North Avenue Church Podcast

Seven Views of Religion and Politics

We overview seven views of religion and government. We relied heavily on this helpful article by Andrew David Naselli during this Sunday school.

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Submission to the Authority of Jesus | Matthew 21:23-32

Main idea: We should humble ourselves and gladly submit to the authority of Jesus rather than outwardly claim to obey God while actually being enslaved to what people think.

1. Jesus's authority displayed and questioned (v 23)
2. Jesus's question about John's authority (v 24-27)
3. Jesus's parable about obeying God's authority (v 28-32)

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Paul: A Prisoner of Christ for the Sake of the Gentiles | Ephesians 3:1-6

Paul has given up his freedom and become a literal prisoner of Christ for the sake of making Him known to the Gentiles.

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Christian Nationalism?: The Noahic Covenant and the Purpose of Government

The main idea: The Noahic Covenant is foundational for understanding the role of governments today.

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The Cleansing of the Temple and the Cursing of the Fig Tree | Matthew 21:12-22

Here is Scott's sermon outline:

1. Jesus cleanses the temple (v 12-13)
2. Jesus heals the blind and lame and receives the praise of children (v 14-17)
3. Jesus curses the fig tree (v 18-19)
4. Jesus uses the fig tree to teach the power of believing prayer (v 20-22)

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The Dividing Wall of Hostility Broken Down in Christ | Ephesians 2:14-22

Christians find unity in Christ that transcends all other barriers.

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Palm Sunday: Jesus Publicly Tells the World Who He Is | Matthew 20:29-21:11

Main idea: Jesus publicly tells the world who He is: He is the Davidic, Merciful, Sight-Giving, Divine, Prophesied, Humble, International, Saving, and Soon-Coming King.

1. Jesus is the Davidic King
2. Jesus is the Merciful King
3. Jesus is the Sight-Giving King
4. Jesus is the Divine King
5. Jesus is the Prophesied King
6. Jesus is the Humble King
7. Jesus is the International King
8. Jesus is the Saving King
9. Jesus is the Soon-Coming King

Mark wanted to make clear that he received help with this outline from a commentary.

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Remember What You Have Been Saved *From* | Ephesians 2:8-13

The first command in Ephesians, and the only command in the first three chapters, is for us to remember. We are to remember who we were before Christ saved us so that our joy and gratitude can grow!

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What God Says (and Jesus shows us!) About Authority | WCA Chapel

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, "We ask you, brothers, mto respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

Main point: Proper authority is necessary and good. It should be used humbly to serve others and is to be respected and obeyed. 

1. What God says about Authority
2. What God says about Respecting Authority
3. What Jesus Demonstrated about Authority

Christian Nationalism?: How the Biblical Covenants Affect Church and State Issues

Christian nationalism is a relatively new phrase that is coming out of a more general discussion about what Scripture teaches about church and state issues. We began a new series on these issues Sunday.

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Dead in Tresspasses and Sins | Ephesians 2:1-7

What did God save us from? And what are we saved for?

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Humility: True Greatness | Matthew 20:17-28

Main point: True greatness is found not in chasing worldly power and position, but in humbly serving others for their good.

1. Humble Savior (v 17-19)
2. Proud Disciples (v 20-24)
3. True Greatness (v 25-28)

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Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians | Ephesians 1:15-23

Let's learn to pray by paying careful attention to Holy Spirit inspired prayers in Scripture. And Paul's model prayer in Ephesians 1 is a great place to go!

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The Laborers in the Vineyard: Reckoning with 'Unfair' Grace | Matthew 20:1-16

I. God’s grace is not distributed on human merit

     Therefore be thankful

II. God’s grace is never less than just

     Therefore don’t grumble

III. God’s grace of eternal life is given equally to all believers

     Therefore don’t begrudge God’s generosity to the 'last' and 'least.'

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The Rich Young Ruler: A Camel through a Needle's Eye | Matthew 19:16-30

Here are the three sermon points:

1. Self-Righteousness (v 16-22)
2. Worldly Riches (v 23-26)
3. Eternal Reward (v 27-30)

You can watch this message here.