Lakeshore City Church
By Lakeshore City Church
Lakeshore City ChurchMar 28, 2024
Three Pictures of What the Church Should Be by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Text: Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV) Q1How has this passage reshaped your view of Lakeshore City Church?
Q2Why is a unified church a great witness to the unbelieving world?
Preaching at Lakeshore City Church on February 4, 2024
Lamb Slain Before the Foundation by Pastor Jim Wilson
“Hail, King of the Jews,” they cried, as they put a crown made of thorns on his head. They spat in his face, they pulled his beard and they mocked his Holy name.
They put a 300-pound cross on his back, and in His weakened state, He stumbled beneath the load. Simon of Cyrene carried the cross for Him as he walked up the hill to His destiny.
The soldiers ripped His robe from Him, reopening his wounds and forced Him on the rough hewn cross. Though it was customary to use ropes to tie a victim to the cross, the soldiers used fourteen-inch spikes to nail Him and our sins to the cross. First one spike and then another through the quivering flesh of His hands.
He stayed on the cross for six hours before the ridiculing, mocking crowd, and then He became sin for us. Paul wrote, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21 ESV).
There, He forgave our trespasses, and there He “nailed our sin to the cross.” And God turned His back on His Son refusing to look at the sin He’d become.
The earth trembled, the skies blackened, and the veil in the temple split, and Jesus exclaimed. "It is finished."
Some would say that the Romans took Jesus’ life from him. Others understand that no one took his life. He gave it willingly.
A Marriage Made in Heaven by Pastor Charlie Moulton
In a world where relationships often face trials and challenges, discovering the divine blueprint for marriage can offer hope, healing, and a fresh perspective. This Sunday, we dive into Ephesians 5:22-33, exploring the sacred design of marriage as intended by God. Whether you're single, engaged, or have been married for years, this message is for you!
Taking Off the Old and Putting on the New by Pastor Jim Wilson
Michael Todd went to a new school where he was the target of taunts and laughter. He did not have new clothes and was feeling very left out. Garrett and Kristopher Graham, a pair of freshman football players, were two of the kids piling on. When the Graham brothers realized what they were doing was wrong, they hunted through their drawers and closets, found shirts, and pants they could part with and presented them to Michael the next day. Todd didn’t just get new clothes, he put them on and wore them to school. Wouldn’t it have been a tragedy if he took the gift, but did not use it?
Like Todd, we have something new to put on. We are no longer “dead in our trespasses and sins,” we are now “alive” (2:1-10) Paul directly tells us to take off the old self and put on the new. Paul wrote, “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).
Todd wasn’t the only one in the story that took off the old and put on the new. Not only did the Graham brothers give Todd new clothes but they became his friend and eat lunch with him every day. “I’ve been bullied my entire life,” Todd said this was “The best day of my entire life.”
Worthy Living by Pastor Jim Wilson
Worthy living involves humility—not humiliation or powerlessness, but complete submission to God and voluntary submission to one another. Humility does not place self-worth over others or God.
Worthy living includes gentleness, which is a spirit of compassion and kindness.
Worthy living displays patience when pressured or annoyed. It is long-suffering with a calm endurance.
Worthy living is characterized by the ability to bear with one another, show love under pressure.
Worthy living maintains the unity of the Spirit that binds us together in peace.
Please notice how these characteristics emerge from the Father’s choosing us (Eph. 1:4), adopting us as his children through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:5-10), providing us with an inheritance of hope in Christ (Eph. 1:11-12) and sealing our salvation with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14).
Because we are part of God’s family—chosen by the Father, adopted through the Son and sealed by the Spirit we can live humbly together, be gentle, and patient, bearing with one another, and being unified in the Spirit.
Big Prayers and Big Praise by Pastor Rod Williams
God can meet our spiritual needs in ways we haven't thought about. It's a good idea to pray for the spiritual needs of others. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit will affect the way we pray. God does not always do what we want. What we do in times of trouble reveals what we trust in. We were made to glorify God, are you living to do that?
Alienation to Reconciliation by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Questions to ponder:
Q1 How does it affect you to "remember" your situation before you knew Christ (2:11-12)? How are you encouraged by meditating on your new status (2:13)?
Q2Explain the work of Christ in this passage.
