epcsermon

See and eat! Be healed and heal!

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

“My thoughts are not your thoughts” (Acts 9:17-19, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 22, 2012) 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. God called Ananias, a devout and respected Jew living in Damascus, to enter the house in that city where Saul of Tarsus, a known persecutor of Christian Jews, was staying. Ananias was a Christian Jew. God allowed Ananias a little push-back

Who do you love the most?

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4 concluded) 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit,

Readiness

2012-01-15T04:16:00.001-08:00

“Here I am, Lord” (Acts 9:10-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 15, 2012) 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” “There was a disciple...” This is the story of the Christian church. The King of the church who died for our sins and rose for our victory works through a disciple here,

The Problem of Being Puffed Up

2012-01-14T03:20:00.000-08:00

“Swollen with Conceit” (2 Timothy 3:4) 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, ...

I Need Another Damascus Road Experience! (or at least I want one for someone else...)

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Original Damascus Road Experience” (Acts 9:3-9, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 8, 2012) 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, Saul of Tarsus was a man zealous for the God of the Jews, yet His zeal was without knowledge. Years later he would write of his people who were still the way he used to be. He wrote, “My heart's desire and prayer to God for them

Breathe in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Breathe out love.

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Era of God With Us” (Acts 9:1-2, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 1, 2012) 1 But Saul, Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee. He describes himself later in his life in this way: I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the

Where are you planning on staying? Do you have a place?

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

“A Place for Us” (Luke 2:1-7 p. 857, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, Christmas Eve, 2011) 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. The Christmas story is an account of dislocation and inconvenience, a story

He will come!

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

“In God We Trust – Part 3” (Psalm 46:8-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 18, 2011) 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. It should not surprise us that the Lord, who we have referred to for many centuries as

There IS a River

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

“In God We Trust – Part 2” (Psalm 46:4-7, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 11, 2011) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. The earlier verses of Psalm 46 speak of waters that are terrifying. They are a roaring tsunami that makes the earth tremble, so that the mountains themselves end up in the midst of the tumultuous sea.

Why should I trust God?

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

“In God We Trust – Part 1” (Psalm 46:1-3, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 4, 2011) 1 God is our refuge and strength, I want you to add the phrase “In God We Trust” to your advent vocabulary. These words are printed on our dollar bills, and so have come to be associated with money, so that we may get somewhat confused about what we trust in, and what is our God. But even if our money

Do you want to know the truth about Isaiah 53?

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Good News About Jesus” (Acts 8:26-40, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 27, 2011) 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in the Jerusalem church, was serving the Lord very fruitfully in Samaria. Many people

The God Who Fills Every Space

2011-11-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Preaching the Gospel to Many Villages” (Acts 8:25, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 13, 2011) 25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, The apostles were an unlikely group of men to build a new world. It is interesting that we can't even remember all their names, and yet they were chosen by Jesus as foundational leaders of his church. In the top tier of four

Pray for me...

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Pray for me to the Lord...” (Acts 8:18-24, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 30, 2011) 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, God intended that some of the Holy Spirit blessings that He had for the Samaritans would come through the laying on of Jewish apostolic hands. This was His chosen way of convincing the hearts of both Jews

Trusting God for More Blessing

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Word, Christian Baptism, and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 23, 2011) 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, The Word of God is powerful. One of the most important facts about the Bible is that is it not only the word of the human authors of the sixty-six individual books of the Old and New

That Word Above All Earthly Powers

2011-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Astounding Power of God” (Acts 8:9-13, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 16, 2011) 9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they

Hope for Weary People that May Have Seen too Much Change

2011-10-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

“Spy Out the Land” (Numbers 13, Preaching at Portsmouth, NH: Visiting Pastor Stephen Magee, October 9, 2011) (Numbers 13 ESV) The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the

Joy for a Despised City

2011-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

“A Proclamation that Brings Much Joy to a City” (Acts 8:5-8, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 2, 2011) 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. In Acts 21, we read about a second preaching deacon beyond the martyr Stephen. Luke writes, “On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one

God will win, often in ways that you never asked for...

2011-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Trial and Triumph of Faith” (Acts 8:1-4, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 18, 2011) 1 And Saul approved of his execution. Two of the most intriguing and important people in the Book of Acts were the preaching Deacon, Stephen, and Saul of Tarsus, who would become the Apostle Paul. They both seemed to have very important ties in the community of Greek-speaking Jews in Jerusalem.

