SERMON SERIES | AdventELC

Unfortunately, there are erroneous beliefs about God and Christianity that have snuck their way into modern church culture. These popular phrases or ways of thinking are in direct conflict with what scripture actually teaches. Join us each September Sunday, as this 5-week sermon series looks at different phrases the Bible doesn’t actually say, comparing them to what the Bible actually does say.

September 2

Text: Joel 2:21-27; Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Matthew 6:25-33

Topic: Priorities, Selflessness

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “God helps those who help themselves.”

Big Idea of the Message: In this passage, Jesus calls for us to seek after the kingdom of God first, not ourselves; if we do, everything else in life will fall into place.

September 9

Text: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-11; Psalm 32; Romans 8:26-28; John 18:1-11

Topic: Trusting, Life’s Pathway

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “If God closes one door, He’ll open another (or a giant window).” Suburbians 3:9

Big Idea of the Message: Yes, this may have the a potential for stock image inspiration in your social media feed, and it does have some truth to it. The Bible does promise that God will keep us headed in the right direction: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

But the “way you should go” doesn’t necessarily mean God will make an escape hatch for us when times get tough or when we don’t seem to be making progress. In fact, God often does some of His best work in our waiting, as He teaches us to trust Him more.

September 16

Text: Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:11-13; Matthew 18:21-35

Topic: Forgiveness, Cut out sin

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “Forgive and Forget”

Big Idea of the Message: God is the one who forgive and forgets. We are called to remember our sin, not to dwell on the guilt and shame that has been pardoned, but so that we do not do it again… and again… and again…

September 23

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Topic: Strength, Weakness

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

Big Idea of the Message: God will give you more than you can handle, but God will never give you more than God can handle.

September 30

Text: James 1:2-4; (Job’s Story); Romans 5:1-6; Job 1:1-1; 2:1-10

Topic: Perseverance, Suffering

What the Bible Doesn’t Say: “Suffering always comes from sin.”

Big Idea of the Message: No matter what the cause of our trials, we know that God will use it to strengthen our walk with Him.