Alive! by Pastor Jim Wilson
A 90-year-old Frenchwoman, who was preparing to move, had an auctioneer come to set a value on her furniture for sale. Hanging in the kitchen was a tempera panel that she had owned for decades. She believed it was an old Russian icon of little value and was planning to throw it away. The auctioneer thought it might be worth something.
He was right. It was a 13th century painting, Christ Mocked by Italian artist Cimabue, a forefather of the Italian Renaissance. At auction it sold for $26.8 million—the most ever paid for a medieval painting.
The kitchen painting resembles the lives of many of the people we meet each day. When they look at themselves, they see an old, useless person of little value to anyone. One of our most persistent messages is that our value comes not in what we accomplish, but because of the master artist-designer behind our existence.
You are God’s masterpiece. He is forming you into a work of art that pleases him and accomplishes his purposes. Don’t let others minimize you and don’t put yourself down. You are a trophy of God’s grace on a mission to do his will.
Paul's Prayer for the Church by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Questions to ponder:
1. In verses 18-19, he lists a number of things he prays for them to know. What are they, and why do you think he prays for those things?
2. The same power that is at work in God’s people now is the same power that did something remarkable in history (v.20-23). What is that power? Do you believe that?
3. What does it mean for Jesus to fill everything in every way? (v.23)
Blessed & Grateful by Pastor Jim Wilson
In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us that Father adopted us, the Son also redeemed us, and the Spirit seals our salvation. I’m thankful that the father chose to adopt us and that the Spirit sealed our salvation to secure it for eternity.
Paul makes much of the grace of God in this Epistle. In the upcoming chapter he makes it clear that salvation comes by grace through faith (2:8-9), here he speaks of the riches of his grace—there is a boundless supply, that he lavished on us. Because of the endless supply he can lavish it on us. We praise him because he loved us so much that he shed his blood on the cross to buy us back from our sin, in our sin for his glory. We are adopted into his family, chosen to be holy and blameless, made possible by the blood of Jesus. Long before we heard the truth of the gospel and believed, the son redeemed us with his blood.
The Father chose, the Son redeemed, the Spirit sealed--the only thing we do is respond in faith to the truth of the gospel.
If you are in Christ, the message for you today is rejoice! You are blessed, be grateful. If you have yet to believe, the message for you is to place your trust in him, believe the truth of the gospel as you sense him drawing you to himself.
He's Always Been There by Pastor Rod Williams
Questions to ponder on:
1. What are your thoughts on the Holy Spirit? 2. What does it mean to set your mind on the things of the Spirit? 3. What does it mean to quench the Spirit?
"Come Let Us Adore Him" Psalm 95 by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Psalm 95:1-5
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Living the True Gospel by Pastor Jim Wilson
If we are free from the law then what standard do we use to compare our actions against? Paul gave us some guidance. Our freedom from the law is not an opportunity to indulge in fleshly, carnal desires. Instead, provides us with the chance to serve and love one another.
Christ did not come into the world, live a perfect life, suffer the shame of the cross, endure the wrath of God, and die a horrific death so you could be free to sin all you want.
His death, burial and resurrection were not so you would be free to sin, but so you could be free from the penalty of sin and free to live the life of service he intends for you.
The new standard of conduct is not a book of rules, carefully crafted by self-righteous people to prove that they are better than you. Now it is now love. We live righteous lives because we love God and love people. So instead of devouring others because of their shortcomings, we are encouraging one another, serving one another and loving one another.
In John 13:34 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (ESV).
The Greatest Freedom of All by Pastor Blake Ryan
Galatians 5:1-6 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Hagar and Slavery Vs. Sarah and Freedom by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Galatians 4:28-31
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Tender Truth Telling by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Galatians 4:12–20 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 by little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
When the Good News Isn't Good Enough by Pastor Rod
The purpose of the law was not to bring salvation or condemnation. It was to bring conviction. It was to let us know that we need a Savior. The false teachers in the churches of Galatia were confusing people by adding things to the gospel message. They were teaching that works were necessary for a person to be saved. The apostle Paul was disturbed by this and combated these lies with the truth of God's Word. In chapter 4 verses 8-11, we learn more about how he accomplished this.
