What’s (Actually) New?

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
April 19, 2026

What’s (Actually) New?

Dave Royes

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
    vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
What does man gain by all the toil
    at which he toils under the sun?
A generation goes, and a generation comes,
    but the earth remains forever.
The sun rises, and the sun goes down,
    and hastens to the place where it rises.
The wind blows to the south
    and goes around to the north;
around and around goes the wind,
    and on its circuits the wind returns.
All streams run to the sea,
    but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
    there they flow again.
All things are full of weariness;
    a man cannot utter it;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
    nor the ear filled with hearing.
What has been is what will be,
    and what has been done is what will be done,
    and there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there a thing of which it is said,
    “See, this is new”?
It has been already
    in the ages before us.
There is no remembrance of former things,
    nor will there be any remembrance
of later things yet to be
    among those who come after.

Sermon Outline

1. A preacher with a picture

2. A process of inquiry

3. A poem about nature

4. A person unprecedented

Ecclesiastes 12:13: The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

The Church On Mission

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Speaker: Dwight Yoo
Scripture: Acts 11:19-26; 13:1-3
April 12, 2026

The Church on Mission

Dwight Yoo

Acts 11:19-26: Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 13:1-3: Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• Mission statement

• The Great Dechurching

2. A sense of sentness

• Scattered with intentionality

• A diverse group

• A rejection of church, not the Gospel

3. A sending church

• Inward versus outward

• The unchurched versus the trans-churching

• A scarcity mindset

4. A centered church

A. Worship, fasting, and prayer

"More people have left the church in the last twenty-five years than all the new people who became Christians from the First Great Awakening, Second Great Awakening, and Billy Graham crusades combined. Adding to the alarm is the fact that this phenomenon has rapidly increased since the mid-1990s... We are currently in the middle of the largest and fastest religious shift in the history of our country as tens of millions of formerly regular Christian worshippers nationwide have decided they no longer desire to attend church at all." — Jim Davis and Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching

"It's interesting when we consider the fact that the [New Testament] contains many direct instructions concerning loving one's neighbor, avoiding sexual impurity, speaking the truth, and being honest. But nowhere do we hear the apostles pleading for missions, urging Christians to bear witness to their neighbors, asking for help in evangelizing the Roman empire. Why this silence on a subject which obviously was very dear to the apostles, and about which today we feel compelled to say so much? The answer, I believe, lies in the fact that congregations back then were spontaneously carrying out their missionary obligation and needed no urging or correction on this matter. With respect to ethical conduct the situation was different, and that is why the apostles wrote numerous injunctions on that subject. But when it came to mission endeavor, the apostles needed to say nothing." — Roger S. Greenway

"Your life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-delinquent kids. It is bigger than beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and fashionable clothes. In reality, you are part of something immense, something that began before you were born and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his kingdom, and progressively changing them into his likeness--and he wants you to be part of it." — Paul Tripp

Just As He Told You

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
April 5, 2026

Just As He Told You

Dave Royes

Mark 16:1-8: When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back — it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• The End?

• What Mark wrote and why

2. Toward the tomb in the shadow of death

• Toward the tomb, carrying spices and sorrow

• Death's shadow also looms large for us

3. Inside the tomb with no scent of death

• The evidence is compelling

• The news is transforming

• God's word is unfolding

4. Fleeing the tomb with news about death

• An abrupt ending

• Just the beginning

Stand Firm in It

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:12-14
March 29, 2026

Stand Firm in It

Dave Royes

1 Peter 5:12-14: By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• Addressing spiritual insecurity

• Main point: God has arranged everything you need to stand firm

2. There is grace in the word of God

• What God has written is true

• What God has written is sufficient

3. There is love in the church of God

• A global church love

• An individual love

• A one-another welcome

4. There is peace in the Christ of God

Looking for Life

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: Psalm 119:37
March 22, 2026

Looking for Life

Dave Royes

Psalm 119:33-40:
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• Interruptions

