Harbor Presbyterian - Carlsbad | Sermons
A King...Like All the Nations
1 Samuel 8 – “A King...Like All the Nations” Rev. Darin M. Stone Harbor Presbyterian Church – November 2, 2008
The Spirit-Filled Life
Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV) - "The Spirit-Filled Life" Rev. Darin M. Stone August 24, 2008
The Centrality of the Church
3:1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is [1] that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in [2] God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
The Pslams and Anger
Everyone gets angry. Often our anger damages our relationships and ourselves. The Psalms help us see how our anger calls us to look beneath the surface and wrestle with God.
The Psalms and Our Negative Emotions
The Psalms are a window into the soul in all its complexity and variety. Christians often think the negative or dark emotions are sign of immaturity or a lack of faith. But, in fact, all our emotions reveal our deepest questions about God and our invitations to a greater faith.
I Don't Buy That - How Jesus Deals with our Doubts
"I believe, help my unbelief!" - What do we do when we believe, yet still have doubts? How does Jesus deal with doubting faith?
How Can You Reconcile Suffering and Evil with the God of the Bible?
It's probably the toughest question we face - intellectually, personally and emotionally as Christians - Why does an all powerful, all loving God permit suffering and evil in this world? There's no easy answer, but we can gain perspective by viewing this question through the lens of the gospel.
Isn't Christianity Arrogant for Being So Exclusive
The exclusive claims of Jesus have been a major stumbling block for those considering Christianity. Is it arrogant for Christians to believe Jesus is the only way to God? Or does everyone and every belief necessarily exclude?
Can We Trust the Bible?
What reason do we have for trusting in the Bible? What did Jesus believe about the Bible and how should we approach our own reading of Scripture? If you've ever asked these questions, listen to this sermon for some food for thought.
Resurrection Hope
What difference does the resurrection make? For Mary it meant the transformation of her weeping into rejoice - and for us it means the same thing.
The Triumphal Entry
What's the big deal about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? The church has celebrated Palm Sunday for centuries. Why? It shows us the irony of our servant King Jesus who came to suffer.
The Call to Mission in the Intermission
Jesus prepared his followers for a time of 'intermission' between his first and final acts of redemption. What are we do to in the meantime? The parable of the ten minas is a call to be about the mission of the king until he returns.
Zacchaeus - A Picture of God's Saving Grace
Zacchaeus' conversion is a picture of God's grace in action. What is grace? And how does it lead to transformation?
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus' parable strikes at the heart of our relationship with God. Do we approach God with subtle pride, comparing ourselves to others? Or do we recognize our utter need for God's mercy? Listen and be encouraged by how God strips us of our pride so that we might fully entrust ourselves to his grace.
The Kingdom of God
What is the Kingdom of God? Is it really within us? Is it here or are we waiting for it to come? Listen to find out and to reflect on how the Kingdom forms a big picture theme that makes sense of our lives.
The Ten Lepers
What place does gratitude have in the Christian life? The story of the ten lepers seems to suggest that if we're without gratitude than we don't get the gospel.
Jesus' Teaching on Discipleship
What does it look like to follow Jesus? When we honestly ask that question, Jesus challenges us with statements that wake us up and cause us to realize the seriousness of sin and the depth of the gospel.
The Shrewd Manager
The parable of the shrewd manager has puzzled many for centuries. What does it mean to be shrewd with regard to all we've been given by God?
Christmas and the Just and Righteous King
What does justice and righteousness have to do with Christmas? Everything. The baby born as King was the One prophesied to establish justice and righteousness in the earth and to give his righteous name to his people.
Christmas and Laughter
Why do we laugh - from cynicism or out of wonder. Christmas calls us to wonder at the astonishing way God has fulfilled his promises in a child. The story of Abraham and Sarah remind us of how God works in the most wonderful ways to call attention to his glory and power and to evoke wonder from us.
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
Is it difficult for you to understand what it means "to preach the gospel to yourself"? Listen to this sermon to see how Psalm 103 is a model for us to move from forgetting the benefits of grace to delighting in all we have in the gospel.
A Grace-centered Perspective in All We Do
Grace challenges our deepest assumptions and expectations. Do you find yourself comparing and complaining instead of resting and receiving? Listen to this sermon to hear Jesus' radical notion of grace.
The Gospel Renews the Marketplace
Ever wonder if you faith has anything to do with your work. Listen to this sermon to hear the foundation for an integrated perspective on faith and work.
The Gospel Makes Us a People of Mercy
Everyone agrees that we should be kind to our neighbors. But what will transform our hearts to match God's compassionate heart. That all depends on who we most identify with in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
The Gospel Changes Lives
At Harbor we believe the gospel is the only power to change lives. Listen to this message about 3 very different people whose lives were completely transformed.
The Gospel Creates a New Community
Colossians 4:7-18 gives us a snapshot of the Apostle Paul's life. What stands out? He was never alone. His community of friends was vital to his own spiritual growth and the effectiveness of his mission.