How can I love the unworthy?

2011-09-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Horrible Moment” (Acts 7:51-60, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 11, 2011) 51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,

A New Temple

2011-09-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

“Listening to Stephen Preach About the Temple” (Acts 7:44-50, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 4, 2011) 44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers.

Anti-Moses and Anti-Christ

2011-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Listening to Stephen Preach About Moses” (Acts 7:17-43, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 7, 2011) 17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they

Better than Joseph's bones...

2011-07-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

“Listening to Stephen Preach About Joseph” (Acts 7:9-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 31, 2011) 9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout all

The Present Power of a Promise Believed

2011-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Listening to Stephen Preach About Abraham” (Acts 7:2-8, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 24, 2011) … The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after

Speak Lord, Your Servant Hears

2011-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Honey from the Rock” (Acts 7:1-2, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 17, 2011) 7:1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me.” … (57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears ...) 7:1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” The high priest had heard the accusations that witnesses had made against

Extreme Makeover

2011-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Like the Face of an Angel” (Acts 6:8-15, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 10, 2011) 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But

Jesus working through His church...

2011-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Obedient to the Faith” (Acts 6:1-7, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 3, 2011) 6:1 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

Are you suffering dishonor for the Name?

2011-06-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

“If it is of God...” (Acts 5:34-42, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 26, 2011) 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming

Jesus - Leader and Savior

2011-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

"A Leader and Savior to Give Repentance to Israel"(Acts 5:27-33, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 19, 2011) 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But

Doing what the angel of the Lord says...

2011-06-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Speak to the people...” (Acts 5:17-26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 12, 2011) 17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in

Desperate for Jesus and a New Normal

2011-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

“They were all healed.” (Acts 5:12-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 5, 2011) 12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and

A Spouse who will not agree with our hypocrisy: Jesus

2011-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

“How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?” (Acts 5:7-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 29, 2011) 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed

Crazy generous love vs. showy religion

2011-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Why Has Satan Filled Your Heart?” (Acts 5:1-6, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 22, 2011) 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy

One man's gift...

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

“They Had Everything in Common” (Acts 4:32-37, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 8, 2011) 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was

Ask courage, take courage...

2011-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Sovereign Lord, Anointed Servant, Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:23-31, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 1, 2011) 23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in

In the Light

2011-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Resurrection of Jesus” (Matthew 27:57-28:15, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 24, 2011) Jesus Is Buried 27:57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60

Bold servants of the great one...

2011-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Audacity of Christian Preaching” (Acts 4:13-22, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 17, 2011) 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when

The only name that matters...

2011-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Crime of Christian Preaching” (Acts 4:5-12, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 10, 2011) 5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you

You can't stop Jesus

2011-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Annoyance of Christian Preaching” (Acts 4:1-4, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 3, 2011) 4:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until

Moses, Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Joel... and JESUS

2011-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

“A Refreshing Experience” – Part 4 (Acts 3:22-26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 27, 2011) 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from

Life! Now!

2011-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

“A Refreshing Experience” – Part 3 (Acts 3:17-21, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 20, 2011) 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of

The Glorious Name

2011-03-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

“A Refreshing Experience” – Part 2 (Acts 3:11-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 13, 2011) 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made

Lame Man Leaping

2011-03-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

“A Refreshing Experience” – Part 1 (Acts 3:1-10, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 6, 2011) 3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into

Saved

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 10 (Acts 2:47b, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 27, 2011) … And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. And the Lord The Lord saves people. God's ways are above our ways, and His thoughts are above ours. We know Him now, and we will know Him better the more that we see Jesus in the Word and give ourselves more fully to Him. We

Don't get freaked out by astounding grace.

2011-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 9 (Acts 2:43-47, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 20, 2011) 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day,

Devoted to the Lord

2011-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 8 (Acts 2:41-42, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 13, 2011) 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Those who received his word... (41) The Lord tapped certain people on the

Receiving the promise

2011-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 7 (Acts 2:37-40, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 6, 2011) 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!

