Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 37

Job 30:21 "You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me.”

Job 42:7 for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.

God’s children should trust Him to provide, even when it seems like His provision is misplaced

Know and Do-

Know (Promises):
God provides for the righteous

"The possessions of the righteous, on the other hand… are truly useful possessions which are distributed to others and are not just heaped up." -Martin Luther

"By being heirs in Christ, they have solid right to what portion in this world God allows them, they have the use of such with a good conscience." - David Dickson

Evildoers won’t triumph

"Do not let it irk you that you have so little and they have so much… It is better for you to have a little with the favor of God than to have a big pile of goods… with God’s disfavor." -Martin Luther

God’s provision is eternal

Do (Commands):
Do not fret / envy

Commit, trust, and wait

"We refuse to believe these rich, powerful and comforting promises of God. When we hear a few threatening words from the wicked, we begin to tremble at the slightest threat. May God help us to obtain the true faith." - Martin Luther


Discipleship Questions:

1. When do you find it most difficult to trust God as provider?
2. Why does David associate fretting over the wicked’s success with our need to trust God’s provision?
3. Do you ever struggle with anger towards God or question His care and provision?
   If yes, are you honest with him about that in your prayers?
4. What are we commanded to do when we are trying to trust God as our provider?
5. David says to “be still” as we trust God as our provider. What is the benefit and purpose of being still?

Notes from Josh Green's sermon on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 27

God defends us from our enemies. V1-3, 12

God defends us from misplaced confidence. V1, 5-6, 11

How to Build Confidence in God
1- Believe what the Bible says about who God is.
2- Remember God’s past faithfulness.
3- Don’t assume you know how God will act.

God defends us from ourselves. v4

1 Samuel 30:6
But David found strength in the Lord his God.

The presence of God brings:
perspective
power
peace

God defends us from hopelessness. V13-14

A Praying Life by Paul Miller
“You don’t create intimacy; you make room for it.”
“It’s okay to have a busy life. It’s crazy to have a busy soul.”

Discipleship Questions:

1. What stood out to you the most from the sermon? Why do you think that specific thing stood out to you?
2. Understanding how God defends us can be difficult because His defense of us is often unseen and happening in the background. Do you struggle to see God as your defender? Why or why not?
3. The sermon mentioned that our "enemies" can be people, relationships, circumstances, sickness, hardship, culture, and more. What are some things in your life currently that you would consider an enemy- something that might be attempting to derail or hinder your faith?
4. God’s past faithfulness demands our present trust. Are there any events from your past where you can see God clearly defending and protecting you?
5. Do you ever assume you know how God will act in a certain situation? Has this assumption caused spiritual problems for you?
6. When was the last time you felt the presence of God?
7. What would tomorrow look like for you to be able to spend unhurried, undistracted time with God?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 23

The bible often compares us to sheep
—sheep lack a sense of direction
—sheep follow other sheep blindly
—sheep are prone to wander off from the flock
—sheep are defenseless

Isaiah 53:6(a)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;

He guides us with wisdom and knowledge

He always leads in the right and proper direction. He leads us by his Spirit and through his Word to do the right thing, to think the right thing, to say the right thing, and to live the right way. As Psalm 119:105 wonderfully reminds us, ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”
—Josh Smith and Daniel Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 1-50

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

He guides us with strength and comfort

“In the course of time I came to realize that nothing so quieted and reassured the sheep as to see me in the field. The presence of their master and owner and protector put them at ease as nothing else could do, and this applied day and night.”
—W. Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

He guides us with goodness and mercy forever

Revelation 7:16–17
[16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
[17] For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

John 10:10–16
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."


Discipleship Questions:

1. What are some ways you identify with the bible describing us as sheep?
2. How does God’s guidance help us remember that we will lack nothing?
3. How does it encourage you to know God guides us for His name’s sake?
4. How does God’s guidance help us remember not to fear any evil?
5. How can we rejoice in the dark valleys knowing He is leading us?
6. How does God’s guidance help us remember we will dwell with Him forever?
7. In what ways have you experienced his goodness and mercy following you?

Notes from Scott Sutton's sermon on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 107

What we are "attending" to is 4 stories of people who need rescue.

4 Stories of People Who Need Rescue:

1.) Wandering in a Desert Wasteland (v. 4-9)
Lost, aimless, longing, empty, at your wits end, weary souls
Maybe situational. Not necessarily because of sin

2.) Sitting in Sinful Darkness (v. 10-16)
Rebellious, rejecting God's Word, spurning God's counsel, helpless
Feels like a prison, bondage to sin, affliction in irons
God has put a weight on you

3.) Sick from Sinful Ways (v. 17-22)
Foolish, afflicted through their own sinful actions
Loathed any kind of food, near the gates of death

4.) Scared in a big and dangerous world (v. 23-32)
SAW the deeds of the Lord, His wondrous works in the deep
Courage melted away, overwhelmed, unsteady, also at their wits end

Now let's look at what we are supposed to do if/when we find ourselves in any of these situations

What do we do???

1.) Wandering in a Desert Wasteland
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress." (v. 6)
"Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" (v. 8)

2.) Sitting in Sinful Darkness
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress." (v. 13)
"Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" (v. 15)

3.) Sick from Sinful Ways
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress." (v. 19)
"Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" (v. 21)

4.) Scared in a big and dangerous world
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress." (v. 28)
"Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!" (v. 31)

*CRY OUT! GIVE THANKS!

And what happens when we CRY OUT and GIVE THANKS?
The city wasn't far away. You just needed God to lead you there.
Freedom wasn't far away. You just needed God to give you a heart of flesh.
His Word wasn't far away. You just needed God to heal you and deliver you from destruction.
Better weather wasn't far away. You just needed God to calm the storm.

