Holy Joys Sermons

Why We Worship a Crucified Man (Good Friday Sermon)

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches a brief sermon for Good Friday 2026.

Lazarus and the Hope of Physical and Spiritual Resurrection (John 11:1–45)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on the lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday in Lent: Ezekiel 37:1–14 (the valley of dry bones); Psalm 130; Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–45 (the raising of Lazarus).

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The Samaritan Woman: God Still Wants Us (John 4:5–42)

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday in Lent: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–11; John 4:5–42. God knows every single wicked thing that we’ve ever done. God knows all of our wounds. But God still wants us, and he sent his Son to save us from sin and satisfy us with himself. God calls us to turn from sinful folly and trust in his Son completely.

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The Beatitudes: How to Be Blessed in God's Kingdom (Matthew 5:1–12)

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on the beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) in conversation with the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Micah 6:1–8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31).

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The Epiphany: Beholding God's Glory in the Face of Jesus

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on the day and season of Epiphany, focusing on the manifestation to the Gentiles (Isaiah 60:1–6; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12), as well as the epiphany at Christ's baptism and at Cana of Galilee.

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Satisfied by the Incarnate Word (John 1:10–18)

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on being satisfied by the goodness of God, expounding the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Second Sunday after Christmas: Jeremiah 31:7–14, Ephesians 1:3–14, and John 1:10–18.

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A Dragon in the Manger Scene (Matthew 2:13–23)

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches a sermon on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt for the First Sunday after Christmas Day. Lectionary texts: Isaiah 63:7–9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10–18; Matthew 2:13–23. See also Revelation 12:1–6.

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When a Prophet Doubts (Matthew 11:2–11)

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches a sermon for the third Sunday of Advent on the doubts of John the Baptist about the coming of Christ. The sermon draws from the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Year A: Matthew 11:2–11; Isaiah 35:1–10; James 5:7–10.

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What Does Advent Have to Do With Hell? (Matthew 3:1–12)

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500

A sermon by Johnathan Arnold for the Second Sunday of Advent. The sermon draws from the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Year A: Matthew 3:1–12; Romans 15:4–13; Isaiah 11:1–10.

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Stay Awake! (Matthew 24:36–44)

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

A sermon by Johnathan Arnold for the First Sunday of Advent. The sermon draws from the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Year A: Matthew 24:36–44; Romans 13:11–14; Isaiah 2:1–5.

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Do Not Be Anxious: A Shepherd’s Invitation to Worriers (Matthew 6:25–34)

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500

A sermon on Matthew 6:25–34 by Johnathan Arnold.

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When Christians Doubt: Lessons from "Doubting Thomas" (John 20:24–31)

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on doubt and how to deal with doubt in the Church and in the Christian life.

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Entire Sanctification: The Whole Christ for the Whole Man (Matthew 22:34–40)

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0500

This sermon was preached by Johnathan Arnold as a guest speaker at Gratz Emmanuel Wesleyan Church on January 5, 2025, the twelfth day of Christmas. Total depravity in the first Adam requires total incarnation and healing by the Second Adam which provides total or entire sanctification by the Spirit of Christ.

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The People of God: Old Testament Preparations for the Church

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400

The first lecture in a six-week series on the Doctrine of the Church.

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For Our Sins He Was Tempted: Recapitulation in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 4:1–11)

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on how Christ's victory over temptation in the wilderness is necessary for our redemption and empowers us to defeat Satan's temptations in our own lives.

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Heaven & Hell, Part 9: The Intimacy of Heaven (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 8: Made for Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:4)

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 7: Those Who Love Darkness (John 3:19)

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 6: Hell, The Risk of Love (2 Peter 3:9)

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 5: Hell is a Lonely Place (Genesis 2:18)

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 4: The Wedding of Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21:3)

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 3: God Doesn't Make Trash (Romans 8:18-23)

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

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Heaven & Hell, Part 2: The Inspiration of Heaven (1 Peter 2:11)

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

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Heaven & Hell, Part 1: A Heaven-Can-Wait Attitude

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0500

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The Gospel: A Catechetical Sermon

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold addresses the question "What is the gospel?" by drawing on various Scriptures.

