Series: “Christ in the Minor Prophets” (Summer, Fall 2025)

1. Whispers of the Savior: Finding Jesus in the Minor Prophets

Subtitle: Uncovering the quiet prophecies that point to the coming King.

2. Echoes of Grace: Christ in the Voices of the Prophets

Subtitle: How God’s mercy and Messiah resound through ancient warnings.

3. The Scarlet Thread: Tracing Jesus Through the Prophets

Subtitle: Seeing the bloodline of redemption woven through every prophetic word.

4. When Prophets Spoke of Him: Christ Foreshadowed in the Old Testament

Subtitle: A journey through the prophetic glimpses of our Savior.

5. Messiah Foretold: The Gospel in the Minor Prophets

Subtitle: Justice, hope, and redemption in the shadows of the cross.

6. From Judgment to Jesus: Discovering Grace in the Prophets

Subtitle: How divine discipline always leads us to divine mercy in Christ.

7. Shadows of the King: The Coming Christ in the Old Testament

Subtitle: Recognizing the reign and redemption of Jesus before His birth.

8. The Gospel According to the Prophets

Subtitle: The good news was always God’s plan—even in judgment.

9. Before Bethlehem: Christ in the Ancient Words

Subtitle: The promised Savior seen through the eyes of the prophets.

10. Hope Before the Manger: The Prophets and the Promise

Subtitle: Discovering the heart of Jesus in the most unexpected places.

11. The Twelve: Christ in the Minor Prophets

Subtitle: Twelve prophets. One story. A Savior revealed.

12. Hidden Glory: Jesus in the Shadows of the Prophets

Subtitle: Unveiling Christ through the mystery and message of the Twelve.

13. Broken People, Coming King

Subtitle: The hope of Christ through the warnings of the Minor Prophets.

14. Redeeming the Ruins: Grace in the Prophets

Subtitle: God’s restoration plan through the voices of judgment.

15. From Ruin to Redemption: Christ in the Minor Prophets

Subtitle: How God speaks grace and glory through ancient warnings.

16. Beyond the Veil: The Prophets and the Promised One

Subtitle: Discovering Jesus in the overlooked and the obscure.

17. Grace in the Warnings

Subtitle: How the prophets speak both judgment and Jesus.

18. The Voice Before the Cross

Subtitle: Tracing Christ’s promise in the cries of the prophets.

19. Ancient Words, Eternal Hope

Subtitle: The gospel according to the Minor Prophets.

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SERMON 1: "The God Who Calls"

Primary Text: Hosea 1:1–11

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God calls His people back to Himself with covenantal love, even in the face of unfaithfulness. This relentless love is fulfilled and magnified in Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our spiritual adultery.

Expository Discussion:

The book of Hosea opens with a striking metaphor: God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who will be unfaithful to him. This isn’t a random love story—it’s a living parable of God's relationship with Israel. Just as Gomer will break her marriage covenant, Israel has broken theirs with God by pursuing other gods. Yet even in judgment, God's purpose is restoration.

Hosea and Gomer’s children are given prophetic names: Jezreel ("God scatters"), Lo-Ruhamah ("No mercy"), and Lo-Ammi ("Not my people"). Each name represents a stage in Israel’s rebellion and God's response. But remarkably, the passage ends with a reversal: the scattered will be gathered, mercy will return, and those who were not God’s people will once again be called His children.

This is the Gospel in shadow form. Christ, the true and faithful bridegroom, comes to redeem His unfaithful bride, the Church. He takes our sin and shame and gives us His righteousness and name.

Outline of the Passage:

1. God’s Call to Hosea (vv. 1-2) – Hosea’s marriage is divinely commanded to symbolize Israel’s unfaithfulness. 2. The Children’s Prophetic Names (vv. 3-9) – Each child’s name marks a step in Israel’s judgment. 3. The Promise of Restoration (v. 10-11) – Despite judgment, God promises renewal and reunion.

Message Points:

God’s Love Is Relentless Even in Rebellion – Hosea’s marriage shows that God continues to pursue His people even when they walk away (vv. 1-2).

Sin Has Real Consequences – The names of the children signify the breaking of covenant and the pain that follows (vv. 3-9).

Grace Has the Final Word – Despite the judgment, God’s promise to restore His people prevails (vv. 10-11).

Essential Question:

How do I respond to a God who continues to love and call me—even when I’ve turned away from Him?

Big Idea:

God’s faithful love relentlessly pursues His people, offering redemption and restoration—even in the midst of our rebellion.

Personal Applications:

Reflect on your spiritual “Gomer” moments: when have you wandered from God’s love and faithfulness?

Where do you need to receive God's mercy again today instead of living in shame?

Are you resting in the identity God has given you, or are you still living as if you're “not His people”?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is Sunnyside First Baptist a place where the spiritually broken can encounter God's faithful love without shame?

How does our church posture itself toward those who have "wandered"?

Are we proclaiming restoration in Christ more loudly than condemnation over sin?