As if that isn't enough... (v. 33-43)

The steadfast love of God:
Turns rivers into a desert
Turns deserts into springs of water
Establishes the hungry and makes them fruitful
Pours contempt on princes
Raises the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks
There is truly no situation or scenario, no trial or tribulation, and no sin or sickness that is beyond God’s rescue.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Are you “saying so”?

Discipleship Questions:

1. Which of the 4 groups of people did you connect with the most?
2. Spend some time as a group confessing sins and talking through struggles and trials honestly.
3. Do you need to cry to the Lord in your trouble? What are you waiting for?
4. Have you ever cried out and experienced the rescue of God? If so, LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO!!!"

Notes from Marc Bauder's sermon on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 51 & 32

Our sin
Is deeper than we think
Destroys us when hidden
Deserves God’s judgment

God’s forgiveness
Begins with his mercy
Cleanses us

Isaiah 53:5-6 (CSB): “But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the LORD has punished him for the iniquity of us all."

Renews what sin has broken
“We must be born again. This is not a change of opinion, or a change of outward conduct; it is a change of nature. It is the communication of a new life… You can no more change your own heart than a leopard can change his spots.” - J.C. Ryle

Is received through repentance

Produces joy and worship
“My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.” - John Newton


Discipleship Questions:

1. How does shifting your baseline from other people to God’s holiness change the way you view your daily choices, hidden habits, and attitudes?
2. What is the difference between wanting forgiveness and wanting to be changed?
3. Are there past sins or failures that you still struggle to believe God has fully forgiven? What truths from Psalm 51 and Psalm 32 help you fight ongoing guilt?
4. David prayed for the restoration of the joy of his salvation. What tends to steal your joy in Christ, and how does the gospel restore it?
5. Is there anything you’ve been holding onto that you need to confess and bring into the light?

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 19

God’s Instructions come…

Through Nature
Rom 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

David shows how it is that the heavens proclaim to us the glory of God, namely, by openly bearing testimony that they have not been put together by chance, but were wonderfully created by the supreme Architect. - John Calvin

Through His Word

God’s word…

Revives us
“Laden with guilt, and full of fears, I fly to Thee, my Lord, And not a ray of hope appears but in Thy written word. The volume of my Father's grace does all my grief assuage; Here I behold my Savior's face in every page” -Isaac Watts

Makes us wise
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

"For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains…he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries. Welcome to the club.” -Robert Jastrow

Gives us joy
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Psalm 3:5-6 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Psalm 4:6-7 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
"To see Him and know Him and be in His presence is the soul's final feast. Beyond this there is no quest. Words fail. We call it pleasure, joy, delight. But these are weak pointers to the unspeakable experience.” John Piper.

Is eternal
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

Is desirable
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."


Discipleship Questions:

1. What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?
2. Have you recently experienced God’s word making you…
   1. Revived?
   2. Wise?
   3. Joyful?
3. How is your time in God’s Word lately?
4. What have you been learning?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 121

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Why we need to sing praise and worship songs
—singing is instructed in the Bible
—singing helps us remember God’s Word
—singing engages our emotions and affections with God’s Word
—singing demonstrates and helps preserve our unity
—singing is a way to encourage one another

God’s protection is constant

“God’s help is his enabling us to avoid foot slipping or sin. An ounce of sin can harm us more than a ton of suffering. Sin can harden our hearts so we lose everything, but suffering, if handled rightly, can make us wiser, happier, and deeper.”
-Tim Keller, The Songs of Jesus

God’s protection is comforting

2 Corinthians 1:3–4
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

God’s protection is complete

“The proof is there on a hill called Calvary. There Jesus died. Jesus Christ became truly vulnerable, truly defenseless, exposed not simply to adverse circumstances but to the forces of hell, receiving the judgement we deserved. He was overcome so that we could walk through life with the certain knowledge that we are God’s children and that he is ever watching over us.”
—Dane C Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge

Romans 8:31–39
[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [36] As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Discipleship Questions:

1. How have praise and worship songs impacted your life in significant ways?
2. What are some current worship songs that have really helped you?
3. How have you experienced God’s constant protection in your life?
4. How have you experienced God’s comforting protection in your life?
5. How have you experienced God’s complete protection in your life?
6. How does Jesus and the gospel help you trust God’s protection and obey His instruction?

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 77

Because the world is broken, we will have trouble.
Psalm 6:6 I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

God Cares
Ex 2:25 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.

We experience God’s care through…

1. Recounting His works
2. Seeking God’s face more than His hand

Psalm 27:3-4 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:8-10 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.

There is, in contemplating Christ, a balm for every wound…I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead. - Charles Spurgeon
Psalm 88:18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.

What is best in the world has been based and battered and trodden down….Is it any wonder we should weep…The tears of Jesus preceded a resurrection of the dead. Is it then possible that our tears might also be a kind of intercession? Then let our tears anoint these broken things, and let our grief be as their consecration — a preparation for their promised redemptions, our sorrow sealing them for that day when you will take the ache of all creation and turn it inside-out. -Every Moment Holy

3. Each Other

Caring for the hurting:Do:

Discipleship Questions:

1. Have you ever been (or are you right now) in a tough situation and wondered if God truly cares?
2. What was that like for you?
3. What did you cling to through that time?
4. Did the church care for you through that time?
5. How are we doing as a small group in terms of caring for each other?
6. How can we get better?

Notes from Scott Sutton's sermon on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Sermon text: Psalm 103

1.) The Renewed Soul Blesses The Lord
God aims to impact your soul through renewal. This means that you will have to counsel your soul, to rally your soul as if to say, "Soul, today you are being renewed! Soul, I want you to feel the weight of renewal from the hand of God. Soul, it is not ok for you to be dense and stale right now, for Jesus is doing a mighty work right now that started long ago that He will absolutely bring to completion.

