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Brokenness And Suffering: Male & Female
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. See the notes below for more.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being misunderstood and misrepresented when he was on trial before the Sanhedrin.
In Matthew 19:4 Jesus applies to Genesis 1 to say
we are created
we are created in God's image
we are created male and female
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Male and female
God created us as male and female; man and women (Genesis 2:7, 21-23)
Challenge: Trans* & Gender confusion
When talking with people about these issues we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19-20)
We should seek to understand others we will likely misunderstand and misrepresent.
We want to be a safe place for people to process.
Biological sex: male or female
Two options based on (reproductive) body parts, chromosomes, type of hormones released
Gender: is the psychological, social or cultural aspects of being male or female
Trans*
An umbrella term for when your gender identity (the internal sense of self one has of being male/female/neither/both) doesn't match their biological sex.
Scripture teaches that God created us male or female and that we should affirm the gender to which he created us:
Genesis 5:1, Deuteronomy 22:5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
The Bible does not give us prescriptions for gender role (what likes, affinities, etc).
Most of what we associate with masculine or feminine are based on cultural gender stereotypes which do not equate to biblical directives.
Where do we get our identity:
From others: what they say, approve us, exect, affirm
From ourselves: what we feel even though we are broken people
From our Creator: in whose image we are made and who loves us
Challenge: Self hatred and/or gender hatred
We can hate ourselves (and subconsciously our genders) when we don't feel like we measure up as a man or woman.
Misogyny is the hatred of women/feminine
Misandry is the hatred of men/masculine
To be a true man or true woman is to be who God created you to be and we live into that by listening to and obeying Jesus.
Conclusion:
Jesus' response when he was being misunderstood, accused, slandered, mocked, and bullied was to say that he was God's Son because that is who God said He was.
Our response is to get our identity from our Creator who made us (Psalm 139:13-16) and chooses us and loves us.
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:4 Genesis 2:7, 21-23 Genesis 5:1, Deuteronomy 22:5, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Psalm 139:13-16
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Singleness
Pastor Andrew continues the sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. This week, we are reminded that Jesus suffered by being abandoned. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 19 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being abandoned by his disciples/friends and then by God the Father when he was on the cross taking the punishment for our sins.
In Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus appealed to Genesis 1 & 2, to explain and confirm God's ideal for marriage and sexuality.
In Matthew 19:11-12 Jesus explains that not everyone is called to be married and offers an alternative.
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Celibate singleness
Those who are unmarried should commit to sexual abstinence.
Remaining single is promoted in the Bible and is not an inferior option to marriage.
Challenge: Romantic idolatry
The Bible says that God is love [agape: self-giving love that wills the good of the other]
Our world often promotes that love [eros: romantic, passionate, sexual love] is god.
1 Corinthians 7:25-40 talks about prioritizing our devotion to God. A case is made that it can be easier to be devoted to God when we are single.
Challenge: Isolation
Singleness can be lonely and isolating.
It should be noted that marriage, too, can be lonely or isolating. Marriage or romantic relationships are not the automatic fix.
Prioritizing God and finding healthy intimate friendships are encouraged for those who are single and married alike.
Mark 10:28-30 promises that those who give up relationships for the sake of the gospel will receive relationships in the spiritual family of God. We are to be the family of God to one another.
Conclusion:
Our response is to prioritize God above all relationships and to live as the family of God regardless of our status as single or married.
Jesus' response to us is that he was willing to be abandoned for our sake to make a way and as a guarantee that he will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20)
Scripture References:
Matthew 19:4-6 Genesis 1 & 2 Matthew 19:11-12 Mark 10:28-30 Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 28:20
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Brokenness And Suffering: Two Became One
Pastor Andrew begins a new sermon series titled “Brokenness and Suffering”. In this series, Andrew focuses on how Jesus suffered for us. He then addresses an aspect of human sexuality, and the suffering and brokenness that comes with sexual immorality. This week, we are reminded that Jesus suffered by being tempted with an easier way, but still chose day by day to journey to the cross for us. See the notes below for more.
Sermon begins at about 25 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Things To Remember:
Jesus suffered by being tempted with an easier way, but still chose day by day to journey to the cross for us.
In Matthew 19:4-6 Jesus appealed to Genesis 1 & 2, in response to understanding God's ideal for marriage and sexuality.
Biblical Ideal for Human Sexuality: Two become One
This means two people share a lifelong commitment of marriage.
This means the becoming one flesh act of sex is intended to take place within that lifelong commitment of marriage.