SERMON 2: "Redeeming Love"

Primary Text: Hosea 3:1–5

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God redeems the unfaithful not with punishment, but with love. This redemption is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who buys us back not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood.

Expository Discussion:

Hosea 3 is a short but theologically rich chapter. God commands Hosea to show love again to Gomer, though she has committed adultery. Hosea redeems her by paying a price—half in silver and half in barley. He brings her home, not as a slave but as a beloved wife, though there must be a season of healing and re-commitment.

This story is a direct reflection of God's love for His people. Despite Israel’s idolatry and spiritual adultery, God is not content to abandon them. He redeems them and brings them back—not just to obedience, but to intimacy.

This act of redemption finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. We were spiritual adulterers, yet Jesus bought us back at the highest cost—His life—so that we could belong to Him forever.

Outline of the Passage:

1. Hosea’s Command to Love Again (v. 1) – God tells Hosea to take Gomer back despite her betrayal. 2. The Price of Redemption (v. 2) – Hosea pays a costly sum to reclaim his wife. 3. A Time of Renewal and Waiting (vv. 3-4) – Reconciliation requires transformation and healing. 4. A Promise of Future Faithfulness (v. 5) – God's people will return to Him with awe and reverence.

Message Points:

Redemption Requires Love Beyond Reason – God’s love is not deserved; it’s freely given (v. 1).

Redemption Comes at a Cost – Hosea pays a price; Christ pays the ultimate one (v. 2).

Redemption Leads to Relationship, Not Just Rescue – The goal is not mere rescue from sin, but restored intimacy (vv. 3–5).

Essential Question:

What does it mean to be redeemed by love when I have done nothing to deserve it?

Big Idea:

God’s love redeems the broken, pays the price for our return, and restores us into a relationship with Himself.

Personal Applications:

In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that God still loves and wants you?

Have you accepted Christ’s redemptive work for your past, or are you still trying to “earn your way back”?

How can you practice loving others with the same grace God has shown you?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church known more for grace or for judgment when broken people walk through our doors?

How are we embodying redemption in our community—restoring those who feel discarded or unworthy?

Are we calling people not just to “get right,” but to be reconnected in intimate relationship with Jesus?

SERMON 3: "Sowing and Reaping"

Primary Text: Hosea 8:1–14

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

When we sow sin, we reap destruction—but in Christ, God offers us a new harvest: righteousness, peace, and grace. Even when we plant the wrong things, His grace gives us the chance to start over.

Expository Discussion:

In Hosea 8, God issues a warning: Israel has sown wind and will reap the whirlwind (v. 7). The people have established kings without God’s approval (v. 4), trusted foreign powers for security (v. 9), and constructed idols with their own hands (v. 6). Their religious sacrifices are meaningless because their hearts are far from God.

The metaphor of sowing and reaping is agricultural, familiar to Hosea’s audience and powerfully relevant today. What we plant with our decisions—what we sow with our trust, time, and treasure—will produce a harvest.

Paul echoes this in Galatians 6:7–8, saying we either sow to the flesh or the Spirit. But the good news is this: because of Christ, we’re not doomed to reap destruction. Through grace, we’re given the opportunity to sow anew—to sow righteousness and reap mercy (Hosea 10:12).

Outline of the Passage:

1. Israel Has Forgotten Their God (vv. 1–4) – Their political alliances and decisions are godless. 2. Idolatry Has Corrupted Their Worship (vv. 5–7) – Their golden calf is worthless; they sow the wind. 3. Misplaced Trust in Nations (vv. 8–10) – Israel leans on Assyria instead of God. 4. Superficial Religion is Rejected (vv. 11–14) – Sacrifices without obedience are meaningless.

Message Points:

What We Sow Matters – Every decision, every trust, is a seed (vv. 1–7).

God Desires Heart-Driven Worship – Not rituals, but relationship (vv. 8–10).

Grace Invites Us to a New Harvest – We don’t have to keep reaping destruction (vv. 11–14).

Essential Question:

What seeds am I sowing in my life—and what harvest will they produce?

Big Idea:

While sin plants destruction, God’s grace offers a fresh field—where repentance, trust, and obedience grow a harvest of peace.

Personal Applications:

What habits, attitudes, or decisions in my life are sowing seeds of destruction or distance from God?

Am I pursuing religious rituals or relational obedience?

What new seeds do I need to start sowing in my spiritual life—prayer, humility, service?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we, as a church, sowing seeds of grace and truth—or are we just going through religious motions?

How can Sunnyside First Baptist be more intentional about planting gospel seeds in our community?

In what ways have we trusted human wisdom, programs, or politics more than the Spirit of God—and how do we return?

SERMON 4: "The Spirit Poured Out"

Primary Text: Joel 2:28–32

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

In His mercy, God promises not only restoration but His very presence. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, and through Him, the Holy Spirit is poured out to empower, renew, and unite His people.

