Chris Stuart - Tyndale’s Plowboy

Jesus Is... Risen!

The central message of this sermon is that the Christian faith is a "package deal" that hinges on the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is not just one aspect of Christianity, but its foundational and essential element, without which the entire faith falls apart. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the Christian faith is futile, meaningless, and pointless, and living a life of self-sacrifice and service to others would be utterly useless. In contrast, if the resurrection is true, then it gives meaning and purpose to one's life, justifying the sacrifices and commitments made in following Christ. The sermon emphasizes that Christianity is not a cafeteria-style faith where one can pick and choose what they want to believe; instead, it is an all-or-nothing proposition that requires total commitment and surrender to its claims. Ultimately, the sermon is urging listeners to take seriously the resurrection as the heart of the Christian message and to respond accordingly with their lives.

Jesus Is... Before Abraham Was

The central message of the sermon is that Jesus' statement "before Abraham was, I am" in John 8:58 constitutes a clear and direct claim to be God. This assertion advances the belief that Jesus is the one and only true God, as opposed to any other deity or concept of divinity. The takeaway for listeners is that understanding this declaration is essential to comprehending who Jesus is and what he represents. By examining the biblical context and linguistic nuances surrounding "I am" in Exodus 3:14-15, the sermon demonstrates how Jesus' statement was a deliberate reference to God's personal name, signifying his divine identity and authority. This revelation has profound implications for faith and worship, underscoring the significance of Jesus as the central figure of Christianity.

Jesus Is... In You, The Hope Of Glory

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' presence in believers brings about a restored relationship with God, where they can enjoy an intimate and casual fellowship with Him, just like Adam and Eve had before the fall. This solution to the problem of sin's offense to God's holiness is not only a future certainty but also a present reality for those who have received Jesus Christ. The sermon advances the belief that this relationship with God is not merely about avoiding judgment or being in His presence, but rather about experiencing union and communion with Him. The takeaway is that believers can trust in their future glory with God because of Jesus' presence within them, and that this truth should bring about a profound sense of wonder, joy, and appreciation for the relationship they have with God through Christ.

Jesus Is... The Head Of The Body

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of all sufficiency, provision, and completion for those who believe in Him. The speaker argues that when we are connected to Him as the head of His body, the church, we have everything we need to live a life pleasing to God. This idea is reinforced by the concept of Gnosticism, which posits that there is something more or additional that one must know or do beyond faith in Christ. The speaker counters this idea by emphasizing that Colossians 2:10 states, "You are complete in Him," meaning that all we need is to grow and mature within Christ Himself, rather than seeking external knowledge, practices, or experiences.
This central message advances the belief that Christ alone is sufficient for salvation and sanctification, and that He is the ultimate source of all wisdom, power, and provision. The speaker wants listeners to understand that they do not need to add anything more to their faith in order to be complete, but rather simply trust in and follow Him. This idea has implications for how we view our own lives, ministries, and relationships, encouraging us to focus on growing in Christ rather than seeking external validation or completion through other means.

Jesus Is... The Stone Rejected

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone, and his rejection by the builders (the leaders of Israel) was necessary for him to become the foundation of the church. The speaker emphasizes that the reason Jesus was rejected 2,000 years ago is the same reason people reject him today: they refuse to trust in him as their Lord and King, instead trusting in themselves. This rejection was not a mistake or an accident, but rather God's sovereign plan to bring about the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ. The speaker encourages listeners to engage in basic Bible study, paying attention to cross-references and connections between passages, to deepen their understanding of this truth. Ultimately, the takeaway is that we should rejoice and be glad in the fact that Jesus has become the chief cornerstone, and that our lives are built on him, rather than rejecting him as the builders did.

Jesus Is... The King

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus Christ is the eternal King, promised to the nation of Israel through the Davidic covenant, and that his kingdom will be restored to them after a temporary transfer to the church. The sermon advances the belief that God's plan for salvation involves a deeper, hidden purpose that depends on the rejection and crucifixion of the King he sent, resulting in the formation of the church as a new people from all nations who receive Jesus as their King by faith. The takeaway is that while the kingdom has been temporarily transferred to the church, it will ultimately be restored to Israel, and in the meantime, the church's job is to be witnesses to Christ, spreading his message of salvation to the ends of the earth until the Kingdom is fully established at his second coming.

Jesus Is... The Priest

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' role as the Christ is rooted in His fulfillment of the three offices of prophet, priest, and king, which were recognized in the Old Testament as essential to Israel's relationship with God. However, it is not just a matter of Jesus holding these offices, but rather that He embodies the essence of being the Christ, meaning anointed, through His combined role as prophet, priest, and king. This understanding advances the belief that true salvation and relationship with God cannot be achieved on one's own efforts or good works, but requires a mediator who can bridge the gulf between sinful humanity and the holy God. The takeaway is that Jesus' work as our High Priest, covering our sin and bridging the gap between us and God, is essential for our redemption and restoration of relationship with God.