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The Resurrection of Christ: A Catechetical Sermon

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches the resurrection of Christ from various texts on Easter Sunday. On the third day, Christ truly rose again from the dead, with body and soul, to overcome death, declare his Lordship, and begin the work of making all things new. Because he lives, we may be raised by his power to a new life, share in the righteousness which he obtained for us by his death, and enjoy the sure pledge that our bodies shall also be raised in glory.

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Look and Live: Christ Breaks the Serpent's Power (Numbers 21:4–9)

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches for Palm/Passion Sunday from Numbers 21:4–9 on how the sign of the bronze serpent points to Christ's head-crushing victory over Satan, "that old serpent."

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Mature in Christ: An Introduction to Spiritual Formation (Colossians 1:28)

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold draws from Colossians 1:28 and other passages of Scripture to explain the process of spiritual formation towards maturity in Christ.

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Qualified Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:1–13)

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold teaches from 1 Timothy 3 and other key passages on the biblical offices of elder and deacon. Download the handout at holyjoys.org/elders-deacons.

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The Joseph Story: An Allegory of Christ (Genesis 37–50)

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on seeing Jesus in all of Scripture, using the story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 as a case study, drawing applications for those in need of what Christ the true Joseph still offers today.

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Leah: God Wants the Unwanted (Genesis 29:31–30:24)

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches a narrative sermon on Leah's struggle to earn her husband's affection.

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Did God Really Regret Making Us? (Genesis 6:6)

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on Genesis 6:6 in light of God's immutability and impassibility.

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Greeting Christ at His Table: A Christmas Homily

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches a Christmas communion sermon as the conclusion to an Advent series on Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King. See the article "'Christmas' Means 'the Lord's Supper on Christ's Day'" at holyjoys.org.

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Waiting for a King (Isaiah 9:1–7)

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold continues his Advent sermon series on Waiting for Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.

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Waiting for a Priest (Genesis 14:17–20)

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 22:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold continues his Advent series on waiting for Christ—Prophet, Priest, and King.

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Waiting for a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:9–22)

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches the first sermon in an Advent sermon series titled "Waiting for Christ."

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The Blessing of Sanctification and Entire Sanctification

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 23:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold preaches on why sanctification and entire sanctification are a blessing, not a burden, and addresses frequently asked questions on the doctrine of holiness.

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Travis Johnson: Remembering God's Goodness When Life Doesn't Make Sense (Psalm 73)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:00:00 -0500

Travis Johnson preaches a message of comfort from Psalm 73 on keeping an eternal perspective in times of suffering and grief.

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Eternal Generation and Adoption in Christ

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his series on union with Christ, preaching from Ephesians 1 on how God makes us his sons by uniting us with his only begotten Son of God. Jesus Christ is the true Son of God because he is eternally begotten of the Father; we are adopted sons through union with Christ.

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Union with Christ the Head Means Membership in His Body the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12–27)

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his sermon series on union with Christ, explaining from 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, that since everyone who is united with Christ the Head is also united with his Body the Church, life in Christ only makes sense in community.

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Holy Marriage: The One-Flesh Union as a Sign of the Church's One-Spirit Union with Christ (Ephesians 5:22–33)

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his series on union with Christ: "Holy Marriage: The One-Flesh Union as a Sign of the Church's One-Spirit Union with Christ (Ephesians 5:22–33)."

Topics addressed:

Marriage
Divorce
Adultery
Love and submission
Genesis 2
1 Corinthians 6
Ephesians 5
Matthew 19
1 Corinthians 7
1 Peter 3

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Jesus Wants to Live in Your Heart: Introduction to Union with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:26–31)

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches the first sermon in a series on union with Christ, expounding 1 Corinthians 1:30 in light of Ephesians 1 and the rest of the New Testament with its teaching and metaphors.