Expository Discussion:

Joel speaks to a people devastated by locusts and drought—symbols of God’s judgment. But beginning in chapter 2, Joel announces God’s heart to restore what’s been lost (Joel 2:25) and then promises something even greater: God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

This is revolutionary. In the Old Testament, the Spirit rested selectively—on prophets, priests, and kings. But Joel promises a time when everyone—young and old, male and female, servant and free—will be filled with the Spirit of God.

Peter famously quotes this passage in Acts 2 at Pentecost, explaining that what the people were seeing—the Spirit being poured out—was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Christ, having died and risen, now sends the Spirit to empower the Church.

Outline of the Passage:

1. The Universal Outpouring of the Spirit (v. 28) – Sons and daughters, old and young, all receive the Spirit. 2. Visions, Dreams, and Prophecy (v. 29) – God empowers His people to speak and see clearly. 3. Signs in the Heavens (v. 30–31) – God’s actions point to the Day of the Lord. 4. Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord (v. 32) – God's mercy is extended to everyone who turns to Him.

Message Points:

God’s Spirit is For Everyone – No one is excluded from His empowering presence (vv. 28–29).

The Spirit Prepares Us for God’s Greater Work – He opens our eyes and equips us for ministry (vv. 29–31).

God Saves All Who Call on Him – The Spirit leads us to Christ and into salvation (v. 32).

Essential Question:

Am I living a Spirit-empowered life that reflects the presence and mission of Jesus?

Big Idea:

God’s promise of the Spirit is fulfilled in Christ—and through Him, we are empowered to live, speak, and serve with grace and boldness.

Personal Applications:

Do I truly believe the Holy Spirit is living and active in my life?

Am I open to being led, convicted, and empowered by the Spirit?

Where do I need the Spirit’s renewal—spiritually, emotionally, or missionally?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is Sunnyside First Baptist a Spirit-led church—or are we leaning on our own strength?

How are we equipping all generations—young and old—to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Are we proclaiming that salvation is for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord?

SERMON 5: "Let Justice Flow Like a River"

Primary Text: Amos 5:18–24

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God is not impressed by empty worship; He desires justice, righteousness, and mercy. In Christ, true worship is restored—not just in song, but in how we live. The cross reconciles us to God and compels us to live justly toward others.

Expository Discussion:

Amos, a shepherd-turned-prophet, speaks to a wealthy and religiously active Northern Kingdom. The people are celebrating festivals, singing worship songs, and offering sacrifices—but God isn’t impressed. In fact, He says, “I hate your feasts” (v. 21). Why? Because their worship is disconnected from justice.

God longs for a river of righteousness, not a stream of performance. He calls out the dissonance between public worship and private oppression.

Amos’s message echoes throughout Scripture. Isaiah 1:13-17 delivers a similar rebuke. Jesus echoes it in Matthew 23:23—condemning religious leaders who tithe mint and dill but neglect justice and mercy.

In Christ, true worship and justice meet. The One who died to satisfy God’s justice now empowers us by grace to live justly toward others.

Outline of the Passage:

1. False Hopes About the Day of the Lord (vv. 18–20) – Israel longs for God's arrival, unaware it will bring judgment. 2. God's Rejection of Their Worship (vv. 21–23) – Feasts, offerings, and songs are meaningless without righteousness. 3. God's Heartbeat for Justice (v. 24) – He desires justice to roll like a mighty river, not trickle like a shallow stream.

Message Points:

Empty Worship Offends God – Religious actions without righteousness are hypocrisy (vv. 21–23).

God Desires Integrity, Not Ceremony – Justice and righteousness are the true expressions of worship (v. 24).

Christ Makes Justice Personal – Jesus both fulfilled God’s justice and calls us to live it (Matthew 23:23; Luke 4:18).

Essential Question:

Does my worship extend beyond Sunday into how I live, love, and treat others every day?

Big Idea:

True worship is not just what we sing but how we live—especially in how we treat others with justice, mercy, and grace.

Personal Applications:

Do I compartmentalize my faith—worshiping on Sunday but ignoring God’s call to justice during the week?

Who in my life or neighborhood is being overlooked, underserved, or mistreated—and how can I respond with compassion and action?

In what ways do I need to align my heart with the justice and mercy of Jesus?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we a congregation that reflects the heart of God for the poor, the marginalized, and the hurting?

How can we make justice and mercy central—not just peripheral—to our church’s ministry?

Are our worship services motivating us to go out and make a real difference in Sunnyside and beyond?

SERMON 6: "The Downfall of the Proud"

Primary Text: Obadiah 1:1–21

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. In Christ, we are called to lay down our pride and find our identity in His mercy, not our own strength.

Expository Discussion:

Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, delivers a powerful word against Edom—descendants of Esau—who took advantage of Judah’s fall. Edom’s pride, security in geography, and betrayal of their “brother” Judah drew God’s judgment.

Obadiah shows us that God will bring down the arrogant and vindicate the humble. Yet even in this warning, there is hope: God promises restoration for His people and that His kingdom will prevail (v. 21).