2.) The Soul is Renewed by the History of God's Faithfulness
It is a powerful thing when you begin to understand that your story is the story of a people. Notice how David says to his soul, "Forget not all his benefits". This is a picture of counseling your soul. "Hey soul, remember! Don't forget!"
The benefits that we are to make sure we do not forget? First, He forgives all your iniquity. Second, He heals all your diseases. Third, He redeems your life from the pit. Fourth, He crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Fifth, He satisfies you with good SO THAT your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Sixth, He made known His ways to Moses. Seventh, He made known His acts to the people of Israel.
Annual Molting – Renewed strength, not looks

3.) The Soul is Renewed by the Presence of God's Faithfulness
First David counsels his soul not to forget what God has done to renew His people in the past. Then David counsels his soul to pay attention to how God is renewing His people RIGHT NOW.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. [***Spurgeon: "We have never suffered as we deserve to suffer."]
He does not deal with us according to our sins. [He sees our potential in Himself]
He does not repay us according to our iniquities.
His steadfast love is toward those who fear Him [as high as the heavens are above the earth] *Infinite
He removes our transgressions from us [as far as the east is from the west] *Infinite ***Kidner: "Immeasurable Distances and the Intimacy of Family" - To the young man wanting to date one of my daughters... "It is not possible for you to understand how valuable and precious my daughter is to me, but I want for you to try."
He shows compassion to those who fear Him [as a father shows compassion to his children] Isaiah 49:13-16...
He knows our frame
He remembers that we are dust

4.) The Soul is Renewed by the Promise of God's Faithfulness
Our flourishing is fleeting... Reality check - As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like the flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
His love is steadfast... In the future, how much can we depend on God's renewing love? If you fear Him, from everlasting to everlasting.
His righteousness is steadfast... connects back to how God doesn't deal with us according to our sin. When we fear Him and place our faith in Jesus, everything changes. He deals with us according to His steadfast love and His steadfast righteousness, not our sin. [Again, He sees our potential in Himself]
Part of renewal is remembering, keeping, and doing His commandments
v.19 connects the past and future to the present

5.) The Renewed Soul Invites Others to Bless the Lord
Angels... you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of the Lord
Ministers... hosts who do His will
All His works... in all paces of His dominion
Full Circle... Bless the Lord, O my soul!


Discipleship Questions:

1. What part of your soul isn't "feeling it" right now?
2. In what specific ways can you counsel your soul with what God has done in the past to renew others and yourself?
3. What are some things that God is doing right now that your soul has not yet blessed Him for?
4. What are some promises that your renewed soul is banking on?
5. How have you experienced the renewing power of God in your life? Any new feathers
6. Who is your renewed soul needing to invite into blessing the Lord?
7. Why does God not deal with us according to our sin? Why does it matter?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 40:34-38

God does everything for His glory and our good

1 Corinthians 10:31
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
–John Piper, Desiring God

The Glory Cloud represents…

—God’s presence

—God’s approval

—God’s holiness

—God’s guidance

"God did not just rescue the Israelites from Egypt and then dump them in the wilderness to fend for themselves. On the contrary, he was with his people for good. He wanted to do something more than simply save them; he wanted to have a relationship with them. This was the great comfort that gave them confidence for the future. In all their travels and through all their troubles, God would be with them every step of the way"
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus

—God’s faithfulness

"This is the message of the exodus, as it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Once we were in bondage to sin, enslaved by its tyranny. But through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—our Passover Lamb—God has delivered us from the Egypt of our sin. Now he is leading us through our earthly wilderness, with all its difficulties and dangers. The great God of the exodus will never leave us or forsake us. In the church he has set up a sanctuary where even now we may enter his presence for worship. And one day soon Jesus will come down in glory to take us up into the glory that will never end. Everyone who trusts in him will be saved for the glory of God."
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus

Discipleship Questions:

1. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from our study of Exodus?
2. What’s the best way to understand that God does everything for His glory?
3. How does the truth that God works for His glory and our good encourage us in all circumstances?
4. How does it feel to know God desires to dwell with His people?
5. What does it mean to you that God not only wants to save us, but he also wants to lead us?
6. What aspects of the gospel have you seen throughout the book of Exodus?
7. How does the gospel of Jesus give us even more hope than the people in Exodus 40 had?

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 31 &35-40

God invites everyone to build his temple

Eph 2:20-22 "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Romans 12:6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.


God provides what he commands

Ex. 12:35-36 "The people of Israel had also done as Moses told them, for they had asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing. 36 And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians."

We are created in the image of a creator

Proverbs 3:19-20 "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew."

“Every time we build a sanctuary, arrange furniture in a room, or produce a brochure, we are making artistic decisions. The question is not whether we will be artists, but whether we will aspire to high aesthetic standards. All too often Christians settle for something that is functional but not beautiful.” — Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes


Discipleship Questions:

1. In what ways is the church similar to the tabernacle?
2. How has God gifted you to contribute to the building up of the body?
3. Share with others in your small group the gift(s) you see in them.
4. God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath even during tabernacle construction. Are you taking time to rest and trust God in the midst of a busy season?

Written by Scott Sutton

This past Sunday, we had the awesome privilege of introducing over 60 new members at Crosspoint Community Church. In all 3 services, we were able to truly celebrate those who made the commitment with us to Know God, Be Known, and Make Him Known.

To be clear, the Elders were not just telling the church about the new members. At least 2 things were happening in this moment.

First, the new members were publicly saying that they are in agreement with Crosspoint. They agree that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that Jesus is our only hope for salvation. They agree that when you put your faith in Jesus, you become a child of God... a child who has a good heavenly Father and lots of brothers and sisters in Christ. They agree to the mission of the church to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey. (and more!)
Second, the current members of Crosspoint were saying to these new members, “Based upon your profession of faith, we commit to walk with you as members of one another in Christ”.