• Main point: Walking in delight in the Lord means training what we see

2. There is gravity to our gaze

• An imperative to sin

• A connection between gazing and desire

3. There is triviality in our time

• Empty things with exciting appeal

• Looking for life in all the wrong places

4. There is life in God's law

• Asking God for spiritual CPR

• Hearts hankering for God

5. Our salvation is a spectacle

To Him Be the Dominion

Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11
March 15, 2026

To Him Be the Dominion

Dave Royes

1 Peter 5:6-11: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Sermon Outline

1. The hand of God has a proper time

2. The roaring lion has a little while

3. The God of all grace is forever and ever

“We come dear Jesus to thy Throne, to open all our grief;
Now send the promised mercy down, and grant us quick relief.
Though Satan rages and flesh rebel, and unbelief arise,
we'll wait around his footstool still, for Jesus hears our cries”
— attributed to Helen MacKay MacDonald

A Fellow Elder

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5
March 8, 2026

A Fellow Elder

Dave Royes

1 Peter 5:1-5: So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Sermon Outline

1. The plan of God for the flock of God

2. The Son of God leads the church of God

3. The Spirit of God and the hand of God

Let Those Who Suffer… Entrust Their Souls

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19
March 1, 2026

Let Those Who Suffer… Entrust Their Souls

Dave Royes

1 Peter 4:12-19: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Sermon Outline

1. The love of a faithful creator

2. The presence of a faithful creator

3. The judgement of a faithful creator

“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” — Charles Spurgeon

The End of All Things Is at Hand

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11
February 22, 2026

The End of All Things Is at Hand

Dave Royes

Sermon Outline

1. A deliberate posture of prayer

2. A cultivated community of grace

3. A passion for God’s glory

“Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.” — Charles Spurgeon

Arm Yourselves

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6
February 15, 2026

Arm Yourselves

Dave Royes

1 Peter 4:1-6: Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

Sermon Outline

1. The suffering of starving the flesh

2. The sorrow of spiteful treatment

3. The solemnity of facing death

If That Should Be God’s Will

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17-41
February 8, 2026

If That Should Be God’s Will

Dave Royes

1 Peter 3:17-4:1: For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• Flavors of human experience

• A new way for Peter's readers to categorize how they feel

2. A better way to suffer

• Suffering for righteousness' sake

• God's will is always at work

3. A living proof in Jesus

• His priestly sacrifice

• His prophetic role

• His kingly rule

4. A Mature Way to Think

“The world sneers at religious profession. It refuses to believe that it is genuine. It defiantly asserts that what is called Christian principle is only selfishness, and that it would not stand severe testing. Then, godly men [and women] are called to endure loss, suffering, or sorrow, not because there is any particular evil in themselves which needs to be eradicated — but because the Master needs their witness to answer the sneers of the world.” — JR Miller

“A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the Testament, so that I do not know for a certainty just what Peter means… I cannot understand and I cannot explain it. And there has been no one who has explained it” — Martin Luther

Rejection and Grace

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Speaker: Andrew Hageman
Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-9
February 1, 2026

Rejection and Grace

Andrew Hageman

1 Samuel 8:1-9: When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

Sermon Outline

1. A human rejection

2. A human solution

3. A divine rejection

4. A divine solution

Two Very Important Truths

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Speaker: Joe Whalen
Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8
January 24, 2026

Two Very Important Truths

Joe Whalen

Colossians 1:1-8: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your[c] behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

2. Two truths

• Truth #1: The gospel has already changed you

• Faith in Christ

• A love for all the saints

• Hope

• Truth #2: The gospel is changing people all over the world

• Everywhere the gospel goes, it brings salvation

• God doesn't begin with our weaknesses; he begins with his strength

• The gospel has already changed you, and it's changing people all over the world

3. Applications

• Remind yourself over and over what God has done for you

• Be thankful

On the Contrary, Bless

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-16
January 18, 2026

On the Contrary, Bless

Dave Royes

1 Peter 3:8-16: Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Sermon Outline

1. A call to tenderheartedness

2. A reminder of God’s attentiveness

3. The result is gospel preparedness

“There’s more glory under the eye of God, in the sighs, groans, and mournings of poor souls filled with the love of Christ, [pursuing] after the enjoyment of him according to his promises — in their fervent prayers for his manifestation of himself unto them — in the refreshments and unspeakable joys which they have in his gracious visits and embraces of his love — than in the thrones and diadems of all the monarchs on the earth.” — John Owen, The Works of John Owen (1850)