The message of Obadiah finds fulfillment in Jesus. The proud are scattered, but the meek inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). At the cross, Jesus modeled perfect humility—and now calls us to do the same.

Outline of the Passage:

1. Edom’s Arrogance (vv. 1–9) – Trust in strength, wisdom, and allies will fail. 2. Edom’s Betrayal (vv. 10–14) – They rejoiced at Judah’s fall and exploited her weakness. 3. God’s Justice (vv. 15–18) – The day of the Lord will bring judgment on all nations. 4. Restoration and Reign (vv. 19–21) – God’s people will be restored, and His kingdom will triumph.

Message Points:

Pride Blinds Us to Our Need for God – Arrogance leads to spiritual downfall.

God Sees How We Treat Others in Their Pain – Compassion matters deeply to Him.

The Kingdom Belongs to the Humble – God will restore those who depend on Him.

Essential Question:

Where has pride taken root in my life, and how is it affecting my relationship with God and others?

Big Idea:

Pride leads to downfall, but humility opens the door to grace and restoration in Christ.

Personal Applications:

In what areas of my life am I trusting in myself instead of God?

How have I responded to the pain or failure of others—with compassion or superiority?

What steps do I need to take to cultivate humility?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we a church marked by humility and dependence on God—or pride in programs and size?

How do we respond to other churches or people in crisis?

How can we be a safe place for restoration, not criticism?

SERMON 7: "The God of Second Chances"

Primary Text: Jonah 3:1–10

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God is a God of second chances—for prophets like Jonah and for sinners like the people of Nineveh. In Jesus, we see the ultimate second chance: the offer of new life to all who repent.

Expository Discussion:

After initially fleeing from God’s call, Jonah is given another chance. God tells him a second time to go to Nineveh. Jonah obeys and preaches a message of coming judgment. Shockingly, the people of Nineveh—from the king to the animals—repent, fast, and cry out for mercy.

This chapter reveals God’s heart for the undeserving. Nineveh was violent and pagan, yet when they turned to God, He relented from judgment.

Jesus references Jonah in Matthew 12:40, identifying Himself as the greater Jonah. While Jonah preached reluctantly, Jesus came willingly. He didn’t just announce judgment—He took it for us.

Outline of the Passage:

1. Jonah’s Second Chance (v. 1–2) – God recommissions Jonah. 2. Jonah’s Message of Judgment (vv. 3–4) – A simple sermon sparks a revival. 3. Nineveh’s Repentance (vv. 5–9) – Humility and fasting reach from king to peasant. 4. God’s Mercy (v. 10) – God responds with compassion.

Message Points:

God is Willing to Use Us Again – Even after failure, God still calls.

No One is Beyond Redemption – Nineveh shows us God’s mercy is wide.

Repentance Changes Everything – God relents when people return to Him.

Essential Question:

Do I believe God still wants to use me—even after I’ve failed?

Big Idea:

God’s mercy gives us second chances—and when we repent, He restores and redeems.

Personal Applications:

Am I holding onto guilt over a past failure that God has already forgiven?

Who in my life have I written off as too far gone for God’s mercy?

What is my next “yes” to God’s call?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we offering second chances to those who’ve made mistakes?

How can we proclaim grace more loudly than judgment in our community?

Are we willing to go where God sends us—even if it's uncomfortable?

SERMON 8: "What Does God Require?"

Primary Text: Micah 6:6–8

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God doesn’t want elaborate offerings—He wants transformed lives. Christ lived out perfect justice, mercy, and humility and now calls us to walk in His steps by grace.

Expository Discussion:

In Micah 6, the prophet presents a courtroom scene: God brings charges against His people for forgetting His faithfulness. The people ask what God wants—sacrifices, oil, even their firstborn?

God responds clearly: “He has shown you… what is good.” What God requires is not more religious effort, but lives marked by justice, mercy, and humble walking with Him.

Jesus perfectly embodied this life—and His cross shows us justice (sin punished), mercy (sinners spared), and humility (God Himself becoming servant).

Outline of the Passage:

1. God’s Faithfulness Remembered (vv. 1–5) – He has redeemed and rescued. 2. False Responses to Guilt (vv. 6–7) – Sacrifices without heart change are rejected. 3. The Heart of True Religion (v. 8) – Justice, mercy, humility.

Message Points:

God Doesn’t Want Ritual—He Wants Relationship – Religion without justice is empty.

Faith Must Be Lived Out Publicly and Privately – Justice and mercy are daily calls.

Humility is the Posture of True Discipleship – We walk with God, not ahead of Him.

Essential Question:

What does my life truly say about what I believe God requires?

Big Idea:

God desires hearts that live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly—not just religious rituals.

Personal Applications:

Am I practicing justice in how I treat others, especially the vulnerable?

Do I extend mercy as freely as I want to receive it?

How can I grow in humility and daily dependence on God?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church known more for religious activity or for Christlike compassion?

How can we partner with local organizations to do justice and love mercy in our city?

Are we modeling humility in leadership, worship, and service?