It is a 2-way street! Jesus has given us the gift of unity in Himself, and we are called to preserve that unity together!

Membership was never meant to be a small thing. In the book of Acts, you see a record kept of those who are following Jesus. You see numbers tracked to make sure everyone is cared for. You see church leadership being put into place so that nobody is overlooked. In 1 Timothy, we see how the church is to serve widows. We also see qualifications for Elders and Deacons.

Part of God’s blessing in Christ is the gift of one another. Let’s continue to value and preserve that blessing, planting and watering, as God gives the growth!

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 32:1-34:35

Idolatry is sin

“An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
—Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods

Our idols reveal that we doubt God’s plan for our lives

Our idols reveal that we don’t trust God’s timing or ways

Our idols reveal that we believe other things are better

Our idols reveal that we are being conformed by the world

Our idols reveal that we are forgetting the greatness of God

If any of this sounds familiar, it is because we are tempted to commit the same kinds of sins. We are not fully satisfied with God. We don’t trust him to work things out his own way in his own time. So we turn away from his law, coming up with our own strategies for making life work on our terms. We bow to the false gods of success and control, beauty and pleasure. We pay more attention to our occupations and entertainments than we do to serving the only true God.
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus

Aaron shows us how NOT to apologize

—accuse the accuser
—blame others for your actions
—refuse to own your mistake

As the mediator, Moses appeals to God’s character

—God’s love for His people
—God’s plan for His people
—God’s glory through His people
—God’s mercy for His people
—God’s promise to His people

“Since this appeal was based on God’s own character, Moses was not trying to talk God into doing something he didn’t want to do. On the contrary, he was telling God exactly what he wanted to hear. And in the end, God did what he had intended to do from the beginning. He answered the prayer of the mediator whom he had appointed by saving the people he had chosen from all eternity.”
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus


Discipleship Questions:

1. Why are our idols so dangerous and harmful?
2. What do our idols reveal about us?
3. How can we defeat and destroy our idols?
4. Why is it so hard to confess and apologize?
5. What does a true apology need to look like?
6. How does God’s character give us hope when we mess things up?
7. How is Jesus a better mediator than Moses?
8. What are some verses or passages we should pray for ourselves, our families, our church, etc.?

Notes from Scott Sutton's sermon on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 29-30

Today we are diving into Exodus 29-30, and right at the end of Exodus 29, we read this...

"There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. I will
consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God."

We tend to read these verses as "how it was". However, for those reading these verses originally, it would have been read as "how it will be". How "what" will be? What we are reading today would have been read by them as "how God will meet with us, sanctify us, consecrate our leaders, dwell among us... how it will be for the Lord to be our God." Part of God's plan is for them to have certain responsibilities, tasks, and objectives so that the plan would be fulfilled. As you read through even just these 2 chapters, there is an overwhelming amount of information. It is like reading the details of a huge project and process. As a church, we are in the middle of a project too. So naturally, I decided it would make a lot of sense to break down all of the information in these 2 chapters into smaller pieces, organized into a proper spreadsheet. This is what we came up with:
[Show PDF of Spreadsheet]

It really helps to see it broken down into about 200 specific steps that rollout in about 14 phases. But then I took that information and kicked it over into a slide deck to help us really wrap our heads around what God was requiring from and for His people.


I think that when you read through these verses, it becomes quickly evident that you won't get it right with a cursory glance. It isn't enough to just scan over these details. It will take their full attention.

1.) Are you giving God your full attention?
Before any of the steps were taken regarding the sacrifices and offerings, the priests had to be consecrated. And it was a week-long process. In referencing these 7 days of consecration, A.W. Pink comments: "We are to accustom ourselves to be in the presence of God."

That word "consecrate"... qadesh - to render holy or set apart by means of religious rites; to
purge of ritual impurities; to deem to be set apart or sacred
Is there any part of your preparation for worship today that would indicate you value this time as sacred? Let's take a moment for consecration...

2.) God wants to meet with His people.
Some of us may not be giving God our full attention because we have forgotten that He wants to meet with us. To dwell with us. To tabernacle among us. He actually rescued us for that very purpose.

For many of us, that was once a big thing. For many of us, we had a point in life where we came under conviction that we were sinners in need of a Savior... that we had wronged a Holy God. We realized that we were dead in our trespasses and sins and that there was no possible way for us to take care of our own sin problem. And then we heard the Good News of the Gospel and a bright light shone in our darkness as we found out that Jesus died for our sins... that Jesus made a way where there was no way. For many of us, we reckoned with the scandal that our unrighteousness was placed on Jesus, and His perfect righteousness was imputed to us... It was counted as ours so that we might be reconciled to God. And in that moment, we were humbled and honored by the reality that God the Father gave His only Son so that He could dwell with us. So that we could be with Him! And such love and such sacrifice made us value being with Him.

Like A.W. Pink said, we have accustomed ourselves to be in the presence of God. And somewhere along the way, we became less accustomed. We weren't opening the Word of God throughout the week. We weren't going to God in prayer. At some point, some of us decided that maybe corporate worship wasn't such a high priority with all of these competing activities and so little time.

Attendance in the Christian church is down. Attendance in our church is down. And if you
are here today or listening online and you feel more comfortable scrolling on your phone for hours each day than you feel comfortable in the presence of God with His people and in His Word, I just want you to know that it doesn't have to stay that way. And the crazy thing is that there's not some long list of things you have to do to fix this problem. You just ask God for help.

3.) You are not meant for unholiness.
Notice that the priesthood was to be made holy through instruction.

Notice that the priests’ garments were made holy with blood and oil.