Jesus Is... The Alpha And The Omega

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' self-identification as the Alpha and Omega, meaning the beginning and end of all things, is a declaration of his sovereignty and triumph over time, chaos, and human suffering. This message advances the belief that God's ultimate plan and purpose will ultimately prevail, even in the midst of great turmoil and adversity. The teacher wants listeners to understand that this knowledge can bring comfort, peace, and joy to those who trust in Jesus, empowering them to navigate life's difficulties with hope and confidence.

Jesus Is... Born Of A Virgin

The central message of this sermon is that the virgin birth of Jesus is not only a biblical doctrine, but an essential tenet of the Christian faith. The teacher argues that believing in the virgin birth is not just a matter of interpretation or personal opinion, but rather it is clearly taught in the Bible and has been affirmed by the church throughout history. This message advances the belief that Jesus' divinity and humanity are intertwined, and that his birth was a unique event that distinguishes him from all other human beings. The takeaway for the listener is to understand the significance of the virgin birth as a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, which has implications for how one understands the nature of God and the relationship between God and humanity. By emphasizing the importance of this doctrine, the teacher aims to highlight the distinctiveness of Christianity from other world religions and philosophies, while also underscoring its relevance and practical application in everyday life.

Jesus Is... Born Unto Us

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, who has been given to us as a gift from God. The passage in Isaiah 9:6-7 paints a vivid picture of Jesus' role as a future king who will bring peace, justice, and salvation to the world. However, the sermon also acknowledges that despite the promise of this future kingdom, the present reality is still marked by conflict, suffering, and injustice. The teacher suggests that the key to understanding this paradox lies in a grammatical concept called the "prophetic perfect," which describes a future event spoken of as if it has already occurred. This idea is used throughout the Bible to convey the certainty and nearness of God's promises, even when they have not yet been fulfilled. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to hold onto hope in the face of uncertainty, knowing that Jesus' kingdom is coming and will one day bring peace and justice to all nations.

Jesus Is... Born King Of The Jews

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' birth as the King of the Jews presents a fundamental choice to all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background: accept or reject him. The sermon highlights how the Bible's portrayal of Jesus as the King of the Jews is in direct conflict with 21st-century American culture's values and perspectives, demonstrating the vast gulf between the two. Through various examples, including the wise men from the east and Herod the Great, the sermon shows that people have responded to Jesus either by worshiping him or trying to kill him, illustrating the binary choice of acceptance or rejection. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of not getting bogged down in technical accuracy when it comes to biblical accounts, but rather focusing on the core message and point of the story. Ultimately, the sermon advances the belief that everyone must confront the reality of Jesus' kingship and make a decision about their relationship with him, and encourages listeners to be like the wise men from the east and worship Jesus as the light of the world.

Jesus Is... The True Vine

The central message of this sermon is that our relationship with Jesus Christ is not just about personal salvation or individual faith, but also about bearing fruit in accordance with His purpose. The speaker emphasizes that just as a vineyard requires pruning and harvesting to produce fruit, so too must we submit ourselves to Jesus' guidance and discipline in order to bear spiritual fruit. This is not just a matter of our own behavior or obedience, but rather an outworking of our connection to Christ, who is the true Vine. The speaker uses various biblical images, including Isaiah's parable of the vineyard and Matthew's parable of the wicked vinedressers, to illustrate that failure to bear fruit (i.e., apostasy) results in being cast aside by God. While acknowledging a long-standing debate within Christianity about whether one can lose their salvation, the speaker affirms that, according to Scripture, we cannot become unsaved, as our behavior and faith are measured in the present, not in some past moment of conversion. The takeaway from this sermon is that our relationship with Christ is not just about personal experience or individual spirituality, but also about living out His purpose and bearing fruit that brings glory to God.

Jesus Is... The Way, The Truth, And The Life

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' exclusive claims to being "the way, the truth, and the life" should not be misunderstood or apologized for, but rather accepted as a fundamental truth about his nature and mission. The speaker's own story serves as an example of how he initially rejected these claims, seeking instead a more inclusive and accommodating spirituality, only to find that Jesus' message is in fact one of stark exclusivity and divine authority. This message advances the belief that true salvation can only come through Jesus Christ, and that all other paths or spiritualities are ultimately inferior or irrelevant. The takeaway for listeners is not to water down or soften Jesus' claims, but rather to accept them as a call to surrender to his absolute lordship and sovereignty.