SERMON 9: "Hope in the Coming King"

Primary Text: Micah 5:2–5

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God's answer to chaos and oppression is a humble, eternal King—Jesus. Born in Bethlehem, He reigns in peace and righteousness, and He is the hope of every heart.

Expository Discussion:

Micah prophesies that though Israel’s leaders have failed and the nation is in disarray, a ruler will come from Bethlehem. This is not just any ruler—this is the promised Messiah whose origins are “from ancient days.”

This passage points directly to Jesus Christ. Quoted in Matthew 2:6, this prophecy is fulfilled in His birth in Bethlehem. Unlike earthly kings who exploit, Jesus comes to shepherd, protect, and bring peace.

This King doesn’t rule by force but by grace. He secures His people not with weapons, but with His presence. He is the ruler our hearts were made for.

Outline of the Passage:

1. A Small Town, a Big Promise (v. 2) – Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Messiah. 2. A Season of Waiting (v. 3) – God’s people wait for redemption. 3. A Shepherd-King (v. 4) – He will care for His people with strength and peace. 4. The Prince of Peace (v. 5a) – Christ brings wholeness and security.

Message Points:

God’s Promises Often Begin in Humble Places – Bethlehem was overlooked, but not forgotten.

God Provides a Ruler Who Cares, Not Controls – Jesus shepherds, protects, and loves.

Jesus is Our Peace in a World of Chaos – Only Christ can settle our restless hearts.

Essential Question:

Where do I look for peace—and have I truly received it from Jesus, the Shepherd-King?

Big Idea:

Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is our eternal King who rules in peace and hope—and invites us to trust Him.

Personal Applications:

Am I seeking peace in Christ or in temporary comforts or accomplishments?

How can I follow Jesus more closely as my Shepherd and King this week?

Do I trust God to work through the small, unseen places of my life?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we as a church reflecting the peace and humility of our King?

How are we guiding others in our community to the hope of Jesus rather than fear or power?

Can Sunnyside First Baptist be a Bethlehem—a small place where Christ’s glory shines?

SERMON 10: "The Lord is Our Strength"

Primary Text: Nahum 1:7

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

In the face of evil and uncertainty, God is both a refuge and a righteous judge. Our strength doesn’t come from avoiding trouble—but from trusting the One who holds us in it.

Expository Discussion:

Nahum proclaims judgment on Nineveh, the Assyrian capital known for brutality. But amid warnings, verse 7 is a bright light: "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble."

This verse is especially powerful when understood in context—God is both just and good. He will confront evil and comfort the afflicted.

Jesus is our ultimate stronghold. In Him, God's justice is satisfied, and His goodness is poured out. We take refuge not in a place, but in a Person—Christ Himself.

Outline of the Passage:

1. God's Justice Declared (vv. 1–6) – The Lord is jealous and powerful. 2. God is Good and Gracious (v. 7) – He knows and protects those who trust Him. 3. The End of the Wicked (vv. 8–15) – God will destroy those who oppose Him and comfort His people.

Message Points:

God is a Safe Refuge in Every Storm – He shelters those who trust in Him.

God Knows and Sees His People – We are not forgotten in our pain.

God's Justice Will Prevail – Evil will not have the final word.

Essential Question:

Do I run to God in trouble—or do I try to fix everything on my own?

Big Idea:

The Lord is both righteous and good—He is our strength and refuge in every trouble.

Personal Applications:

Where in my life do I need to trust God instead of trying to control outcomes?

How can I remember God's goodness even when life feels hard?

Am I turning to the Lord as my strength or something else?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church a refuge for people in trouble?

Are we proclaiming both God’s justice and His goodness with clarity and love?

How can we serve as a voice of strength and peace in our city?

SERMON 11: "The Righteous Shall Live by Faith"

Primary Text: Habakkuk 2:1–4

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

When life doesn't make sense, faith is what holds us. In Jesus, we have the assurance that the just live not by sight—but by trust in the One who sees the whole picture.

Expository Discussion:

Habakkuk struggles with a hard question: Why does evil seem to win? God answers, but not the way Habakkuk expects. Babylon will indeed be judged—but not right away. In the waiting, God calls His people to faith: “The righteous shall live by his faith.”

This verse becomes a cornerstone of Christian theology—quoted in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. We are made righteous not by works, but by faith.

Jesus invites us into a life of faith—a trust that clings to God even when the world seems unjust or uncertain.

Outline of the Passage:

1. The Watchman's Position (v. 1) – Habakkuk waits for God's answer. 2. God's Vision is Sure (v. 2–3) – His plans may delay, but they never fail. 3. The Proud Fall, the Faithful Stand (v. 4) – Faith is the foundation of righteousness.

Message Points:

God’s Timing is Perfect, Even When It Feels Delayed – He calls us to wait in hope.

Faith is the Lifeline in Times of Confusion – The righteous cling to God’s promises.

True Righteousness Comes by Trust, Not Trying Harder – We are saved by grace through faith.

Essential Question:

When life is uncertain, do I live by fear or by faith?