Notice how Aaron and his sons placed their hands on the head of the bull offering, transferring their sins to the sacrifice so that they would be holy.

Notice how the blood of the bull is dabbed on the horns of the altar, and the rest was poured out at the base of the altar. It was holy and not to be used for anything else.

Notice that the flesh and hide were burned as a sacrifice for sins outside of the camp, reminding us that Jesus died outside the camp ‘to make the people holy through his own blood’ (Heb. 13:12)

Notice how the other bull was killed, and the blood was put on the tip of the right ear, the thumbs of the right hands, and the big toes of the right foot of Aaron and his sons.

At the end of the day, you would look at the priests and the garments and the curtains and the altar and the basin and everything else and know that it was holy, because it was covered in blood.

Hebrews 9:21-22 says, "And in the same way he sprinkled with blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."

4.) With the blood of Jesus, your sins are forgiven.
If you are sitting here thinking, "I don't feel holy", I want you to know that holiness isn't a
feeling. It’s an act of God. We are sanctified and made more like Jesus by God's glory. It is in His presence that we not only feel holy, but are made holy.

Hebrews 13:15-16 "Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God,
that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Discipleship Questions:

1.  Are you giving God your full attention?
2. What are some steps we can take to accustom ourselves to be in the presence of God
3. Have you lost sight of the crazy reality that God wants to meet with us?
4. When looking at the tabernacle and all of the utensils and garments, how would you know that they were holy?
5. Why is it important to remember that holiness isn't a feeling?
   
   

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 25-28

The Tabernacle Complex
Pattern: Heb. 8:5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
One of the main things God wanted his people to see was that the tabernacle was a piece of Heaven on earth…Heaven is where God is; so when God came to live with his people, he brought Heaven down with him. - Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

Tabernacle (tent)
The heart of the tabernacle was the Holy of Holies, where God reigned in glory. The tabernacle, in turn, was at the heart of Israel, with all twelve tribes surrounding it. And Israel was the heart of the world, the centerpiece in God’s plan for saving the nations. The tabernacle was the most important place in the world, a little bit of Heaven on earth. - Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

Table

Altar of Incense

Ark

Bronze Altar
There it stood: ever smoking, ever blood-stained, ever open to any guilty Hebrew that might wish to approach it. The sinner, having forfeited his life by sin, another life—an innocent life—must be given in his stead. A.W. Pink

High priest
Heb. 9:8-9 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing. 9 (which is symbolic for the present age).

Jesus is a better priest because:

He entered the true tent.
Heb. 9:23-24 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

Heb. 8:2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.
His priesthood is eternal

Heb 6:19-20 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever.

Heb. 7:22-24 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
He is without sin.

Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Heb. 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

He offered a better sacrifice.

Heb. 9:12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Heb. 10:1-4 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Heb. 10:11-12 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.


Discipleship Questions:
Think of this as a blueprint for your sermon discussion time.

1. Consider all the components of the tent. What do they teach us about God? (Elaborate, embroidered curtains; Gold; the lamp stand; the table; the veil; the ark of the covenant)
2. How do these help us see that God is: majestic, holy, and near?
3. Where was the massive bronze altar for animal sacrifices that was always burning positioned? What do we learn from that?
4. Import your senses… What do you think it would have been like to see it from afar? What would it have been like to enter the courtyard?
5. How was Jesus similar to the high priest? How is he different?
6. How is our approach to God similar to theirs? How is it different?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 20:22-24:18

The Law is good

The Law is powerless to save us

Romans 3:20
[20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Law shows our need for a Savior

Romans 3:21-22
[21] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—[22] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.


The Law was fulfilled in Christ

Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

The Law reveals the character and will of God

But there are many good reasons to study the Old Testament law. It teaches us what God expects. It guides us into godliness. It exposes our sin and thus shows us our need for the gospel. But the law does something else that is very exciting: It reveals God’s character. This makes the Old Testament law different from any law code or book of court decisions. The law reveals the Lawgiver. We do not study it to find out what we have to do, but to know our God. And as we study and apply his law, we are conformed to his character.
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory

—the law reveals God’s holiness

—God’s will is for us to worship Him alone and be holy

—the law reveals God’s justice

—God’s will is for us to be responsible and seek to make things right

—the law reveals God’s compassion

—God’s will is for us to be compassionate towards all people

—the law reveals God’s wisdom

Deuteronomy 4:6
Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

—God’s will is for us to love Him and love others

“What is significant is that God mentions these sacrifices almost immediately after giving his law. God gave his people Ten Commandments for all of life, ordering them to obey. However, he also knew that they would disobey him. So he provided a way for them to atone for their sins and come back into fellowship with him. Both the burnt offering and the fellowship offering were for sinners in need of salvation.”
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory

Discipleship Questions:

1. Describe some ways that the law is good.
2. How does the law point to Jesus and how is it fulfilled in Jesus?
3. What are some specific ways that God’s law helps us know God?
4. How does following Jesus and trusting Jesus help us live out His commandments?
5. What does it look like to worship God alone and pursue holiness in our daily lives?
6. What does it look like to be responsible and make things right?
7. What does it look like to show compassion for all peoples?
8. What does it look like to love God and love others daily?
9. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of the law give you hope as a lawbreaker?

Notes from Scott Sutton's sermon on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 20:12-21

There is nothing that will bring you closer to God more than time in His Word regularly
and time in prayer with Him regularly. But occasionally, you will have an experience in your life that also brings you closer to God. For our family, that occasion was adoption. Our desire to become licensed to foster and adopt had been informed by the Gospel. We see the grace of God reaching low for us, bringing us into His family. As former orphans, God gives us a heart for the orphans. For us, there was this moment, in a courtroom, with a 10-month old little girl, where we actually put our name on her... And not only that, but her birth certificate was actually changed to reflect our name. It was the Gospel on display in a courtroom where there was a sort of re-birth that took place.