Challenge: Lust & Sexual Immorality
Sexual Immorality in the Bible is any sexual activity outside of marriage.
Jesus indicates in Matthew 5:27-30 that sexual sin begin in our heart, that we should resist lust because it is a sin against other people and dangerous for our souls.
Some New Testament passages relevant to sexual immorality: Romans 1:18-25,32; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:12-20; Galatians 5:13-25; Ephesians 4:17-24, 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4, 2 Peter 2:13-14, 17-22; Jude 1:3-4, 7; Revelation 2:20-23
Conclusion:
All of us are broken sexually and in this together.
Jesus responds to our brokenness by being willing to suffer for us and avoid taking the easier way.
Our response should be to come to Jesus as we acknowledge his standards and our brokenness.
Scripture References:
Romans 1:18-25,32; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:12-20; Galatians 5:13-25; Ephesians 4:17-24, 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4, 2 Peter 2:13-14, 17-22; Jude 1:3-4, 7; Revelation 2:20-23, Matthew 5:27-30, Matthew 19:4-6 Genesis 1 & 2
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Practice Gathering: Prayer
Pastor Andrew concludes our sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series focused on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focused on prayer. Andrew encouraged the congregation to put the things they’ve learned over the last several weeks into practice. The congregation joined together in prayer during the service.
Sermon begins at about 20 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Practice Gathering: Breaking of Bread (Sharing Meals)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues a new sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series focuses on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focuses on how the early Christians in Acts devoted themselves to gathering together for the purpose of sharing meals with one another. Andrew focuses on what it means to have have “food in the name of Jesus”.
Sermon begins at about 22 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Luke 5:27-39, 7:36-50, 10:38-42, 11:37-52, 14:1-24, 19:1-27, 22:7-38, 24:28-49
Things To Remember:
When the church was birthed in Acts followers of Jesus met together every day to keep their relationship with God vibrant.
They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42) and this included eating together with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:46).
There are many ways that we can do "food in the Name of Jesus".
We can talk about God and his ways over food, just like Jesus did (see Luke 5:27-39, 7:36-50, 10:38-42, 11:37-52, 14:1-24, 19:1-27, 22:7-38, 24:28-49).
We can share life with people over food and help cultivate a sense of family with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We can share food with those who need it or as an act of love to those who are hurting.
We can pray before or after meals including in ways that would specifically bless those with us at the table.
We can do what the disciples did in the feeding of the 5000 story: offer what we have to Jesus, ask Him to bless it, then watch him multiply the blessing through us as we share it with others.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Practice Gathering: Fellowship (Sharing Resources)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues a new sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series focuses on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focuses on how the early Christians in Acts devoted themselves to gathering together for the purpose of sharing resources with one another. (See notes below for more)
Sermon begins at about 27 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
When the church was birthed in Acts followers of Jesus met together every day to keep their relationship with God vibrant.
They devoted themselves to [the] fellowship. (Acts 2:42)
The Greek word koinonia can be both a noun and a verb so they committed themselves to fellowshiping (actively participating and sharing) in a fellowship (community bound by the common purpose of following Jesus).
Acts 2:44 shows that this including sharing financial/material resources.
Of the approximately 30 times a form of koina or koinonia is used in the New Testament at least 11 times it is connected to this kind of sharing financial resources (Acts 2:44, Acts 4:32, Romans 12:13, Romans 15:26, 2 Corinthians 8:4, 2 Corinthians 9:13, Galatians 6:6, Philippians 4:14 & 4:15, 1 Timothy 6:18, Hebrews 13:16).
The Bible promotes the contributing of financial resources to the ministry for the Lord in the Old and New Testament in principles that include:
Tithing: giving 10% of your income to God's kingdom work
Firstfruits: setting aside a portion of your income (perhaps your tithe) before spending
Offerings: additional giving beyond the tithe
Giving to the poor: Sharing financial with those in need
We are encouraged to excel in the grace of giving and operate in the same generous spirit of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 8:7-9)
God promises to bless our generosity by meeting our needs and in order to allow us to continue to be generous. (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Practice Gathering: Fellowship (Sharing Life)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues a new sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series focuses on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focuses on how the early Christians in Acts devoted themselves to gathering together for the purpose of sharing life with one another. (See notes below for more)
Sermon begins at about 29 minutes.
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
When the church was birthed in Acts followers of Jesus met together every day to keep their relationship with God vibrant. Do you regularly set aside times to meet with other believers and intentionally grow in your faith?
When we have a relationship (are in fellowship) with Jesus we become part of his Body and are called to have relationships (be in fellowship with) other Jesus followers.