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 3)

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7
January 11, 2026

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 3)

Dave Royes

1 Peter 3:1-7: Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• An unspoken sign

• A God-ordained portrait

• Main point: Harmony in the home is having self as servant

2. The countercultural wife (is a servant-hearted wife)

• Letting conduct speak

• Dressing with inward adornment

• Walking a proven path

3. The countercultural husband (is a servant-hearted husband)

• Marital faithfulness

• Honor from attentiveness

• Unhindered prayer

4. Our condescending God (who came as a servant)

1 Peter 2:12: Keep your conduct among the gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Isaiah 42:1-4: Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
    or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not grow faint or be discouraged[a]
    till he has established justice in the earth;
    and the coastlands wait for his law.

A Most Played Psalm

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: Psalm 110
January 4, 2026

A Most Played Psalm

Dave Royes

Psalm 110: The Lord says to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”

The Lord sends forth from Zion
    your mighty scepter.
    Rule in the midst of your enemies!
Your people will offer themselves freely
    on the day of your power,
    in holy garments;
from the womb of the morning,
    the dew of your youth will be yours.
The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever
    after the order of Melchizedek.”

The Lord is at your right hand;
    he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
He will execute judgment among the nations,
    filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs
    over the wide earth.
He will drink from the brook by the way;
    therefore he will lift up his head.

Sermon Outline

1. Jesus sang this song

Matthew 22:41-46: Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”’?

If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

2. Peter sang this song

Acts 2:32-36,41b: This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
…there were added that day about three thousand souls.

3. Hebrews sings this song

Hebrews 7:21b-25:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Christmas Snapshots: Providence, Humility, Glory

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Speaker: Mark Estes
Scripture: Luke 2:1-16
December 21, 2025

Christmas Snapshots: Providence, Humility, Glory

Mark Estes

Luke 2:1-16: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
   and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction

• How the Christmas story does not begin

• How the Christmas story does begin

2. Snapshot #1: God’s quiet providence

3. Snapshot #2: The humble arrival of Jesus

4. Snapshot #3: The glory of who this baby truly is

5. Application

• If you are dull to the incarnation, consider the beautiful simplicity of the gospel

• If you can’t rejoice because you’re trapped in sin, start going on the offensive

• If you haven’t met Jesus, the angel’s message is for you

Daniel 2:40: And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these

Proverbs 21:1: The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
   he turns it wherever he will.

Psalms 89:20-27: I have found David, my servant;
   with my holy oil I have anointed him,
so that my hand shall be established with him;
   my arm also shall strengthen him.
The enemy shall not outwit him;
   the wicked shall not humble him.
I will crush his foes before him
   and strike down those who hate him.
My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him,
   and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his hand on the sea
   and his right hand on the rivers.
He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father,
   my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’
And I will make him the firstborn,
   the highest of the kings of the earth.

God Comes Close

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: Luke 1:39-56
December 14, 2025

God Comes Close

Dave Royes

Luke 1:39-56: In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
   and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
   For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
   and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
   to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Sermon Outline

1. Hear the exclamation

2. Join the exultation

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 2)

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25
December 7, 2025

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 2)

Dave Royes

1 Peter 2:18-25: Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Sermon Outline

1. The gaze of God

2. The footsteps of Christ

3. The reversal of curse

1 Peter 2:12: Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 1)

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Speaker: Dave Royes
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17
November 30, 2025

Beautiful Conduct and the Glory of God (Part 1)

Dave Royes

1 Peter 2:13-17: Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,  or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Sermon Outline

1. A distinct attitude

• For God’s glory, we defer rather than complain

• For God’s glory, we trust his providence

2. A divine agenda

• To change foolish narratives

• To demonstrate true freedom

3. Reordered affections