There were 10 months when Haddie was not a Sutton.
Becoming a child of God is what allows you to walk as a child of God... to act like a child of
God. How bizarre would it have been to look at that little 10-month old and say, "If you want to become a Sutton, here is what you have to do!" God has drawn Israel out of Egypt, made them His chosen possession, and then explained to them how to live. It was grace first, and then instruction.

1.) Grace precedes instruction.
2.) The instruction of the Father reveals the heart of the Father.
- Last week we were in the 1st section that Jesus summarizes in Matthew 22:37-38, saying,
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment."
- This week we are in the 2nd section that Jesus summarizes in Matthew 22:39, saying,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
As we aim to better understand the heart of the Father by heeding His instruction, I am reminded
about something we considered in our Advent series last year. As we considered that Jesus is a
better King, we saw that the earthly Kings were known for what they take. God's people were
rejecting God as their King. His warning is in reference to all that an earthly king will take. God
says, He will take your sons, daughters, fields, vineyards, servants, donkeys, flocks, and finally
freedom.
These 6 Commandments can be viewed in terms of what we should never take from another. One
commentator asks this pressing question: "How can you love God and love your neighbor if you
are depriving them of things that are rightfully theirs?" God intends for His people to have
certain things, so in order for that to happen, He also has to put a law in place to remind us not to
take those things from one another. Let's look at them one at a time...

12  “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the
Lord your God is giving you.13  “You shall not murder.
14  “You shall not commit adultery.
15  “You shall not steal.
16  “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
17  “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
18  Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19  and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20  Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21  The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.Discipleship Questions:

1. What happens if we forget that Grace precedes Instruction?
2. How do the 10 Commandments reveal the heart of the Father?
3. How can you love God and love your neighbor if you are depriving them of things that are rightfully theirs?
4. What are some ways that we deprive others of God-intended good things that may not seem so obvious as murder and stealing?
5. What are some ways that you can honor your mother and father as an adult? Even if they have passed away?
6. How does adultery misrepresent God?
7. Is there anything that you are coveting? If so, what are two things you can do this week to invite accountability?
   
   

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 19:1-20:11

God’s people are treasured
Dt. 7:7-8 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers

God’s people have a mission
They were not to be a people unto themselves, enjoying their special relationship with God and paying no attention to the rest of the world. Rather, they were to represent him to the rest of the world. -Douglas Stewart

1 Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

God’s people live in a covenant
The thunder and the earthquake were signs of his power. The dark cloud was a sign of his mystery, showing that there are aspects of his being that we cannot penetrate. The fire was a sign of God’s holiness, his bright and burning purity. Fire both attracts and repels. We are drawn to its warmth and beauty, but at the same time we are kept away by the danger of its burning. So, too, we are attracted to the beauty of God’s holiness but at the same time repelled by its power to destroy us. - Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

Mt. 22:36-40 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together in a desperate attempt to cover up their sin, and human beings have been trying to dress themselves up for God ever since. In one way or another, nearly every religion involves some form of self-purification. The world religions are all so many different ways to wash our own clothes as a way of getting ready for God. But we can never clean up well enough for God. He is perfect in holiness. -Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

God’s people need a mediator
John 13:36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward
John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

One mountain was dark and stormy; the other is a city of bright and shining joy. One mountain was a place of fear and danger; the other is a place of peace and safety. On one mountain the angels blazed with fire and blasted with noise; on the other they form a welcoming party for a celebration. One mountain was designed to keep people away; the other was designed to draw them close. -Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

Heb. 12:18–24 For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them… 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood.

Discipleship Questions:

1. When God came to the mountain, people trembled and stood far off because of His holiness.
   1. How is our approach to God different than theirs?
   2. How is it similar?
2. God refers to His people as his treasured possession… Do you feel and believe you are treasured by God? Why or why not?
3. How are you engaging God’s mission?
4.  Is there anything you feel compelled or convicted to do in order to engage more?
5. Of the first 4 commandments, which one stands out to you and why?
6. Based on the second commandment, do you think it’s appropriate for pictures or movies to portray God or other heavenly beings? What about Jesus?
7. What are the the similarities between Jesus and Moses as mediators? How are they different?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

When we turn to Jesus, we see Him clearly

When we see Jesus clearly, we behold His glory

• Beholding is seeing Jesus
• Beholding is treasuring Jesus
• Beholding is reflecting Jesus

When we behold His glory, He transforms our lives

• He transforms our identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

We are...

• Forgiven
• Accepted
• Loved

• He transforms our purpose

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 - "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

• know God
• be known
• make Him known

Discipleship Questions:

1. What are some things that keep us from turning to and focusing on Jesus like we should?
2. How does turning to Jesus help you see Him clearly?
3. How can turning to Jesus help us behold Him by seeing, treasuring and reflecting?
4. In what ways has Jesus transformed your life?
5. In what ways is Jesus still transforming your life?
6. How has following Jesus given you a new purpose?

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 17:8-18

Dt 25:17-18 Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, 18 how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God.

Everything has a season
Ecc. 3:7-8 …a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Whether fighting or waiting, we do so in prayer
The neglect of prayer means the loss of spiritual warfare. Even if we fight like Joshua, we will not win the battle unless we pray like Moses. Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes

We should have a teachable posture

We need plurality

Acts 6:1-5 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering
Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.