Big Idea:

Faith is trusting God's character and promises—even when we don’t understand His timing or ways.

Personal Applications:

What area of life is requiring me to trust God without seeing the full picture?

Am I trying to earn righteousness, or am I living in grace through faith in Christ?

How can I strengthen my faith in a season of delay or disappointment?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church cultivating a faith-filled environment, not just a performance-based one?

How do we model faith in the face of community challenges and unanswered questions?

Are we teaching people to trust God deeply, even when things don’t make sense?

SERMON 12: "Rejoicing in Trials"

Primary Text: Habakkuk 3:17–19

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

Real joy isn’t rooted in what we have—but in who God is. Through Christ, we can rejoice even in lack because our strength and salvation are secure in Him.

Expository Discussion:

Habakkuk 3 is a hymn—a response to the difficult revelations God has given about coming judgment. Despite knowing famine and hardship are near, Habakkuk declares that he will rejoice in the Lord.

His circumstances haven’t changed—but his perspective has. His joy is not in harvests or livestock, but in the God of his salvation.

This deep, enduring joy is only possible through faith in Christ. Jesus teaches us to rejoice in persecution (Matt. 5:12), and Paul echoes Habakkuk’s song from a prison cell in Philippians 4:4. Christ Himself, who endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Heb. 12:2), now gives us joy that endures.

Outline of the Passage:

1. The Reality of Loss (v. 17) – Crops fail, flocks vanish—disaster strikes. 2. The Resolve to Rejoice (v. 18) – Joy is found not in blessings, but in the Lord. 3. The Strength to Endure (v. 19) – God enables us to rise above the valleys.

Message Points:

Our Joy Isn’t Dependent on Our Circumstances – We can rejoice even in loss.

Faith Chooses to Rejoice Before the Blessing Comes – Joy is a choice rooted in trust.

God Gives Strength to the Weary – He enables us to walk through hardship with hope.

Essential Question:

When life gets stripped down to nothing, can I still rejoice in who God is?

Big Idea:

True joy doesn’t depend on what we have—it flows from the God who is always enough.

Personal Applications:

Am I basing my joy on what I have—or on who God is?

How can I cultivate gratitude even in seasons of loss or difficulty?

Where do I need God’s strength to walk with sure feet?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we teaching and modeling joy even when things don’t go our way?

How can we support members who are experiencing loss with grace and hope?

Is our worship joyful because of blessings—or because of God’s character?

SERMON 13: "The Lord in Our Midst"

Primary Text: Zephaniah 3:14–17

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God isn’t distant—He delights in His people and dwells with them. In Christ, God comes near, rejoices over us with singing, and gives us rest in His love.

Expository Discussion:

Zephaniah begins with intense judgment but ends with breathtaking hope. In chapter 3, God promises to restore His people, remove fear, and dwell among them with joy.

Verse 17 is one of the most tender in the Old Testament. God is not only present—He’s rejoicing over His people with singing. He’s not just tolerating us—He’s delighting in us.

This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, “God with us” (Matt. 1:23), who came to dwell among us and make His home in our hearts (John 14:23). Through Christ, we live in the reality of Zephaniah’s prophecy every day.

Outline of the Passage:

1. A Call to Sing and Rejoice (v. 14) – God’s people respond to His salvation. 2. God Removes Fear and Judgment (v. 15) – He fights for and defends us. 3. God Rejoices Over His People (v. 17) – He is present, loving, and singing.

Message Points:

God is With Us, Not Against Us – He’s removed our judgment in Christ.

God Rejoices Over Us with Love – He delights in His children.

God’s Presence Brings Peace – We are safe and secure in Him.

Essential Question:

Do I believe that God delights in me and rejoices over me?

Big Idea:

God is not just near—He sings over us with joy, and His love quiets our fears.

Personal Applications:

Do I live like someone God actually delights in—or do I assume He’s disappointed?

Where do I need to rest in the quietness of God’s love today?

How can I let God’s presence shape my identity and peace?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we cultivating a joyful atmosphere of worship rooted in God’s love?

How can our church help people experience God’s nearness, not just know about it?

Are we known as a place of peace and joy for the anxious and weary?

SERMON 14: "A Call to Rebuild"

Primary Text: Haggai 1:1–11

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

When we prioritize our comfort over God’s mission, life feels empty. Christ calls us to build His kingdom first—then everything else falls into place.

Expository Discussion:

After returning from exile, the people of Judah began rebuilding the temple—but they stopped. Instead, they focused on their own homes and comforts. Haggai calls them out: “You live in paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins” (v. 4).

The result? They plant much but harvest little. They earn wages but lose them to holes in their pockets.

This isn’t punishment—it’s a wake-up call. God is calling His people to re-prioritize. Jesus echoes this in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God…”

In Christ, we are the new temple (1 Cor. 3:16). When we build His house—His mission—He builds ours.

