A Set Apart People

Originally preached on July 2, 2024.

scripture

1 Peter 1:13-16

Series

Set Apart

summary

The church is a set-apart people in Christ, called to reflect God’s holiness both in identity and in ongoing transformation. Through the Spirit, believers are not only declared holy (positionally) but are being made holy in practice (instrumentally). This growth happens as the church turns continually to God in repentance, renews its mind in the Word, and lives in gospel-shaped community. As we behold Christ together, the Spirit transforms us “from one degree of glory to another,” forming a people who reflect Jesus to the world.

A Set Apart People (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Aaron Halstead

Called to Reflect

Originally preached on July 28, 2024.

scripture

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Series

Set Apart

summary

In 2 Corinthians 3:16–18, Paul teaches that when someone turns to Christ, the spiritual “veil” is removed, bringing freedom in the Spirit and ongoing transformation into the image of Jesus. As believers behold God’s glory through Christ, the Holy Spirit progressively changes them “from one degree of glory to another,” making the church a community shaped by God’s presence and reflecting Christ’s character in the world.

Called to Reflect (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)

Aaron Halstead

The Truth

Originally preached on August 4, 2024.

scripture

John 17:15-19

Series

Set Apart

summary

In John 17, Jesus prays that his followers would be protected from evil, sanctified in the truth of God’s Word, and sent into the world to continue his mission. The sermon emphasizes that the church’s holiness is rooted in God’s holiness and formed through Scripture, the Spirit, and the gospel, shaping believers to reflect God’s character by rejecting evil, standing in truth, and living as a visible witness of God’s justice and grace in the world.

The Truth (John 17:15-19)

Aaron Halstead

The Image of God

Originally preached on March 30, 2025.

scripture

Genesis 1:26–27

summary

Genesis 1:26–27 teaches that every human being is created in the image of God, giving all people inherent dignity, value, and purpose. Unlike the rest of creation, humanity reflects God’s character and is called to represent His rule in the world through faithful stewardship. This means every person matters equally before God, and life is not defined by status, ability, or achievement but by divine design. As image-bearers, we are called to reflect God’s goodness in how we live, relate to others, and care for creation.

The Image of God (Genesis 1:26-27)

Aaron Halstead

Your Master's Joy

Originally preached on July 6, 2025.

scripture

Matthew 25:14–30

summary

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus teaches that discipleship is faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to us while we await His return. Our identity as servants of a good Master shapes our calling to use our gifts, time, and resources not fearfully or passively, but actively and fruitfully. The faithful servants are commended for their trust-filled obedience, while the unfaithful servant is condemned for hiding what he was given out of fear. The passage exhorts believers to live with courage and generosity, investing all that God has entrusted for His kingdom and glory.

Your Master's Joy (Matthew 25:14-30)

Sam Tunell

Through the Threats

Originally preached November 16, 2025.

scripture

Nehemiah 6:1–19

series

Rebuild

summary

Insults are withstood. A planned attack is stopped. Injustice is made right. Nehemiah and the people can finally focus on rebuilding the wall without opposition, right? Nope! Even more sneaky threats arise, this time against Nehemiah personally, to try to stop him from rallying the people to work.

Through the Threats (Nehemiah 6:1-19)

Aaron Halstead

Behold My Servant

Originally preached January 11, 2026.

scripture

Isaiah 42:1–12

summary

Isaiah 42 introduces God’s Servant—chosen, upheld, and empowered by the Spirit. This Servant brings justice not by crushing the weak but by restoring them. His mission extends beyond Israel to the nations, resulting not only in renewal and freedom but also in a global response of praise. Justice leads to restoration, and restoration leads to worship.

Behold My Servant (Isaiah 42:1-12)

Aaron Halstead

The Son, Prepared

Originally preached March 1, 2026.

scripture

Matthew 3:13–17

series

Prepare the Way

summary

In Matthew 3:13–17, Jesus comes to John to be baptized. John hesitates, recognizing Jesus’ superiority, but Jesus insists “to fulfill all righteousness.” As Jesus is baptized, heaven opens, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” In the sermon, this moment was presented as a decisive beginning: Jesus is anointed as King by the Spirit of God, steps fully into His mission, and receives divine affirmation and empowerment for the work ahead.

The Son, Prepared (Matthew 3:13-17)

Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

1. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus began his mission in humble obedience and submission to righteousness rather than self-assertion?

2. Where in your life are you being invited to “fulfill all righteousness,” or to obey God even when it feels unnecessary, uncomfortable, or confusing?

3. How should the Father’s declaration over Jesus (“beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”) shape the way you understand your identity and security in Christ?

Prepare for Testing

Originally preached March 1, 2026.

scripture

Matthew 4:1–11

series

Prepare the Way

summary

Matthew 4:1–11 describes Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness after his baptism, where he is tested by Satan with three temptations focused on provision, presumption, and power. In each case, Jesus refuses to use his identity as the Son of God to bypass the Father’s will, responding instead with Scripture from Deuteronomy. Unlike Israel, who failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains faithful and obedient, showing that God’s kingdom is built only through trust and submission to God’s way.

Prepare for Testing (Matthew 4:1-11)

Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

1. Where am I most tempted to take a “shortcut” rather than trust God’s timing and methods?

2. In what area of my life do I struggle most with provision, presumption, or power? And what would faithfulness look like there?

3. How is scripture currently shaping the way I respond when I feel pressure, temptation, or uncertainty?

Prepare to Follow

Originally preached March 15, 2026.

scripture

Matthew 4:218–22

series

Prepare the Way

summary

Jesus, early in his ministry and based in Capernaum in Galilee, walks along the lakeshore and calls four fishermen to follow him. To Simon, Andrew, James, and John (blue-collar workers with no standing in the religious world) he issues a simple, personal invitation: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Each pair immediately drops their nets, their boat, and even their father to go with him. In the sermon, this moment was presented as a window into the nature of true discipleship: Jesus takes the initiative, he calls ordinary people, he promises to do the transforming work himself, and that call reshapes every commitment they have ever made.

Prepare to Follow (Matthew 4:18-22)

Aaron Halstead

for reflection:

1. What stands out to you about Jesus’ initiative in calling ordinary fishermen, and how does that challenge your assumptions about who God uses for his work?

2. Where in your life do you sense Jesus inviting you to “drop your nets”—that is, to release a comfort, identity, or priority in order to follow him more fully?

3. The disciples immediately reordered their commitments in response to Jesus’ call. What commitments in your life currently compete most with wholehearted discipleship, and what might it look like to place them under Jesus’ authority?