Hearing the Shepherd, 1 of 4 from January 11, 2025

“When Jesus is our shepherd we lack nothing we truly need.”

Psalm 23:1-3 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARY

This sermon begins a four-part series on Psalm 23, urging listeners to expand their understanding beyond its common use at funerals. Pastor Michael examines who Yahweh is—the self-existent, merciful, gracious God full of steadfast love. He highlights that with Jesus as our shepherd, we truly lack nothing, although our desires are often misguided. The sermon encourages believers to assess their submission to Jesus’ control over their lives, reminding them that Christ secured our provision through His suffering (Psalm 22) and will return to establish His eternal kingdom (Psalm 24).

REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• 💬 Do we see ourselves in YHWH’s story or do we think He must fit into ours?

• 💬 What ways has God been providing rest for us?

• 💬 Are we refusing the abundance Jesus provides?

• 💬 Have we submitted ourselves to Jesus’ mastery over our life?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• 📝 Sermon Notes for this message

• 💾 Download a transcript of this message

• 📰 Blog Summary for this message

• 🖼️ Sermon Slides

• 📖 Read Psalm 23

• 📖 The name of the LORD (Exodus 3:13-14)

• 📖 The activity of the LORD (Exodus 34:6-7)

• 📖 Read Psalm 22

• 📖 Read Psalm 24

LINKS

• Website

• Download our App! (Apple) (Android)

• Donate

• Podcast

• Music by Blue Dot Sessions

The Final Exam, 1 of 1 from December 28, 2025

“Our true beliefs are seen in how we live.”

2 Corinthians 13 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)

SUMMARY

This sermon concludes a year-long study of 2 Corinthians with chapter 13, where Paul urges the Corinthians to assess their faith's authenticity. It stresses that true Christian faith is shown through actions, not just words. Paul addresses the impact of manipulative teachers, defending his authority and the believers' genuine faith in Jesus. The sermon encourages testing one's faith, questioning trust in Jesus for both eternal salvation and daily living. It ends with a call for restoration, community affection, and the realization that Christ's power is evident in our weakness and reliance on Him.

REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• 💬 Whose definition of power motivates our lives?

• 💬 Are we trusting Jesus for eternal salvation and hourly living?

• 💬 How does our relationship with other people reflect our relationship with God?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• 📝 Sermon Notes for this message

• 💾 Download a transcript of this message

• 📰 Blog Summary for this message

• 🖼️ Sermon Slides

• 🗃️ Outline

  • 📖 CORRECTION (2 Corinthians 13:1-4)

  • 📖 REFLECTION (2 Corinthians 13:5-9)

  • 📖 RESTORATION (2 Corinthians 13:9-14)

LINKS

• Website

• Download our App! (Apple) (Android)

• Donate

• Podcast

• Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Christmas: Impossible, 3 of 3 from December 21, 2025

“God’s impossible mission even outwits what is meant for evil.”

Matthew 2:1-23 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)

SUMMARY

This sermon delves into the darker elements of the Christmas story, showing how God’s mission triumphs through evil circumstances. Examining the visit of the Magi and Herod’s violent reaction, it highlights God's guidance, protection, and provision for His people. Listeners are invited to reflect on their response to Jesus as King, contrasting the wise men's worship with Herod's murderous intent. Jesus, born into humble circumstances, illustrates God’s presence in the lowly and unexpected. The sermon underscores that God informs those He calls, provides for their journey, and outmaneuvers evil to fulfill His redemptive plans.

REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• 💬 What is our instinct when we hear God has sent a new Lord and King?

• 💬 What are we hoarding that God gave to be used for His purpose?

• 💬 What great ways could we meet with God if we embraced a “low” reputation?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• 📝 Sermon Notes for this message

• 💾 Download a transcript of this message

• 📰 Blog Summary for this message

• 🖼️ Sermon Slides

• Outline

  • 📖 THE DISPATCH (Matthew 2:1-9)

  • 📖 THE DELIVERY (Matthew 2:10-15)

  • 📖 THE SECRET PLOT (Matthew 2:16-18)

  • 📖 THE MISSION CONTINUES (Matthew 2:19-23)

LINKS

• Website

• Download our App! (Apple) (Android)

• Donate

• Podcast

• Music by Blue Dot Sessions