Outline of the Passage:

1. God Confronts Misplaced Priorities (vv. 1–4) – The people have forgotten God’s house. 2. Fruitless Labor and Frustration (vv. 5–6) – Life without God at the center brings emptiness. 3. A Call to Action and Obedience (vv. 7–11) – Rebuild. Refocus. Return.

Message Points:

Comfort Becomes Idolatry When it Comes Before God – Priorities reveal our hearts.

Fruitfulness Flows from Faithfulness – God blesses what’s done in His name.

God Calls Us to Build What Matters Most – His house, His kingdom, His mission.

Essential Question:

What am I building with my life—and is God at the center of it?

Big Idea:

When we prioritize God's kingdom over our comfort, He fills our lives with purpose and blessing.

Personal Applications:

Where have I placed my comfort over God’s mission?

What does rebuilding God’s “house” look like in my own life—prayer, community, service?

Am I more focused on building my name or His?

Church/Corporate Applications:

How is our church investing in God’s mission rather than internal maintenance?

What needs “rebuilding” in our ministry, priorities, or outreach?

Are we inviting others to join in building something eternal?

SERMON 15: "The Desire of All Nations"

Primary Text: Haggai 2:6–9

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God promises to shake the world so that what is eternal will remain. In Christ, the Desire of all nations has come—and His glory fills the true temple: His people.

Expository Discussion:

Haggai encourages a discouraged people. The second temple seemed unimpressive compared to Solomon’s, and the people felt disheartened. But God promises something greater: He will shake the heavens and the earth, and “the Desire of all nations” will come (v. 7).

This prophecy looks forward to Jesus Christ, the One in whom all nations find their hope. He is the greater glory who enters the temple (John 2:19–21). God fills His house not with silver or gold, but with His own presence.

Through Jesus, we are now His temple (1 Cor. 3:16), filled with His glory and commissioned to reflect it in a broken world.

Outline of the Passage:

1. God Will Shake the Nations (vv. 6–7a) – He disrupts what is temporary. 2. The Desire of All Nations Will Come (v. 7b) – Christ is the fulfillment of this longing. 3. Glory Greater Than Before (vv. 8–9) – God's presence is what makes the temple glorious.

Message Points:

God Uses Shaking to Refocus Us – Trials reveal what truly matters.

Christ is the Treasure All People Long For – He is the Desire of every heart.

God Fills His House with Peace and Presence – The glory of Jesus outshines all.

Essential Question:

Where am I looking for security—and am I truly treasuring Christ above all?

Big Idea:

When everything else shakes, Christ remains—and in Him we find the glory, peace, and treasure we need.

Personal Applications:

What “shakings” in my life are exposing misplaced priorities or false hopes?

Is Christ truly the deepest desire of my heart?

How can I reflect His peace and glory in the places I live and work?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church placing greater value on programs and buildings—or on the presence of Christ?

How are we helping our community find hope in Jesus rather than in worldly treasures?

Are we a people filled with His peace, pointing to His unshakable kingdom?

SERMON 16: "Not by Might, Nor by Power"

Primary Text: Zechariah 4:6–10

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God’s work is not accomplished through human effort but by the power of His Spirit. Jesus sends His Spirit to empower the church to do the impossible—by grace.

Expository Discussion:

Zechariah encourages Zerubbabel, the governor tasked with rebuilding the temple. The opposition is intense, and the project seems impossible. But God gives a vision of a golden lampstand powered by an endless flow of oil—symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

The message is clear: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” God’s kingdom is not built on human strength but on supernatural supply. Jesus, the true temple-builder, pours out His Spirit on His Church to do what we could never do alone.

Outline of the Passage:

1. The Word to Zerubbabel (v. 6) – God’s Spirit, not strength, will accomplish the work. 2. Mountains Will Become Plains (v. 7) – Obstacles will be leveled by grace. 3. The Day of Small Things (vv. 8–10) – God rejoices in faithful beginnings.

Message Points:

God’s Power is Greater Than Our Limitations – The Spirit accomplishes what we can’t.

Obstacles Fall Before the Spirit of God – What feels like a mountain is nothing to Him.

Faithfulness in Small Things Matters Deeply to God – Every step counts.

Essential Question:

Am I trusting in God’s Spirit—or my own strength—to do His work?

Big Idea:

What God starts, He finishes—not by might or muscle, but by the power of His Spirit.

Personal Applications:

Am I overwhelmed by something that only God can do?

Where do I need to surrender my striving and rely on the Holy Spirit?

How can I be faithful in the “small things” God has called me to?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we building God’s work with His strength—or just human strategy?

How do we cultivate dependence on the Spirit in our planning, praying, and leading?

What “small beginnings” should we celebrate in our ministry?

SERMON 17: "The Coming King"

Primary Text: Zechariah 9:9–10

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

Jesus is the humble, victorious King who enters not on a war horse but on a donkey. He brings peace to the world—and to our hearts.

Expository Discussion:

This passage is one of the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in Matthew 21 when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. He is not a conquering general but a peaceful King, offering salvation to the nations.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy perfectly. He is both righteous and victorious—but He comes in humility. This contrasts the expectations of many: instead of conquering Rome, He conquers sin and death. Instead of taking life, He lays His down.