Discipleship Questions:

1. Moses needed friends to hold up his arms when pleading with God during the battle. Have there been times when you’ve called on others for prayer support and seen results of that?
2. The Israelites were taking action and doing real things, but the success depended on Moses’s arms being lifted in prayer. How can we apply that to our lives?
3. Sometimes we have to wait and watch God act for us (crossing the Red Sea). Other times, God calls us to fight (Amalek). How has this played out in your own life?
4. Moses was willing to listen to Jethro’s advice. Are you poised to listen to and learn from others? Why or why not?
5. When Moses appointed leaders to help him, it was better for him and everyone else. What fruits and benefits do you see of shared leadership in the church?
6. What part do you play in regards to serving the needs of the church? Have you been considering serving the church in ways that you’re currently not doing?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 15:22-17:7

God tests us in order to teach us to trust Him

"Our complaints really are never caused by our outward circumstances. Instead they reveal the inward condition of our hearts. The Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Our joy in the Lord should not be circumstantial but fundamental.”
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can't worship without giving thanks. It just isn't possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.”
―Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Gratitude

God tests us in order to teach us to obey Him

Deuteronomy 8:2–3
[2] And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. [3] And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

John 6:31–35
[31] Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” [32] Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” [34] They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
[35] Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

God tests us in order to remind us of His presence

They failed the test by putting God to the test

Psalm 95:7b–9
[7b] Today, if you hear his voice, [8] do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, [9] when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

—demanded God’s provision
—denied God’s protection
—doubted God’s presence



1 Corinthians 10:1–4
[1] For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, [2] and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, [3] and all ate the same spiritual food, [4] and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

Let’s make every effort to remember what God has done for us


Discipleship Questions:

1. How has God used a time of testing in your life to teach you to trust Him?
2. How has God used a time of testing in your life to teach you to obey Him?
3. How has God used a time of testing in your life to remind you of His presence?
4. Why do you think we tend to be forgetful of God’s provision, protection, and presence?
5. What are some things we can do in order to remember how God has worked in our lives?
6. In what ways have you experienced Jesus as the bread of life?

Notes from Cole Edward's sermon on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 15:1-21

Corporate worship matters for several reasons:
• Scriptural Command and Obedience
• Unity and Community
• Theological Formation
• Emotional and Spiritual Expression
• Encouragement and Edification
• Glorifying God

The proper response to God's work is praise
• They praise God for all He has already done,
• for all He is currently doing,
• for all He will do,
• simply for who God is.

They praise God for all He has already done
• God has triumphed gloriously. The horse and the rider He has thrown into the sea.
• God fought for Israel, while they remained silent.
• The water piled up at the blast of God's nostrils, allowing the Israelites to walk on dry land.
• God blew with His wind, defeating the armies of Pharaoh.

They praise God for all He is doing
• God is actively making a way for the Israelites to go to the Promised Land.
◦ God is making Israel's adversaries afraid.
▪ Jericho is terrified.
• [Joshua 2: 9 & 10]
◦ and [Rahab] said to the men, "I know that the LORD has given you the land, and
that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt
away before you. 10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the
Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two

kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you
devoted to destruction

▪ The Canaanites have no courage. (Joshua 5:1)
▪ Moab is sore afraid. (Numbers 22:3)

They praise God for all He will do
• They are believing God will bring them to the Promised Land.
• We too should praise God, believing He will bring us to Himself.
◦ [John 14:1-3]
▪ 1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's
house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place
for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to
myself, that where I am you may be also.”

They praise God for Who He is
• There is no one like God.
• God's character does not change.
• God is a Savior
◦ The greatest act of salvation in history did not happen at the Red Sea. It happened at the cross.

Discipleship Questions:

1. Read Exodus 15:1-21. What did you just read? (Summarize it in your own words.)
2. What is the context of this passage (i.e. what events led up to it)?
3. What does this passage teach us about God?
4. What does this passage teach us about humanity?
5. How does this passage point us to the Gospel? First, take some time briefly explaining what the
gospel is.
6. What are you praising God for that He has done in the past, is doing now, and will do in the
future?
7. What is your favorite thing about God's character for which you praise Him?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 14

God often places us in difficult situations for His purposes

The Israelites were in a dangerous and desperate situation, trapped between Pharaoh and the deep blue sea. But instead of looking to God in all his grace and glory, they looked at their enemies and were afraid. What makes this so disappointing is that they had witnessed God’s wonders, the plagues—all ten of them.
—Philip Graham Ryken and R. Kent Hughes, Exodus, Saved for God’s Glory

Truth to remember in the difficult seasons:
—God brought me here
—God will help me while I’m here

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

—God will teach me while I’m here

Romans 5:3–4
[3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope

—God will deliver me in His timing

“The same God who led you in will lead you out.”
—Robert Morgan, The Red Sea Rules

God always works to bring Himself glory

Psalm 106:7–12
[7] Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works; they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
[8] Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power.
[9] He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry, and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
[10] So he saved them from the hand of the foe and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.
[11] And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left.
[12] Then they believed his words; they sang his praise.

Discipleship Questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced God placing you or allowing you to be in a difficult situation?
2. How have you experienced God helping you in the midst of difficult situations?
3. What are some things God has taught you (or how has He grown you) through difficult situations?
4. How have you found God’s timing to be different than yours? Was His timing better? Why?
5. In what ways have you seen God be glorified in your life from difficult situations?

As a church, we believe that our calling extends beyond the walls of our gathering and beyond our city. Scripture continually reminds us that God’s heart is for the nations and that His people are invited to participate in His work through prayer. In moments of uncertainty and conflict around the world, prayer becomes one of the most meaningful ways we stand with the global church and ask God to move.

With the current events unfolding across the Middle East, we want to be a body that responds not only with awareness, but with faithful, informed prayer. To help guide us, our church member Jack Cain has written several prayer points for our church family. Please join us in praying:

• God regularly uses times like these to draw people to himself and grow his church. May it be so in Iran and the greater region. May God be known among the people.