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Andrew Graham: Responding to Sexual Abuse in the CHM

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Dr. Andrew Graham speaks on sexual abuse in the CHM and how churches can do better to protect children. Learn more at www.CHMtoo.com.

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Sitting and Listening to Jesus: Lectio Divina (Luke 10:38–42)

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42 and explains an ancient method for sitting and listening to Jesus through the meditative and contemplative reading of Scripture.

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Jesus Reigns: Let the Nations Rage (Psalm 2)

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

A sermon on Psalm 2 and the political implications of the gospel, part of a series on Christ in all the Psalms.

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Jesus is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on Psalm 23 as part of a series on Christ in all the Psalms.

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Happy in Jesus (Psalm 1)

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 23:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on Psalm 1 as part of a series on Christ in the Psalms.

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How to Have Harmony in the Church (Philippians 4:1–9)

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his series on being "Servants Together for the Gospel," a sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Harmony in the church requires us to be mature Christians who live virtuous lives.

To have harmony in the church, we must rise above our differences “in the Lord” (4:2); we must be humble enough to accept third-party help (4:3); we must put our differences in perspective of eternity (4:3); we must be reasonable and gentle—not rough and harsh—with one another (4:4–5); we must keep our eyes on God in prayer instead of worrying about people and circumstances (4:6–7); and we must have a positive, spiritual outlook (4:8–9).

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Press on to Final Salvation (Philippians 3:12–21)

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his series on being "Servants Together for the Gospel," a sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Philippians. The perfect holiness and happiness of the life to come motivates us to press on in the Christian life at any cost.

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Two Examples of Christlike Servanthood (Philippians 2:19–30)

Sun, 29 May 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues his series on being "Servants Together for the Gospel," a sermon series on Paul's Letter to the Philippians. Christlike servants genuinely care about and gladly sacrifice for the things that Jesus cares about.

Excerpt: Paul has just come down from the glory-filled mountain of the Christ hymn, and on his way down, he has exhorted the Philippians with shining face to work out their own salvation by following Christ’s example of obedience. Jesus looked to the interests of others and became a servant, even to the point of death. Now, at the bottom of the mountain, at the end of Chapter 2, Paul sets before them Timothy and Epaphroditus, as if to say, “Here are two men who practice what I’ve been preaching. Follow them as they follow Christ.”

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Jesus Fulfills the Story of the Old Testament (Nehemiah 9)

Sun, 15 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold introduces the story of the Old Testament and traces its fulfillment to Jesus Christ. The better we understand the OT, the better we will understand Jesus and the gospel.

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David Fry: Filled With Brotherly Love, Part 2 (Philemon 1:8–25)

Wed, 11 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Part 2 of a sermon series on Philemon, preached by David Fry on February 6, 2022.

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Mary, Mother of God (Luke 1:26–56)

Sun, 08 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches a Mother's Day sermon on why all orthodox Christians confess that Mary is the Mother of God. See also: https://holyjoys.org/mary-mother-of-god/

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David Fry: Filled With Brotherly Love, Part 1 (Philemon 1:1–7)

Fri, 06 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400

A sermon on Philemon, preached by David Fry on January 23, 2022.

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A New Name for Doubting Thomas (John 20:24–29)

Sun, 01 May 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches a homily on Thomas, commonly called "Doubting Thomas."

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Resurrected Christ Means Resurrected Bodies (1 Corinthians 15:12–28)

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches on the resurrection of the dead from 1 Corinthians 15:12–28 to a congregation that recently faced several deaths. The resurrection of Christ guarantees the resurrection of the dead—that at the end of the age, the bodies of all the dead will be raised from their graves. This sermon, "Resurrected Christ Means Resurrected Bodies," will be followed by a second sermon, "Resurrected Christ Means Resurrected World."