Sons, Not Slaves by Pastor Charlie Moulton
This Sunday, we heard the transformative words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:1-7, that we embark on a spiritual journey from bondage to freedom, from servitude to sonship. In our sermon, 'Slaves Not Sons,' we explore the profound transition that Christ empowers within us—a metamorphosis from being enslaved by the elemental forces of the world to becoming cherished children of God, heirs through divine promise. Join us as we uncover the depths of grace that redeems our identity and redefines our destiny, breaking the chains of servitude to embrace the embrace of the Father. This message is not just a theological concept; it's the heartbeat of our inheritance in Christ, a calling to live as liberated sons and daughters in the kingdom of Heaven. Tune in as we reclaim our rightful heritage and celebrate the freedom that comes from being known, loved, and claimed by God Himself.
So Right and Yet so Wrong by Pastor Jim Wilson
When we say the words, “good Christian,” who comes to mind? What about him or her that makes her a good Christian? When you think about your own growth in your Christian life, what is different about your life now that is evidence that you are a growing Christian?
The Inferiority of the Law by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Why does God’s covenant stand above the law? How can embracing this truth transform our faith journey?
This Sunday, Pastor Charlie preached a sermon into Galatians 3:15-18 and explored the unshakable nature of God's promises and the inferiority of the law in comparison.
Listen to this powerful message on finding freedom in faith and living in the light of God’s eternal promises!
Grace Alone. Faith Alone. by Pastor Jim Wilson
Everyone is unique. Certainly, we differ in personalities, our appearance, and our backgrounds. In addition, our DNAs and our fingerprints are unique to us. But there is at least one way we are the same. Every one of us has sinned. The bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV). While some have sinned more than others, the one thing we all have in common is that all of us have sinned—we have fallen short of God’s glory.
The bible also says that there is a consequence for our sin. It says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV). Just as everyone will one day die physically, we who have sinned will experience a spiritual death as a result of our sin. However, because God loves us, He has offered us the free gift of eternal life through what Jesus has done for us on the cross.
Playing The Fool by Pastor Charlie Moulton
In a world that often prizes wisdom and knowledge, the Apostle Paul confronts the Galatians with a startling question: "Who has bewitched you?" Be prepared to dive into Galatians 3:1-9 this week, as we will explore the dangers of drifting from the simple truth of the gospel and the pitfalls of trying to earn God's favor. Join us for a thought-provoking sermon on "Playing the Fool" and discover the enduring power of faith over folly. #PlayingTheFool #Galatians3 #SundaySermon
Justified by Faith by Pastor Charlie Moulton
In a world that often measures our worth by our works, achievements, and accolades, the Apostle Paul reminds us of a profound spiritual truth: our true righteousness comes not from our own efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ. This week, we dive deep into Galatians 2:15-21, exploring the transformative message that we are "Justified by Faith."
Good News for Today and Eternity by Pastor Jim Wilson
The gospel and the gospel alone sets us free from our sin and empowers us to live transformed lives. We are saved by grace alone and faith alone.
The response of those who heard Paul preach and watched him live the gospel was to glorify God. Our response is to immerse ourselves in it, reject any altered gospel that others attempt to teach us and to live out the gospel we have received.
The Last Meal of a Condemned Man by Pastor Jim Wilson
Even as an old man, Samuel was faithful and on a mission. He listened to the voice of God, just as the old priest told him to. Remember 1 Samuel 3:9–10? It says, “Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ‘So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears’” (ESV).
Samuel knew well what he told Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” His real contribution was not that he offered sacrifices to the Lord as a Priest, but that he obeyed God when he heard his voice.
Foundational in the life of people who love God, love people, and make disciples is the willingness to obey God. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15 ESV).
Divine Inspection by Pastor Blake
1 Samuel 16: 7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Obedience by Dr. Jim Wilson
Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-9
Why does God prize obedience more highly than offerings or sacrifices? How can you place a higher value on obedience than on appearances or practical considerations in your life?
When God Rejects a Leader by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Text: 1 Samuel 13:5-14
When the Philistines threaten Israel, Saul waits for Samuel to offer sacrifices seeking God's favor. Growing impatient and fearing his army would scatter, Saul disobeys God by offering the sacrifices himself. Upon arrival, Samuel reprimands Saul for his disobedience, telling him his kingdom won't endure. This story emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience, even under pressure.
