Quest Sermons & Talks

The Lord's Prayer: "As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 20 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Pastor Eugene continues The Lord's Prayer Series with the line, "As we forgive those who sin against us" by touching on several points.
1) Forgiveness is difficult, as it contradicts our understanding of fairness
2) Forgiveness does not justify or excuse the wrongful actions that are being forgiven
3) Through forgiveness, we learn more about the heart of God
4) Anger, embitterment and lack of forgiveness is not God's will for our lives--as He longs for us to flourish
5) Forgiveness goes beyond the individual--it impacts those around us
6) Forgiveness is not a one-time event, but rather an on-going rhythm we must create in our lives

The Lord's Prayer: "Forgive Us Our Sins"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 13 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Pastor Gail continues The Lord's Prayer Series with the line "Forgive us our sins". She notes that for many of us, confession is the most difficult part of prayer, because it forces confrontation of our sinfulness. And because of this difficulty, we often neglect this important aspect of prayer. Rather than saving confessional prayers for special occasions--such as before communion or after a glaring misdoing--we must create a rhythm of prayer and confession with God. She reassures us that no sin is too great for God to forgive.

The Lord's Prayer: "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 06 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6:9-13

Pastor DeAnza continues The Lord's Prayer Series with the line, "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread". She addresses how this line can be analyzed in two different ways--how God provides us with physical nourishment and how we rely on God for spiritual sustenance. Beginning with this line, Jesus begins a transition in the prayer, shifting the focus from "Thy" to "Us". Previously, the focus is entirely on God--His Name, His Kingdom, His will--but now there is a shift in pronouns to address our relationship with God. And through the use of the word "Us", it is a communal calling. Pastor DeAnza also analyzes the phrase "This Day". She admits she attempts to plan every single moment in her day. Although it is good to have a plan for the future, it is imperative to ultimately surrender to God's greater plan with complete trust.

The Lord's Prayer: "Thy Will Be Done"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6: 9-13

Pastor Eugene continues The Lord's Prayer Series with the line, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". He begins by focusing on the phrase "Thy will", noting that we must try our best, in our human finitude, to grasp and understand God's infinitude. He reminds us that The Lord's Prayer is Jesus' response to the question, "How then shall we pray". In our prayers, it is too easy to become so focused on particular things, rather than trying to see fullness of God's will. Although God cares about our individual wants and needs, prayer should not be merely these things. Pastor Eugene challenges us to spend at least 1% of our day (15 minutes) in quiet, devotional time with God.

The Lord's Prayer: "Thy Kingdom Come"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6:9-13

Pastor Eugene continues the Lord's Prayer Series with the line, "Thy Kingdom Come". He points out that the entire Bible is about to the Kingdom of God. It is difficult to fathom the entirety of the Kingdom of God, but Pastor Eugene gives us a working definition of the Kingdom of God: "The eternal rule of God over all living things." Rather than passively waiting for Jesus to return and restore all things, we must actively live out our convictions. Despite the importance of the Kingdom of God, it is imperative that we never loose sight of Jesus, as He is "The Way".

The Lord's Prayer: "Hallowed Be Thy Name"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6:9-13

Pastor DeAnza resumes the Lord's Prayer Series with the line, "Hallowed Be Thy Name". She challenges us to ponder "What's in a name". In Exodus 3, Moses asks God's name, to which He replies, "I AM WHO I AM"--He is Yahweh. Pastor DeAnza also references the hundreds of different names of God referenced in the Bible. Each of these names are different aspects of God, but if we follow Jesus' example and pray "Hallowed Be Thy Name", we are acknowledging, revering and sanctifying the Holiness and Wholeness of God.

Matthew 28: Easter Sunday

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 28:1-10

Pastor Eugene preaches about Easter Sunday from Matthew 28. He reminds us that we are a "Resurrection People" living in a "Good Friday World". He recounts tragedies in our world today, highlighting the brokenness of our society. However, it is imperative to remember the Good News and that God's Love prevails.

Passion Week: Good Friday

sunkim2k8 — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 27:32-50

Pastor Eugene preaches from the book of Matthew, recounting the events of the first Good Friday. He reminds us that there is no Resurrection Sunday without the Crucifixion Friday and that Jesus was both fully God and fully human. He focuses on Jesus' humanity and suffering as well as the incredible love of God--that He would become flesh and die for our sins.

Passion Week: Palm Sunday

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 21:1-11

Pastor Eugene kicks off the Passion Week sermon series with analysis of the original Palm Sunday, as portrayed in Matthew 21. Despite the glorious nature of Palm Sunday, we must acknowledge that Jesus knew He was walking towards His funeral procession. Pastor Eugene challenges us with the question "Who is Jesus?". Rather than focusing on a single aspect or "version" of Jesus, it is imperative to see Jesus in his wholeness.

The Lord's Prayer: "Who Art In Heaven"

sunkim2k8 — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6:9-13

Pastor Ray continues the series on the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the second line "Who Art In Heaven". But before delving into the deep analysis, Pastor Ray reminds us of a couple things:

1) As Christians, we need to be more heaven-minded
2) When we speak of our God in heaven, He is not merely a distant being, but rather the loving, omnipotent and omniscient God

Although it is impossible to fully conceive the entirety of heaven, there are five great truths about heaven found in the scripture:

Five great truths about heaven:
1) Heaven is a real place
2) We will be with God and Jesus
3) We will be like Jesus, in His glorified beauty
4) We will be fully known in the integrity of the body of Christ
5) We will love and be loved, know and be known, in unimaginable magnitudes

Pastor Ray also reminds us of Jesus' answer regarding heaven in John 14, where he says "No one comes to the Father except through me."