Jesus Is... The Gate Of The Sheep

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus is the sole and exclusive means of salvation, access, and protection for humanity. He presents himself as the "gate" or "door" through which all people must enter in order to be saved from the dangers of sin and death, and to experience life and abundant living. This idea advances the belief in the uniqueness of Christ's role as Savior and the importance of faith in Him alone for salvation. The takeaway the teacher wants listeners to understand is that Jesus' claim of exclusivity is not just a historical or theological concept, but also has practical implications for how we live our lives, specifically in relation to the name and mission of their church, Shepherd's Gate.

Jesus Is... The Son Of God

The central message of this sermon is that when Jesus is referred to as "the Son of God," it means he is literally God, not just a unique relationship or status with God. The speaker argues that this understanding stems from the Hebrew idiom "son of X" in the Old Testament, where "son of" often conveys an idiomatic meaning rather than a literal one, indicating identity, character, or affiliation. This idiom is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible and also appears in various forms in the New Testament. By examining this idiom, the speaker aims to convey that Jesus' divinity is not just a theological concept but a fundamental truth about who he is. The takeaway from this sermon is that understanding Jesus as the Son of God means recognizing him as fully divine, not just a special relationship with God.

Jesus Is... Intro

The central message of this sermon is that Jesus' simple declaration "Jesus is" can be a powerful catalyst for introspection and self-discovery, particularly among those who do not believe or are uncertain about their understanding of Jesus. The preacher argues that by presenting Jesus as an enigmatic figure without direct explanation or command, the declaration sidesteps resistance and coercion, instead prompting individuals to fill in the blanks with their own thoughts and assumptions. This process can lead to a rare and precious moment of private introspection, where individuals are forced to confront their own understanding of who Jesus is and why they think that way. The sermon advances the idea that faith and understanding are not simply matters of intellectual assent, but also involve a personal and psychological process of discovery and confrontation with one's own assumptions and biases.

Acts 25:13 - 26 - Resurrection

The central message of this sermon is that God's word, even when spoken in difficult circumstances or to a skeptical audience, can still have profound effects and spread widely. The testimony of Paul, particularly his account of his conversion on the road to Damascus, is not merely an attempt to persuade a specific group of people but rather a declaration of truth that can resonate with anyone who hears it. This message advances the idea that Christianity's unique claims about the risen Jesus are not just "Jewish stuff" but have universal significance and implications. The takeaway is that even in situations where immediate conversions may not occur, God's word has the power to spread and bear fruit over time, especially when spoken to influential people who will pass it on to others.

Acts 24 - 25:12 - Someone Is Mad

The central message of this sermon is that in times of great change and upheaval, society often loses its ability to discern truth and reason, leading to a breakdown in critical thinking and a rejection of what is perceived as "new" or unfamiliar. This theme is rooted in the biblical passage from Acts 24-25, where Paul is on trial before Roman governor Felix and defends himself against charges that he has profaned the temple. However, Paul's defense highlights that Christianity is not new, but rather a continuation of Jewish tradition and scripture, and that his teachings are based on the resurrection of Jesus, which is a central issue in the early Christian church.
This message advances the belief that true faith requires a commitment to reason and critical thinking, even when confronted with challenging ideas or circumstances. By examining the historical context of the time period and the cultural values of the Romans, the sermon suggests that their aversion to new things led them to reject Christianity as a "new" religion, rather than considering its merits on its own terms.
The takeaway from this sermon is that in our own lives, we must be willing to engage with ideas and perspectives that challenge our assumptions and comfort zones, and to seek out truth and reason even when it is difficult or unfamiliar. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of modern society with a discerning and critical mind, rather than simply relying on convention or tradition.

Acts 23 - Roman Christian Jew

The central message of this sermon is that our understanding of the Bible, particularly in its original cultural context, is often filtered through our own modern-day assumptions and grids. This can lead us to misinterpret or not fully comprehend the events and situations described in scripture. The teacher highlights how different cultures and time periods have distinct "grids" of thought, shaped by their unique historical, social, and religious contexts. By recognizing and acknowledging these differences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Bible's original meaning and significance. This requires stepping out of our own cultural and ideological assumptions to see things from another perspective, rather than imposing our own worldview onto the text. The takeaway is that true biblical understanding requires humility, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to adapt to new perspectives in order to grasp the complexities and nuances of the ancient world.

Acts 21-22

The central message of this sermon is that true heroism and maturity are not about being special or gifted, but rather about making intentional choices to develop and achieve one's potential in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty. The sermon uses the story of The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for human growth and development, highlighting the qualities that individuals seek to attain (a brain, heart, home, and nerve) and how these are not magically bestowed upon them, but rather earned through effort and perseverance. The sermon then draws parallels with the life of Apostle Paul in Acts 21-22, showing how he embodied this same spirit of determination and willingness to suffer for his faith. Ultimately, the takeaway is that excellence, heroism, and maturity are within reach of ordinary people like us, not just exceptional individuals like George Washington or Winston Churchill, as long as we are willing to make choices and take action towards our goals.