Sermons by Michael Howell (Page 15)
Michael Howell
Not my will but yours
Luke 22:39-46 Listen in on Jesus praying in the Garden. The pain of his prayer reminds us of what was about to happen at the cross, and it challenges us to think about our own sin and where we stand with God.
In View of God’s Mercy
Romans 12:1-2 Living sacrifices respond to the mercies of God by offering themselves to God. Listen as we contemplate the ways in which God has shown us mercy. May a clear view of God’s mercy lead us to live committed, transformed lives for His glory.
Salvation stories
Jewish Paul had a salvation story. The Gentile Ephesians had a different salvation story. But though they were different, they shared plenty in common! In the end, every Christian’s salvation story has the same author, the same hero, the same key details and the same ending. Ephesians 1:11-14
Authority issues
The religious leaders come questioning Jesus’ authority before Jesus rebukes them with three parables which outline the nature of authority in God’s kingdom. We’re left to consider what it means for us to live under the authority of God in His kingdom. Matthew 21:23-22:14
Fear, Forgiveness and favour
Listen as we consider the experience of Joseph’s brothers who went from a place of fear to a place of favour in the presence of the brother they had sinned against. As those who have sinned against a powerful and holy God, let us remember that forgiveness is the path from fear to favour. Genesis 42-45
Too big to get in
Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler reminds us that eternal life belongs to those come to Jesus like children, trusting not in themselves, but in the God who does the impossible. Matthew 19:13-3
Models of Ministry
As Paul presents the apostles as models of Christian ministry we are challenged to consider what it is we value in our Christian leaders and what kind of leaders we ourselves want to be. 1 Corinthians 4:1-17
God’s building
Continuing the building analogy from verse 9, Paul goes on to challenge the church to build the church on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He warns them that those who destroy the church will be destroyed and he rebukes them for their foolish disputes about their leaders, reminding them of what is truly theirs in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
A Mountain Top Experience
At the mount of transfiguration, Jesus’ disciples learn lessons about Jesus’ identity, about the path to glory and about true faith. Matthew 17: 1-23
Rotten Religion
In this story, the superficial, hypocritical, rotten religion of the Pharisees is on full display. It challenges us to consider whether there are signs of rottenness in our faith and to repent if there is. Matthew 15:1-20
The King’s Identity
In these stories, Matthew weaves a picture of Jesus for us which reminds us of his true identity, and challenges us to view and respond to him rightly. Matthew 13:53-14:36
The Parable of the Soils
The Parable of the Soils reminds us that there are many ways that people will respond to the gospel. It challenges us to think about how we respond to the gospel. Do we have hard hearts, shallow hearts, strangled hearts…or fertile hearts which produce much fruit? Matthew 13:1-23