Shady Grove Sermons

The Greatest Words Ever Written Romans 3-21-26 Today we will embark on on Romans 3:21-26.  This text is described as the most significant paragraph in the Bible, addressing the core question: How can sinners be made right with God? Paul presents humanity’s universal problem—sin—and God’s solution through faith in Jesus Christ. The passage emphasizes that God’s righteousness is revealed apart from human efforts or the law, through Christ’s sacrificial work, satisfying God’s justice while offering salvation to all who believe.  As we study we will observe three key dynamics: righteousness embodied, provided, and vindicated, showing how God’s holiness and grace converge at the cross to justify sinners who believe. Overview & Background • Romans introduces a God-sized problem: sin • Romans 3 declares universal guilt • Central question: How can one get right with God? • God’s righteousness, not human effort , is the key to salvation I. Righteousness Embodied (R...

What’s in a Name: Jehovah Nissi Exodus 17:8-16 Introduction   Today’s sermon focuses on the name "Jehovah Nissi," meaning "The Lord, Our Banner."  Pastor Steven in a series of sermons exploring the names of God.  Today’s message is drawing from Exodus 17:8–16, pastor Steven explains how God revealed Himself as Jehovah Nissi during the Israelites’ battle against the Amalekites.  Through this message that God is the rallying point, refuge, and defender for His people, with Jesus as the ultimate banner. Key points include the importance of giving God glory for victories, the necessity of community support, and the primacy of spiritual warfare through prayer over physical or political conflicts.  This is a call for increased prayer to experience more of God’s presence and power, urging believers to rally around Jesus and the cross, not worldly causes. Understanding Jehovah Nissi "Nissi" means a raised standard, signal, or refuge, symbolizing God as the rallyin...

El Roi: The God Who Sees You {part2} Scripture : Genesis 16 & Genesis 21:17-18 Date : September 14, 2025 Introduction Hagar, an Egyptian servant, is the only person in the Old Testament to give God a name: El Roi, meaning "The God Who Sees Me." This reflects God’s intimate awareness of her struggles. Hagar, pregnant with Ishmael, faces emotional and verbal abuse, rejection, and isolation in the household of Abram and Sarai. I. The God Who Sees Your Past Hagar’s life as a servant was marked by powerlessness. Sarai, barren and desperate, gave Hagar to Abram to bear a child, a culturally accepted but flawed plan. Hagar’s mistreatment and flight into the wilderness reflect her pain and rejection, yet God was fully aware of her circumstances. II. The God Who Sees Your Present In the wilderness, God finds Hagar and engages her with compassion, asking about her past and future (Genesis 16:7-8). God knows her struggles—pregnancy, rejection, and despair—and offers reassurance, pro...

El Roi: The God Who Sees (Part 1) Genesis 16:1 Theme:  If you're feeling unseen today, know that God sees and hears you.  Meeting El Roi causes us to respond in faith, through prayer, obedience, and trusting His plan.  I. Biblical Background: Beyond Abraham’s Story          A.   God's Promise and Human Impatience          B.   Consequences of Taking Control          C.  Hagar's Conflict and Plight Question to Consider: What do you do when the people of faith become unfaithful?          D.   Flight to the Desert          E.  Divine Encounter {The Turning Point} Statement of Truth: God never asked a question because he doesn't know. He asked a question because he wants you to know.           F.   Revelation vs. Rescue To be continued...

Jehovah Jireh - The God Who Provides Text: Genesis 22:1-14 Introduction Good morning, beloved. Today, we turn our hearts to Genesis 22, a passage that reveals one of the most profound names of God: Jehovah Jireh , the Lord who provides. This story of Abraham and Isaac is not just a historical account but a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, provision, and call to trust Him even in the most challenging moments of life. Let us explore how God proves Himself as Jehovah Jireh , the God who sees and provides for our every need. I. The Test of Faith (Genesis 22:1-2) The story begins with God testing Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac—the son of promise, the fulfillment of God’s covenant. This request seems unthinkable. Why would God ask for such a sacrifice? The test was not about the act itself but about Abraham’s heart—his willingness to trust and obey God completely. Application : Sometimes, God allows us to face situations that test our faith. It might be a seaso...

What's in the Name: Jehovah Jireh Genesis 22 The Grove, August 31, 2025 Introduction Our worship team continues to inspire us week after week—let's give them a round of applause for their dedication. Welcome to The Grove! For those joining us for the first time, we’re in the middle of a sermon series titled What's in a Name? , where we explore the names of God to deepen our understanding of His character. You can catch up on the past six sermons online, and I’m encouraged by the feedback about how this series is helping us connect with God’s nature. Theological Foundation Some have asked how these Old Testament names of God align with our New Testament faith. Let me clarify: Jesus is central to our theology as our mediator. When we pray in the name of Jehovah Jireh or Jehovah Rapha, we’re not sidelining Jesus—He is Jehovah Jireh, He is Jehovah Rapha. These names point us to the Cross, revealing the character of our Savior and helping us understand who He is. Why Study God...