In Christ, peace isn’t just political—it’s spiritual, relational, eternal.

Outline of the Passage:

1. A Call to Rejoice (v. 9a) – The King is coming! 2. The Character of the King (v. 9b) – Righteous, victorious, and humble. 3. The Reach of His Peace (v. 10) – His reign extends to the ends of the earth.

Message Points:

Jesus is the King We Didn’t Expect—but Always Needed – Humble, not hostile.

Christ’s Victory Brings True Peace – He breaks the bow, not bones.

The Kingdom of Christ is Global and Eternal – His rule brings rest to all.

Essential Question:

Have I truly welcomed Jesus as King—not just Savior?

Big Idea:

Jesus is the righteous and humble King who brings peace—not by domination, but by sacrifice.

Personal Applications:

Have I surrendered every part of my life to Jesus’ kingship?

Am I living with the humility of a citizen of Christ’s kingdom?

How can I be an agent of His peace in a divided world?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we proclaiming the full Kingship of Christ, not just His comfort?

How do we reflect His humility in our leadership and service?

In what ways can our church be a peacemaking presence in our city?

SERMON 18: "The Refining Fire"

Primary Text: Malachi 3:1–4

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

God doesn’t abandon His people—He purifies them. Through Christ, the Refiner’s fire doesn’t destroy us; it makes us holy, whole, and useful.

Expository Discussion:

Malachi prophesies the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord—ultimately fulfilled in John the Baptist (Mark 1:2–3). But when the Lord comes, He won’t just comfort—He will refine.

God is not satisfied with superficial religion. He is after a purified people who worship in spirit and truth. Like a refiner with silver or a launderer with garments, He removes impurity—not out of cruelty, but out of love.

Christ fulfills this through His work on the cross and by sending the Holy Spirit. He sanctifies His Church, preparing us to be a radiant bride (Eph. 5:25–27).

Outline of the Passage:

1. The Messenger Who Prepares (v. 1a) – Fulfilled in John the Baptist. 2. The Lord Who Comes to His Temple (v. 1b) – Fulfilled in Jesus. 3. The Refiner’s Purpose (vv. 2–3) – To purify, not destroy. 4. The Resulting Worship (v. 4) – Righteous offerings that please God.

Message Points:

God Comes to Purify, Not Punish – The fire removes what doesn’t belong.

True Worship Requires a Refined Heart – Our lives must match our offerings.

Christ is the Refiner Who Makes Us New – He sanctifies us by His grace.

Essential Question:

Am I resisting God’s refining fire—or am I surrendering to His loving transformation?

Big Idea:

Jesus, the Refiner, lovingly burns away impurity—not to shame us, but to shape us into vessels of glory.

Personal Applications:

What area of my life is God refining right now—and am I cooperating with His process?

How has Christ already transformed me—and where does He still want to grow me?

Am I offering my whole life to God as a pleasing sacrifice?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Is our church willing to go through refining seasons for greater holiness and effectiveness?

Are we more focused on appearance or authenticity in our worship?

How can we foster a culture of growth, repentance, and transformation?

SERMON 19: "The Sun of Righteousness"

Primary Text: Malachi 4:1–6

Christ-Centered & Grace-Driven Theme:

The day is coming when evil will be judged and righteousness will rise like the sun. In Christ, we live in the warmth of that light, healed and sent as His restored people.

Expository Discussion:

Malachi closes with a dual vision: judgment for the arrogant and healing for the righteous. The "sun of righteousness" is a metaphor for the coming Messiah, who brings light and life.

For those who revere God’s name, this day is not one of dread but of joy. The picture is beautiful: healing, leaping like calves, and restored hearts. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise—the light of the world who rises with healing in His wings (John 8:12).

Elijah is mentioned as one who will come before this great day—fulfilled in John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).

Outline of the Passage:

1. A Warning to the Arrogant (v. 1) – The day of the Lord brings justice. 2. A Promise to the Righteous (v. 2) – Healing, joy, and restored life. 3. A Final Call to Remember and Return (vv. 3–6) – Keep the covenant and prepare for Christ.

Message Points:

The Light of Christ Heals What Sin Has Broken – Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness.

The Day of the Lord is a Joy for the Redeemed – Judgment is not feared but fulfilled.

God’s Grace Sends Us Out with a Mission – Restored hearts lead to renewed lives.

Essential Question:

Am I living in the light of Christ—or hiding in the shadows of my past or fear?

Big Idea:

Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, has risen with healing in His wings—and His light transforms everything it touches.

Personal Applications:

Where do I need the healing light of Jesus to rise in my life?

am I living with joy in the presence of Christ—or fear of the future?

How can I reflect the light of Jesus to others this week?

Church/Corporate Applications:

Are we a church that reflects the healing and light of Christ to our community?

How can we help people prepare for the Day of the Lord with joy, not fear?

What does it look like to live as children of the light in Sunnyside today?