in Christ gives us a new identity. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31253307

Hold the Ropes | Dr. Joshua Paxton 05/06/2024

Hold the Ropes | Dr. Joshua Paxton Missions Focus Sunday Dr. Joshua Paxton preached to us from 3 John 5-8, which called us to send missionaries out in a manner worthy of God so that we may be fellow workers in the Truth. He taught us how we can “hold the rope” with missionaries through meaningful involvement in training, sending, and supporting. (Dr. Paxton is the Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Calvary University) /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31136013

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/28/2024

Living With a Warfare Mentality, Part 1 | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:5-6 God’s Grace Empowers Us to Make War on Sin (3:5) Because we are raised with Christ, we are empowered to put our sin to death. Because we are raised with Christ, we must no longer worship our desires. God’s Wrath Sobers Us to Think Rightly About Our Sin (3:6) For sinners outside of Christ, the wrath of God will be coming upon them; therefore, we need to take sin seriously. For sinners saved by Christ, the wrath of God has been satisfied in Christ; therefore, we can rest in His sufficient work (1 John 2:1-2). /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/31020078

Living With a Christ-centered Focus | Dr. Stephen Conley 04/21/2024

Living With a Christ-centered Focus | Dr. Stephen Conley Text: Colossians 3:1-4 We Must Earnestly Prioritize Christ and His Kingdom (3:1-2) Because we have been raised to life in Christ, He is our chief consideration in all things. We value Christ and His eternal kingdom over the things of earth. We Must Purposefully Embrace Our Identity in Christ and His Kingdom (3:3-4) In Christ, we have died to ourselves and have been raised to a new identity in Him. In Christ, our life is complete and secure for all eternity in His Kingdom. /episode/index/show/raintreechurch/id/30921713

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