Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty

Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC

February 22, 2026

1. The Light of Jesus Calls Us Out of Darkness (vv. 12-17)

2. The Purpose of Jesus Calls Us Out of the Meaningless (vv. 18-22)

3. The Power of Jesus Calls Us Out of Brokenness (vv. 23-25)

Jesus extends three powerful calls to every person that demand a response and promise transformation. First, He calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light through repentance - changing our minds about who controls our lives. Second, He calls us out of meaninglessness into eternal purpose, just as He transformed ordinary fishermen into world-changing disciples who would fish for souls rather than fish. Third, He calls us out of brokenness into wholeness, welcoming all who are diseased, afflicted, and broken with His healing power. Jesus isn't intimidated by our mess or darkness - He specializes in transforming lives completely when we surrender everything to follow Him.

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty

Guest Preacher: Ron Pierce

Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC

February 15, 2026

Jesus' 40-day temptation in the desert reveals a profound truth about spiritual strength that goes beyond simply knowing Scripture. While Satan tested Jesus with three specific temptations - providing for himself, forcing God to prove Himself, and worshipping something other than God - Jesus resisted not just by quoting verses, but through the deep relationship He had cultivated with the Father during those 40 days. The real power behind Scripture comes from intimate communion with God, not just memorizing words. Many believers struggle with temptation because they're trying to fight spiritual battles without first developing that foundational relationship with God that provides true spiritual strength.

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty

Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC

February 8, 2026

John the Baptist's message after 400 years of prophetic silence was clear: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. True repentance involves three components: a change of mind, heart, and life. It's not about cleaning ourselves up before coming to God, but rather an invitation to turn from sin toward His grace. The religious leaders of John's time appeared righteous but lacked genuine repentance, while authentic faith requires honesty about our struggles. Jesus' baptism demonstrates the gospel - He identified with sinners and took our curse so we could receive the Father's blessing. Repentance is urgent because time is limited, and it separates authentic Christians from those merely going through religious motions.

1. Repentance is the Way that We Prepare to Encounter Jesus. (vv. 1-3)

2. Repentance Begins with the Realization that We are Filthy. (vv. 4-6)

3. True Repentance is Demonstrated by Life Change (vv. 7-9)

4. We Need to Repent Now Because Time is Running Out (vv. 10-12)

5. Jesus Makes Our Repentance Effective for Salvation (vv. 13-17)