Sermons by Donnie Johnson
Out of the Whirlwind – Week 2
We do not serve a pocket sized God. If we get anything from the book of Job it is that our God is BIG – and we can trust Him. Though Job’s friends comfort him at first (Job 2:11-13), they slowly turn from good, to the bad and the ugly. Too often (like Job’s friends) we have a karma attitude about bad things happening; that there is a deserved. Let’s not be miserable comforters (Job 16). We need to listen,…
Out of the Whirlwind – Week 1
Job is a challenging book. He experienced suffering for no apparent reason (Job 1:8-22), though his friends are certain that he must have done something to deserve it (Job 2:1-12). In the end, God’s response is to remind him of the power, knowledge and sovereignty of God himself. But we are left without a satisfying reason for suffering and questions of justice. This is exactly how we experience much of suffering. Many questions are left. Job understands we are to…
Abide – Week 4
There are several metaphors used to describe the Church. The most common description used in the Bible is a family. But, Paul also used the image of living bricks, and members of a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We all desire to belong. People are always forming clubs and groups and teams. We build community to support each other and encourage each other. The Church differs in that Christ is the head of the body of the Church (Ephesians 4:14-16). This…
Abide – Week 3
No one claims to be an expert on prayer; we all feel inadequate. There are many difficulties and many distractions. In one way, prayer is very easy; however, it is also deeply complex. Prayer should be the business of Christians; it is our duty, and it should be our delight. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he describes this rich, deep desire to know the love of God (Ephesians 3:14-21). Prayer is the most likely place to be this close…
Abide – Week 2
Daily engagement with Scripture is a core practice of abiding in Christ. We should be able to see the Bible not as an obligation or academic exercise, but as a living, life-giving means of growing in our relationship with Jesus. As God’s Word dwells richly in us, we are shaped, taught, and directed in our everyday faith.
Abide – Week 1
In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, today we ask, how might we grow spiritually this year? How do we worry less and pray more? The “Gospel Hardware” is Jesus. He stated that He is the true vine; you are clean because of the words He has spoken. Apart from Him you can do nothing. “Abide in me,” Christ said. (John 15:1-11). Abide is a verb relating to where you live. Where is your permanent spiritual address? Live in constant…
Waiting Room – Joy
God gave King David a promise. God would establish a kingdom and on the throne will be a David’s son (1 Chronicles 17:1-15). David waited. He waited many years. In his humble poem (Psalm 27), from experience David states, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let our heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” He wanted to honor God and build a temple, but God said no, that will be the task of his son (1 Chronicles 17:16-27). Still,…
Waiting Room – Peace
If you have never been able to make it through the book of Numbers, you’re not alone. Reading it can feel like sitting in the DMV, “take a number.” Yes, the book is full of numbers and can get very repetitive, but there are also some very interesting stories in there. One of those stories (Numbers 22-24) has to do with a selfish prophet named Balaam. Though he clearly hears God (even through his donkey) and he desires the peace…
Waiting Room – Hope
How do we be patient in our waiting periods? How do we recognize that it is not a waste of time? The fall broke our relationship with God, others, creation, and ourselves. However, in the same verses of Genesis that describe the fall, God presents the protoevangelium; the first good news of the redeemer. Jesus is that redeemer. He brought Himself down to a position such that Satan could strike His heel, yet in the same act, Jesus crushed Satan…
Down to Earth – Week 4
Prayer is an act of humility, a declaration of our dependence on God, that invites Him into our fears and worries. As we bring our requests with thanksgiving for all God has already provided, He meets us with His promised peace (Philippians 4:4-9).
Down to Earth – Week 2
Our culture has this strange pattern of the ‘humble brag,’ where we act as if we are humble—all the while we are boasting. Paul warned of such pride. C.S. Lewis called pride “the great sin.” It is sin curved inward on ourselves. God opposes the proud (James 4:6), Paul presents this plainly in 1 Corinthians. He surrenders any self-judgment. Only God is the judge. Paul stated in 1 Timothy 1:15 that he was the chief sinner. His goal was to…
Down to Earth – Week 1
What does true humility look like? In John 13:1–17, we see true humility. Jesus, fully aware of His identity and authority, took a posture of a servant and washed His disciples’ feet. His example challenges our ideas about strength, success, and status. Pride can quietly shape the way we see ourselves and others. Humility begins with security in who we are in Christ! Jesus invites us to lay aside self-importance, serve others freely, and discover the blessing that comes from…