1. Paul wrote to address a pastoral problem: some of the Corinthians did not believe in the “resurrection of the dead” (that at the end of the age the bodies of the dead will be raised from their graves).

2. Jesus also encountered people who didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead: a Jewish religious group known as the Sadducees.

3. One of the earliest Christian heresies, called Gnosticism, viewed spirit as good and matter as evil, and thus rejected the resurrection of the body.

4. While most Christians today do not deny the resurrection of the dead, they focus almost entirely on the salvation of “never-dying souls” and imagine their eternal existence as less than fully physical.

5. Paul argues that the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead are inseparable; to deny one is to deny the other.

6. The resurrection of Jesus is not an isolated event in human history; it is the firstfruits of the general resurrection—the beginning of the resurrection of all flesh.

7. Salvation is physical, not just spiritual; the resurrection of the Second Adam secures the salvation of our bodies which became subject to death through the First Adam’s sin.

8. The resurrection of the body is what gives us hope for our loved ones who have died in Christ.

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Baptism Now Saves You Through the Resurrection of Christ: An Easter Sermon (1 Peter 3:18–22)

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches an Easter sermon on 1 Peter 3:18–22. The sermon manuscript is available at holyjoys.org.

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The King Brings Salvation: A Palm Sunday Sermon (Zechariah 9:9–13)

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold preaches a Palm Sunday sermon on Zechariah 9:9–13. Topics include:

The triumphal entry
Palm Sunday
Passover
Exile and exodus
Blood of the covenant
The kingdom of God
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday
The descent to the dead
The conquering of death and Hades
The unending kingdom
Peace

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David Fry: Reconciled by the Death of Christ

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

David Fry continues a series on the death of Christ.

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David Fry: He Died for Our Sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

David Fry preaches a sermon on the death of Christ for our sins: "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3).

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Humble Servants Like Jesus (Philippians 2:1–11)

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues a series on Philippians titled "Servants Together for the Gospel." The only way to maintain gospel unity in the church is to set aside our selfishness and pride by following Jesus’s example of servanthood and humility.

The church is called to gospel unity.
Gospel unity is hindered by selfishness and pride.
The only way to maintain gospel unity is to follow Jesus’s example of servanthood and humility.
Servanthood and humility is the path to exaltation and honor in God’s kingdom.

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Travis Johnson: God’s Bible School (Psalm 119:33–40)

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Travis Johnson preaches on Psalm 119:33–40 and being taught by God through his word.

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A Life Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27–30)

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues a series on Philippians titled "Servants Together for the Gospel." A life worthy of the gospel is spent working and suffering together with the body of Christ for the sake of the gospel.

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John Oswalt: Three Covenants (Malachi 2)

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0400

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Christ Will Be Honored (Philippians 1:19–26)

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Johnathan Arnold continues a series on Philippians titled "Servants Together for the Gospel." Be so radically devoted to Jesus that the uncertainty of life is swallowed up in the certainty that Christ will be honored by your service, come what may. For the radically devoted servant of Christ, life is about serving Jesus, and death is about seeing him.

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Travis Johnson: The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Travis Johnson continues his sermon series on Psalms 22, 23, and 24 by looking at Psalm 23 in light of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

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The Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12–18)

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold continues a series on Philippians titled "Servants Together for the Gospel." The gospel often advances through unlikely circumstances and people.

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A Good Work Begun and Brought to Completion (Philippians 1:3–11)

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold continues a series on Philippians titled "Servants Together for the Gospel." God will complete the work which he begins in his people, making us fully committed to the cause of the gospel and helping us to live out the gospel in our lives.

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God's Providence and Power at Work in His Servants (Philippians 1:1–2; Acts 16)

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Johnathan Arnold introduces a sermon series on the book of Philippians by looking at Philippians 1:1–2 and the backstory in Acts 16. The founding of the Philippian church is a testimony to the fact that God’s power and providence work through his servants, enabling us to do what we could never do on our own.

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John Oswalt: Know the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

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