The early devoted themselves to [the] fellowship. The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia.
As a noun it means association, fellowship, community of people living life together with a common purpose (following Jesus).
As a verb it means sharing, participating, contributing in a community of people.
We are to be devoted to a fellowship or fellowships (koinonia) of committed Jesus followers. Are you?
We are to be devoted to fellowshiping with a fellowship of committed Jesus followers. Are you?
Other Sermon Notes and References:
“The Body of Christ is nothing other than a fellowship of persons. It is the ‘fellowship of Jesus Christ’ [1 Cor 1:9] or ‘fellowship of the Holy Spirit’ [2 Cor 13:14, Phil. 2:1] where fellowship or koinonia signifies a common participation, a togetherness, a community life.” -Emil Brunner
“The faithful are bound to each other through their common sharing in Christ and in the Holy Spirit…” -Emil Brunner
Practice Gathering: The Scriptures
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues a new sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series focuses on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focuses on how the early Christians in Acts devoted themselves to gathering together and listening to the Apostles teaching, with emphasis on The Scriptures.
Sermon begins at about 49 minutes (this Sunday we welcomed new elders, so the sermon started later in the service than usual).
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
When the church was birthed in Acts followers of Jesus met together every day to keep their relationship with God vibrant. How often do you think you should meet with other believers with the intentional purpose of growing in your faith?
Followers devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching which includes:
Listening to teaching from those who know Jesus well and can help us learn how to receive God's love and love others.
Learning from the Scriptures of the Bible which point us to Jesus
Studying the Scriptures together with others
In the coming weeks or months find a way to gather with others around the Scriptures for a season.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Practice Gathering:The Gospel
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a new sermon series called, “Practice Gathering”. This series will focus on Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This week focuses on how the early Christians in Acts devoted themselves to gathering together and listening to the Apostles teaching, specifically the Gospel.
Sermon begins at about 15 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
When the church was birthed in Acts followers of Jesus met together every day to keep their relationship with God vibrant. Why do we as Christians think we can meet together so much less often and still remain true to Him will all of our heart?
Followers devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching which was first and foremost 1) the good news of what Jesus had done for them through his life, death, resurrection and ascension 2) the call to repent or turn to Jesus to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.
If we seek to get closer to Jesus others will follow.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Christmas Eve 2022: A Great Light
Andrew Schmidt concludes our advent series, “Out of the Darkness…” with a Christmas Eve sermon, “A Great Light”. This series will has carried us through Advent with a focus on what the prophet Isaiah wrote about the Messiah.
Sermon begins at about 31 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Find resources for this and other Advent messages here.
Advent Week 1: Out of the Darkness… (Faith)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt begins a new sermon series called “Out of the Darkness…”. This series will carry us through Advent with a focus on what the prophet Isaiah wrote about the Messiah. This week’s focus is on Isaiah 50:1-11
Sermon begins at about 26 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
Find resources for this and other Advent messages here.
People of Presence: Prayer Builders
Pastor Andrew Schmidt concludes the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Pastor Andrew reviews the last several weeks of our Prayer Builders initiative.
Sermon begins at about 43 Minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Intercession (Global Outreach)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Celebrate Church Pastoral Care Pastor Judd Nelson shares about intercession. He focuses on global outreach and the power of prayer. Pastor Andrew emphasizes this point and encourages the church to pray specifically for our global outreach partners.
Sermon begins at about 25 min
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Jesus’ tells his disciples to pray: Ask the Lord to send out workers for the harvest. (Matthew 9:38)
Jesus sends his disciple out: As answers to the prayer of workers for the harvest. (Matthew 10:1, 5-8)
Jesus says: Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? What is your answer? (Isaiah 6:8)
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Intimacy
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Nicolas Lirio shares about intimacy with the Lord. He focuses on David’s bold approach to God’s presence. Pastor Andrew emphasizes this point and encourages the church to practice both confession and repentance as they approach the Lord.
Sermon begins at 17:40
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
When we draw close to God, he promises to draw close to us (James 4:8)
God is reaching for us out of his love for the world.
The world system prefers to stay in the darkness rather than be exposed by light.
Confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord helps us draw close to God.
Confessing our sins allows us to draw close to God, rather than remaining in darkness.
Repenting, turning toward God and away from worldliness, helps us draw close to God.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Intercession
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Doug Terpstra shares about the power of praying for others. Pastor Andrew emphasizes this point and encourages the church receive prayer from youth prayer ministers during the service.
Sermon begins at 36:38
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Jesus ministered in power. So did his early followers. So can we.