2011-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 6 (Acts 2:34-36, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 30, 2011) 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” For

The Missing Piece

2011-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 5 (Acts 2:25-33, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 23, 2011) 25 For David says concerning him, “I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28

You don't just believe in Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection; you live out Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection.

2011-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 4 (Acts 2:22-24, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 16, 2011) 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by

Now for something completely different... plain preaching

2011-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 3 (Acts 2:14-21, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 9, 2011) 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was

Would that all the Lord's people were filled with the Holy Spirit.

2011-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 2 (Acts 2:5-13, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 2, 2011) 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are

A Breath of Fresh Air

2010-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel Spirit” – Part 1 (Acts 2:1-4, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 26, 2010) 2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And

With us

2010-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel” – Part 3 (Matthew 1:22-25, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, Christmas Eve, 2010) 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but

Let that baby be born...

2010-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel” – Part 2 (Matthew 1:19-21, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 19, 2010) 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived

How is it that "God with us" came to be with us?

2010-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Immanuel” – Part 1 (Matthew 1:18, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 12, 2010) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Now the birth of Jesus Christ... The coming of Jesus Christ was very good news for mankind. That news was announced to

Let another man take his office

2010-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Apostle of Our Confession” (Acts 1:12-26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, December 5, 2010) 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the

The Certainty of the Ascension and Future Return of Jesus

2010-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Now what do we do?” (Acts 1:9-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 28, 2010) 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus,

The right gift for the job...

2010-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Kingdom and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:6-8, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 21, 2010) 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,

On your way to heaven, don't minimize the resurrection of Jesus and His gift to the church of the Holy Spirit...

2010-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

“The Promise of the Father” (Acts 1:1-5, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 14, 2010) 1:1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing

There is much we do not know, but we know that we need to follow Jesus...

2010-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Follow Me.” (John 21:18-25, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 31, 2010) 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after

Thinking straight about Jesus

2010-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

“The Rock that is higher than I” (John 21:15-17, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 17, 2010) 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes

What's the matter? No fish?

2010-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

“It is the Lord!” (John 21:1-14, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 10, 2010) 21:1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hearing and believing

2010-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Life in His Name” (John 20:24-31, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, October 3, 2010) 24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never

How can I move from fear to peace?

2010-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” (John 20:19-23, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 26, 2010) 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when

Do not cling to Me...

2010-09-19T04:08:00.000-07:00

“I have seen the Lord” (John 20:11-18, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 19, 2010) 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my

How many lies did they tell?

2010-09-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

“The Empty Tomb” (John 20:1-10, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 12, 2010) 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and

Living Beyond Fear of the Grave

2010-09-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

“The Body of Jesus” (John 19:38-42, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, September 5, 2010) 38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a

Let the water and the blood...

2010-08-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

“A True Testimony” (John 19:31-37, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 29, 2010) 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who

What did Jesus finish?

2010-08-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

“It is finished” (John 19:30, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 22, 2010) 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. When Jesus had received the sour wine... In the verse before us, our Savior dies. From the beginning of this gospel it has been clear that Jesus understood what He was doing, and that the way that

Ready to go home...

2010-08-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

“I Thirst” (John 19:28-29, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 15, 2010) 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. After this... (28) After Jesus spoke to His mother and His disciple, He was ready to die. He

Jesus, the King of All Compassion

2010-08-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

“Mother and Son” (John 19:25-27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 8, 2010) 25 … but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And

Getting into the details...

2010-07-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

“They Divided My Garments” (John 19:23-24, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, August 1, 2010) 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall

What kind of King is Jesus?

2010-07-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 7(John 19:16-22, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 25, 2010)19:16 … So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “

Is THIS Your Decisive Moment?

2010-07-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 6(John 19:14-16, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 18, 2010)19:14 … He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.Introduction – Christian preaching should

Talking to Your Soul

2010-07-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Help for the Downcast SoulPsalms 42 and 43Rev. Stephen C. Magee, Preaching, First Congregational Church, Merrimack, NHPsalm 42Talking to your soul...There are times when a worshiper needs to have a good long talk with his own soul. The mind and heart of even a very godly man still need plenty of correction and redirection. This addressing of the soul is an important companion to a life of

Love is vigilant.

