Sermons

Communion March 5th, 2017 Introduction: Today we are taking part in Holy Communion.  This is one of 2 ordinances in our church.  The first is baptism by immersion and the second is Communion.  We practice open Communion here at ESBC which means that we invite all brothers and sisters who have committed to following Christ in their hearts to participate no matter their denomination.  We welcome you to fellowship with us this morning.   Don't Take Communion, Allow Communion to Take You! This is a Time of… Reflection Adoration Confession This is an open communion which means that all believers are welcome to participate.  However, Paul gives a warning not to do so flippantly.   I Corinthians 11:27-29 (NIV) 27  So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28  Everyone ought to examine themselves before they...

Storytellers: Paul and Barnabas llustration: About three years ago, my wife and I made a trip to Beijing, China.  Yes, China.  Now were were on a mission to adopt our third son Jett, so we didn’t just go over there to visit.  So, Angela and I decided to take advantage of the trip so we did some sight seeing.  One of the most interesting things we did is visit The Great Wall of China.  When I visited the Wall, I realized why they call it Great.  The Great Wall was built over several of the imperial Chinese dynasties.  The Great Wall was built to protect China from northern invaders or barbarians as we know them.  It is an impressive structure.  It is said that over 400,000 men died while building the wall and to cut the costs of burials, the men were placed right inside the wall.   The Wall is 4000 miles long.  So, just how long is 4000 miles?  4000 miles would stretch from the American East Coast to the W...

Storytellers: Peter  Opening Illustration: Let’s be honest, there is a lot to be afraid of in this world.  Lots.  Just open up any brand of social media and you will be confronted with lots of people who are afraid.  Fear is real and fear is powerful.  Jesus spends quite a bit of time in His sermon on the mount just discussing the reality of fear and anxiety.   Perhaps one of the most famous verses in the Bible dealing with fear and our ability to overcome it comes from 2 Timothy 1:7. 2 Timothy 1:7 ERV The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control. Here is an interesting Bible fact.  Did you know that the phrase “fear not” is used 80 times in the Bible?  It’s true.  Then the phrase “do not be afraid”, “do not fear” and “be not afraid” are used more than 30 times throughout Scripture.  That’s a lot right? Fear is powerful.  Fear can do generall...