Power was released through Jesus’ words and touch.
Jesus’ ministry wasn’t just powerful, it was personal.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Imagination
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Ali Cranmer shares about imagination, and how important it is to imagine with God. Pastor Andrew emphasizes this point and encourages the church to invite God into our imagination. Ali finishes by leading us through a prayer called The Garden of The Heart Prayer.
Sermon begins at 37:26
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Intercession (Not Giving Up)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. In this message, Aubrey Schneider begins the sermon with a personal story about prayer intercession. She also shares some takeaways about blessing others. Jon Suntken follows with thoughts on Bamboo trees, and how this mirrors our need to keep praying. Andrew concludes the message with encouragement to pray without ceasing, and to see how God is answering prayers even when we can't see what He is doing.
Sermon begins at 23:48
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Blessing Prayer: Ephesians 3:16-20
Things To Remember:
We are to always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. (2 Peter 3:9)
God you owe me leads to complaining and a focus on what God is not doing.
God you love me leads to thanksgiving and a focus on what God has done, is doing and promises to do in the future.
Bamboo Plant: Like the Babmoo plant that doesn't break the ground for 4 years and then grows 90 feet in 60 days, God is often at work under the surface in response to our prayers.
3 Things To Do When You Bless Others:
Use their name
Pray scripture
Pray out loud
Other Sermon Notes and References:
“When we move from petition (asking for things for ourselves) to intercession, we are shifting the center of gravity from our own needs to the needs and concerns of others. Intercessory prayer is selfless, even self-giving prayer.”
People of Presence: Intimacy (Nature/Service)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. This week we focus on intimacy with God. Mike Moats shares with us about how nature is the place where he feels God’s presence most. Andrew continues with the series after, encouraging us to find intimacy with God as we serve others and also as we walk with Him in nature.
Sermon begins at around 35 minutes
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Jesus often went alone to pray in nature.
God communicates through nature. We still need His Word and community, but it is spiritually beneficial to connect with His creation.
We experience Jesus's Presence when we serve the least of these.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
He was sinless, and yet he needed prayer. Far be it from us to dream that we can do without it. In private, we must, like our God, equip ourselves for the public battle of life. -Charles Spurgeon
No doubt it was the constant habit of Christ to pray. But there were certain times where He retired into lonely places, and His prayer life was peculiarly fervent and prolonged. -Charles Spurgeon
People of Presence: Intercession (Elders)
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. This week we focus on intercession for the church as a whole body. Celebrate’s Elder Board shares scripture and prayer with us at the end of the message.
Sermon begins at 21:27
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
The church was born when people accepted the gospel message that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead to make a way for eternal life and was exalted into heaven that we could have His Spirit/Presence now.
Believers responded by repenting and being baptized, and devoting themselves to each other every day.
Ephesians shares God’s ideal vision for the church.
We learn that
The church is Jesus’ body and is intended to be filled.
That the church is a temple being built together so he can dwell with them.
The God through his love wants to fill us with His fullness and have his glory dwell in us like it did in Jesus Christ.
God wants to fill his church his body so we can be mature and complete and unified.
We can be filled with God’s Spirit by not being filled with other things and by speaking and singing praise to God.
Other Sermon Notes and References:
People of Presence: Ministering To The Lord
Pastor Andrew Schmidt continues the sermon series, “People of Presence”. We begin with Matt Van Sant, Celebrate’s Worship Ministries Leader, teaching on what it means to minister to the Lord.
Sermon begins at 26:11
Audio:
You can listen to the sermon below, or you can subscribe to our Celebrators Podcast wherever you listen.
Scripture References:
Things To Remember:
Ministering to God:
Extol- to record, to remember
Thank- to thank
Praise- to shine, to rave, to boast
Sermon Notes and References:
God being present everywhere is not the same as God being present somewhere.
A theme throughout the Bible is God desiring to be present in a specific place and time to be with his people.
David was not content with God's Presence being 'there', he wanted it to be 'here' in his midst.
David desires for God's Presence to 'somewhere' matched God's desire. In this way he was a man after God's own heart.
God brought God's Presence with musical worship and maintained his presence with ongoing musical worship.
When we come to worship are we more like Simon the Pharisee evaluating what we think of everything or more like the sinful woman ready to offer what we have to Jesus?
I Chronicles 16:4 Says that David appointed Levites to extol, thank and praise the Lord:
Extol: remember or recount what the Lord has done
Thank: express appreciation for what the Lord has done
Praise: to shine, rave, or boast about the the Lord