2010-07-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 5 (John 19:12-14, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, July 4, 2010) 19:12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in

From Above

2010-06-27T04:01:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 4(John 19:9-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 27, 2010)He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it

When Jesus gave His bride His best love, how respectfully did she receive that love?

2010-06-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 3(John 19:6-7, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 20, 2010)19:6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When

The power of weakness

2010-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 2(John 19:4-5, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, June 6, 2010)19:4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!”Q: What words did Pilate speak to introduce Jesus to the crowd?A: “Behold the man!” (

Are you responsible to love as your King loves?

2010-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

The King – Part 1(John 19:1-3, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 30, 2010)19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.Then Pilate took Jesus... (1)The Roman governor has already delivered his

Making the innocence of Jesus manifest to all

2010-05-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

“What accusation do you bring against this man?”(John 18:28-40, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 23, 2010)28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation

Matt Parks on Hebrews 4:12-13

2010-05-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

“Exposed before the Word”(Hebrews 4:12-13, Preaching: Elder Matt Parks, May 16, 2010)Hebrews 4:12-13 – 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes

Any reason that Jesus has offended you?

2010-05-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

“Why do you strike me?”(John 18:12-27, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, May 9, 2010)12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the

How do you expect God to build His kingdom?

2010-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

“The Cup”(John 18:1-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 25, 2010)18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from

A Living Gift

2010-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

“I am praying for them...”Part 5: “God's love in us and God in us”(John 17:26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 11, 2010)4/4/2010 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and

The Desire of Jesus...

2010-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

“To See My Glory”(John 17:24-26, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 4, 2010)4/4/2010 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made

Good Friday Sermon

2010-04-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

“They hated me without a cause” (John 15:25 and Psalm 69:, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, April 2, 2010)John 15:25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’The WordIt is one of the many encouragements that my very weak soul needs that there are so many clear passages in the Hebrew Scriptures that teach the essential doctrines of the apostolic

Are you open to the Word?

2010-03-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

“I am praying for them...”Part 3: “Sanctify them in the truth.”(John 17:16-23, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 28, 2010)16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

What me worry?

2010-03-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

“I am praying for them...”Part 2: “Keep them from the evil one.”(John 17:12-15, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 21, 2010)John 17:12-15 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I

God will keep us in His Name

2010-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

“I am praying for them...”Part 1: “Keep them in your name.”(John 17:6-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 14, 2010)John 17:6-11 6 "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that

Listening happily to a very old god

2010-03-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

“Father, Glorify Your Son…” Part 5(John 17:5, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, March 7, 2010)John 17:1-5 … "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I

How is that we have the smile of God?

2010-02-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

“Father, Glorify Your Son…” Part 4(John 17:4, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 28, 2010)John 17:1-4 … "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4

Knowing God is Eternal Life

2010-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

“Father, Glorify Your Son…” Part 3(John 17:3, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 21, 2010)John 17:1-3 … "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.Q:

More thoughts on John 17:2

2010-02-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

The Big Picture – Ephesians 1:10 – God is determined to unite all things in His Son Jesus Christ, things in heaven and things on earth.This Amazing Prayer – John 17The first petition – “Glorify your son”Today's verse – v. 2 Connection between two thoughts-Verse 1 – Petition: Glorify your sonVerse 2 – Statement of a very important fact“Since” – The Connection between the petition and the factSince

Why is it so right for the Father to glorify the Son?

2010-02-13T14:35:00.001-08:00

“Father, Glorify Your Son…” Part 2(John 17:2, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 14, 2010)John 17:1-2 … "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.Q: What is the first petition in Jesus’ prayer to the Father?A: "Glorify your Son." (John 17:1) Q: Father,

God is committed to glorifying God

2010-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

“Father, Glorify Your Son…”(John 17:1, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, February 7, 2010)John 17:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, ...Q: What is the first petition in Jesus’ prayer to the Father?A: "Glorify your Son." (John 17:1)He lifted up his eyes to heavenBefore our Lord

Take your heart back, and be of good cheer...

2010-01-31T03:34:00.000-08:00

“Overcoming”(John 16:29-33, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 31, 2010) John 16:29-33 His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it

A Journey of Prayer - In Jesus Name

2010-01-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

“The Father Loves You” (John 16:23-28, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 24, 2010) John 16:23-28 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 25 I have said these things to you in figures

Just for a season...

2010-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00