• We serve a God who is a rock, solid foundation, fortress, deliverer, shield, and salvation (Psalm 18). Pray that the church and missionaries would stand firm on Christ and that their faith would not waver.

• This is all happening during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This conflict adds another layer of darkness to a world rampant with false teachings and pointless worship. Pray that these people who are trapped in darkness would hear and believe in the light in which darkness cannot overcome. (John 1:5)

• As we were reminded this Sunday, God will be exalted and named King over all the Earth (Psalm 46:10). May we all live our lives with boldness in light of this promise. Oh Lord Jesus, come.

Join us in praying.

Notes from Scott Sutton's sermon on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Sermon text: Exodus 12:33-13:22

As I spent time this week reading through and praying through the text, I couldn't help but be drawn to the vastly different Exodus experiences of Egyptian and Israelite children. To capture the significance of the Exodus, I'd like for us to walk through the story from two very difference perspectives; first, as that of the Egyptian Child and second, as that of the Israelite Child.

Egyptian Children...

• First, many of them died in an instant.
• If you didn't die, you had an older sibling who did.
• If your parents didn't die, you had an aunt and uncle who did.
• Every child had multiple cousins who died.
• Every child had multiple friends who died.
• All of the gods who were supposed to protect you were powerless.
• As the wailing softens, you begin to hear a grumbling among your parents and your friends' parents... "We must get these Israelites out of here! They must leave!"
• But before they leave, you watch these Israelite families come into your homes. And without any yelling or violence, you watch your mom and dad take your finest gold necklaces and put them around the necks of the Israelite children. You watch them do the same with their silver. You watch them do the same with nice, ornate clothing.
• And then you watch these Israelite families, with all of their firstborn family members still alive, walk out of your home, and out of your life.... accompanied by a pillar of cloud and fire.
• And likely, you then watch your family go back to mourning the most profound losses the nation has ever experienced.

Israelite Children...

• First, you have been enslaved your whole life. Your family has been forced to make bricks without straw.
• Perhaps you have heard that Pharaoh will not let your family go and worship the Lord
• But lately, there has been a shift. The Egyptians are experiencing plagues and strikes that your family is somehow being protected from.
• You notice your family preparing for something important.
• You either watched or helped your dad bring an unblemished lamb in its first year into
• the home
• You have watched your father slaughter the lamb and prepare it with herbs and spices
• You have watched your father gather hyssop and dip it in the blood of the lamb and slather it on the tops and sides of the doorposts of the house
• You have, with the rest of your family, fully consumed the lamb
• What you don't hear is what Scripture refers to as the Winged Destroyer flying from house to house, passing over only those homes with the blood of the lamb on the doorposts
• At some point in the night, you begin to hear cries of terror in the distance...Egyptians weeping.
• What you come to learn is that every single Egyptian and every single Israelite home had a corpse in it. It was either the corpse of a firstborn or the corpse of a lamb.

• Then, it is time to go. Quickly! Your parents walk you into the homes of the Egyptians. You, a child, are loaded up with silver and gold and clothing from the Egyptians
• You walk with perhaps 2 million fellow Israelites and much livestock out of Egypt. You have experienced zero fighting. Zero resistance. Zero violence.
• And you are well supplied! Perhaps carrying on yourself more wealth than your family has ever had.
• As you walk, carrying as much Egyptian spoil as you can, you look up and see that there is a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud leading you and your people out of slavery. Leading you to freedom.

You have learned something about your God. You have learned something about your
value and your worth in the eyes of God. Every year for the rest of your life, you would remember what the strong arm of the Lord has done, because every year your parents would gather the family for:

• A night of watching...
• A Passover feast...
• The feast of unleavened bread...
• As firstborns are born, a lamb is sacrificed to redeem the first born
• Every single time an animal births its first offspring, it is sacrificed to the Lord or it is redeemed with a sacrifice

And at some point as a child, you ask, "Why do we do this?" And God has directed your
parents to explain it to you, train you, and help you never to forget the strong arm of
the Lord that brought you out of slavery and into freedom. Eventually, you get married. And you have a child. And you sacrifice a lamb, redeeming
your firstborn, commemorating the strong arm of the Lord. And one day your child asks.
"Why do we do this?" And so the remembrance and celebration live on... generation after generation.

What does this generation learn from the Exodus?
1.) If you don't tell your children what is important, somebody else will.

• The Egyptian children experienced what they experienced, because of what their parents told them.
• For the Israelites, the goal wasn't that they had a list of do's and don'ts by the end of their childhood, but that when it came time to discern between right and wrong, they knew that they had access to God, whose ways are always right.

2.) God can change your life in a moment!

• "It's time to go." For some, He is saying that to you today! What does it mean to no longer be enslaved to sin?
• Some of us don't believe that our lives can change.
• Some of us don't believe that people can change.
• Some of us don't believe that our country and community can change.
• Your God can lead you to freedom!

3.) God means what He says.
A.W. Pink - "The vast majority do not believe that God means what He says. Nevertheless,
though often times men's threats are mere idle words and empty bombast, not so is it with the
threatenings of Him who cannot lie."

• This includes plagues
• This includes promises

4.) God frees you for service.

• The same word for the slavery to Pharaoh is the same word used in the appeal to ask Pharaoh to let Israel go for a 3 days journey to worship God.
• You are freed to serve God.

Discipleship Questions:

1. What did you learn from the perspective of the Egyptian children?
2. What did you learn from the perspective of the Israelite children?
3. Who is trying to tell our children what is important? What are they hearing?
4. Do you believe that God can change your life? If so, what needs to change?
5. Do you believe that people can change? Identify hopelessness and replace it with truth.
6. Why do people not believe that God means what He says?
7. Since God has freed us to serve, what does a life of service look like? What are some healthy patterns that you can work on as an individual? How can you bring your children along with you in that journey?