Sermons by Donnie Johnson
Devoted
This message looks at the birth of the church in Acts 2, beginning with Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and moving to a snapshot of the early Christian community. We explore what life looked like in that community — how believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their devotion led to unity, generosity, and joy that made their faith attractive to those around them. The message invites us to reflect on what it means to…
Lettuce statements for the Church
You probably didn’t feel a cultural pressure to attend church this morning. Most likely you wanted to come. Why is that? Why come to church? Hebrews 10:19-25 provides us some answers to these questions. It states three “let us” statements about being together in church. First, let us draw near with hearts full of faith and cleansed by Jesus’ blood. The curtain was torn, and we have access to a new living way, full of ‘zoe’ life in Christ. Second,…
Following Jesus – Week 17
The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go,…
Following Jesus – Week 16
All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (Matthew 27:27-54). The cross is a scandal (1 Cor 1:18); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but…
Following Jesus – Week 15
The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (Matthew 26:17-35). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience…
Following Jesus – Week 14
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:42-25:13, regarding the end times, is a challenging section of scripture. It is more about how we should live in light of His promised return, not so much what the world tends to be fascinated with. It is not about apocalyptic predictions – whether through movies, media, or date-setting. Jesus calls His followers to something different: faithful, expectant waiting. Instead of fear or frenzy, Jesus calls us to readiness, trust, and daily faithfulness. Live today as…
Following Jesus – Week 10
God reveals. The question is: what does God show us, and what should our response be? In Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He responded, “You are the Christ.” But Peter’s expectation of what that meant was a bit inaccurate. Jesus teaches that He was to suffer and die. We need to take up our cross and die to ourselves (Matthew 16:21-28). Then, Jesus presented Himself transformed, in glory and wonder (Matthew 17:1-8). What is…
Following Jesus – Week 9
Jesus described how people receive the word of God like soil receiving a seed. Our hearts respond to Christ’s message by being — hard, shallow, crowded, or receptive. The Parable of the Sower is a well-known story found in Matthew 13:1-23 that is asking us how we hear God’s word. Do we have a tinge of resistance, or are we distracted? What does it look like to be receptive to the message of God’s kingdom? The seed sprouts in good…
Following Jesus – Week 8
When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he truly was the Messiah (Matt 11:1-11). Jesus honored John — then He pointed to the signs that were prophesied in Isaiah. Jesus has grace for those who wrestle with doubt. He knows that there will be a day where faith becomes sight, hope is fulfilled, and love is eternal (1 Cor 13:12-13). Then, there will be no doubt. But, while we are…
Following Jesus – Week 7
Jesus called His disciples and sent them into a world full of need. Matthew 10:1–20 reminds us that ministry is not just for a few; it’s for all of us. Wherever we are at—work, home, or in our neighborhoods—we are in ministry. We walk through Jesus’ instructions for the mission: for who (the lost sheep of Israel), the method (preaching and healing), and the mindset (traveling light, trusting God’s provision). Jesus also sets realistic expectations: this work involves real opposition.…
Following Jesus – Week 6
What comes to your mind when you think of authority? Today, in our reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, we are introduced to a level of authority that only God possesses. Jesus is clear: He has the authority to forgive sin. But He also has the authority to heal and to transform your identity to be a child of God. Allow Jesus to be your good shepherd; He has the authority to do that too. He calls you,…
Following Jesus – Week 5
This message challenges us to honestly evaluate the substance of our faith: Are we Jesus flavored or Jesus filled? Drawing from Matthew 7, we look at three essential tests Jesus gives: the Fruit Test, the Obedience Test, and the Foundation Test. Popularity, appearances, and good intentions aren’t enough — what matters is a life rooted in knowing Jesus, doing God’s will, and building on the unshakable foundation of His Word. In a world filled with spiritual shortcuts and diluted faith,…