Faithful & Obedient by Dr. Jim Wilson
1 Samuel 9:15-16
15The day before Saul's arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel: 16At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin whom you are to anoint as ruler of my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines.
Effective Leadership by Pastor Charlie Moulton
What truly makes effective leadership? Is it lineage, title, or the integrity of one's heart? Join us as Pastor Charlie Moulton dives deep into 1 Samuel 8:1-9 with his sermon entitled 'Effective Leadership'.
Samuel: Boy Prophet by Dr. Jim Wilson
Hannah received pain directly from the hand of God and did not get bitter, instead, she poured out her soul to the Lord and gave her first-born son back to him. Hannah was not barren so that she could not raise children, she was barren so she would provide a prophet for Israel. The pain she received from God’s hand was not punishment, it was for his glory.
Dedicated to the Lord by Dr. Jim Wilson
1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
Who Is Merciful? by Dr. Jim Wilson
As fallen men and women, it is in our nature to pay more attention to other people’s sins than our own. In this sermon, Pastor Jim Wilson dives into Luke 6:37-44 to teach us about how the incredible mercy of God can help us be gracious with one another.
Renew Your Mind by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Discover how to renew your mind as a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor Charlie Moulton dives into Romans 12:1-2 to give us a concise, powerful summary of the Christian life.
The Cost of Discipleship by Pastor Rod Williams
Discover what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Rod Williams dives into Luke 14:25-33 to show us what Jesus said about discipleship, and what the cost benefits of it are.
Ambassadors For Christ by EZ Zwayne
Our culture is very interested in the purpose of life. In this sermon, Emeal (E.Z.) Zwayne dives into 2 Corinthians 5 to teach us about the purpose of man, and how Christians should act upon it.
Dealing with Distractions by Pastor Charlie Moulton
If we're going to live a productive spiritual life, we must learn how to deal with distractions. In this sermon, Pastor Charlie Moulton dives into Luke 10:38-42 to teach us about how we can overcome the distractions we face as Christians.
From Death to Life by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Learn about the transformation we can have through Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Charlie Moulton dives into Ephesians 2:1-10 to teach us about who we were before Christ, what God did for us, and why God did it.
A Father's Job Descriptio by Pastor Jim Wilson
What is the job description of fatherhood according to the Bible? In this sermon, Pastor Jim Wilson dives into Matthew 3:13 - 4
Sharing Our Souls with One Another by Pastor Charlie Moulton
Daniel: A Model of What Youth Ought to Be
How can Christian teenagers make the best use of their time? In this sermon, Dr. Paul G. Kelly dives into Daniel 1:3-20 to teach us about how the youth should live according to the Bible.
Doing Marriage God's Way by Pastor Rod Williams
God, Help Us - Return to You by Pastor Pat Nemmers
If you’ve been distant from God, and are looking to return to Him, here’s what you should do… In this sermon, Pastor
Pat Nemmers dives into Ezra 3:1-3 to teach us about the importance of rebuilding and restoring the foundations of our faith.
Mom Guilt: God Drove A Nail Through It
Depression: When the Walls Come Tumbling Down
Living Life to the Fullest by Pastor Jim Wilson
How can Christians move from greed to generosity? In this sermon, Pastor Jim Wilson dives into 1 Timothy 6:17-19 to teach us about how we can remain content even when we have fewer earthly blessings than usual.
From Greediness to Contentment by Pastor Jim Wilson
Discover one spiritual threat that is especially present in America, and what we can do to protect ourselves from it. In this sermon, Pastor Jim Wilson dives into 1 Timothy 6:6-10 to teach us how we can move from greediness to contentment.
The Good in “Good Friday” by Deryl Lackey
Mark 15:16-32
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.
27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Financially Rich & Spiritually Poor by Pastor Blake
Discover the true cost of following Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Blake dives into Luke 12 to teach us about an uncomfortable encounter Jesus had with the Pharisees.
In the Company of Skeptics by Pastor Jim Wilson
Jesus Christ faced many enemies and adversaries during His time on Earth, but why? In this sermon, Pastor Jim Wilson dives into Mark 15:42-16:8 to teach us about the way Jesus lived, and who He is — all so that we can become more like Him.