GraceHill Church: Weekly Sermons

Finding Hope in Hopeless Times | Isaiah 9:1-7

A sermon by Yan Kislitsa from Isaiah 9:1-7.
Although the book of Isaiah contains prophecies for Israel, the hope of both Israel and Judah is also ours, as it is anchored in the same Messiah who came once to save us from sin and will come again to reign in glory.
Big Idea: Our hope for the future is reinforced by trusting in God's promises and His plan.
No matter how desperate your situation may be, trust in God’s promises (1-5)
No matter how absurd God’s method of salvation may seem to us, trust in God’s plan (4b, 6-7)

The Heart of Christ Towards Sinners | Matthew 23:37-39

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 23:37-39.
Having just condemned the religious leaders of His people as hypocrites, and with those rebukes still ringing in the ears of the crowd, Jesus begins to openly express His heart — a broken heart for the very people He has just condemned. Here's a picture of God: one who does not delight in the destruction of sinners but rejoices when they turn from their sin and flee to Him for grace.
Big Idea: Behold and bestow God’s compassion, which continually pursues to protect us from the coming judgment.
Behold God’s Compassion in the Person of Jesus (37a)
Shelter In God’s Protection Under the Wings of Jesus (37b-38)
Bestow God’s Compassion to Sinners Like You (39)

Woes: Whom Does the King Reject? | Matthew 23:13-36

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 23:13-36.
Just like the Sermon on the Mount is best known for the Beatitudes, which describe the character and attitudes of those the King approves, Matthew 23 is best known for the Woes, which describe the character and attitudes of those whom the King rejects.
Big Idea: All who refuse to humble themselves and cling to Christ will be humbled and rejected!
All Who Are Barriers to Christ (13-15)
All Who Are Blinded by Their Self-Righteous Obedience (16-24)
All Who Dress Up Their Unrepentant Hearts with Religion (25-36)

Exposing the Pharisee Hearts | Matthew 23:1-12

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 23:1-12.
While some may be tempted to title this chapter 'The Mean Jesus,' it is His grace and compassion that are on display, as He speaks the truth, serving as a warning for His disciples today.
Big Idea: The heart of Pharisaism is hypocrisy, which appears to be confident in God but is confident in self.
3 lessons from Christ's exposure of the Pharisee hearts:
Study Scripture as the Direction to Christ Instead of Destination in Itself (1-3)
Bless Others with Christ Instead of Burdening Them with the Law (4)
Serve Others Like Christ Instead of Showing Off Yourself (5-12)

What Kind Of Savior Do You Need? | Matthew 22:41-46

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 22:41-46.
Jesus' final question to the Pharisees compels us to grapple with our understanding of salvation. What type of Savior is Christ? What kind of Messiah are we seeking? The type of Savior we're looking for depends on our perception of the trouble we're in.
Big Idea:Our slavery to sin requires a total Savior - One who is both Man and God!
You Need a Human Savior to Bear Your Curse (41-42)
You Need a Divine Savior to Give You Life (43-46)

What is the Center of the Law? | Matthew 22:34-40

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 22:34-40.
Has anyone ever obeyed the 'great commandment'? Yes, and that's precisely Matthew's point. When applying this text, we should first consider Jesus before ourselves.
Big Idea: The center of God's Law is love for God and His people, which is perfectly revealed and fulfilled in Jesus.
A Tempting Request (34-36)
A Penetrating Response (37-39)
A Gospel Reflection (40)

Masquerading Unbelief | Matthew 22:23-33

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 22:23-33.
Having handled the first trap, Jesus is asked another deceitful question. Although on the surface, the issues appear to be those of death and resurrection, the deeper issue is unbelief, which Jesus diagnoses and addresses.
Big Idea: Beware! Unbelief uses reason and morality as a cover-up to discredit God and avoid dealing with Gospel realities.
Unbelief Presented (23-28)
Unbelief Diagnosed (29)
Unbelief Corrected (30-33)
 
 

Giving Back What Belongs to God | Matthew 22:15-22

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 22:15-22.
Beginning at 22:15, Matthew presents the first of three deceitful attempts to trap Jesus. Everyone gangs up against Him to catch Him in some controversy. The question posed to Jesus is essentially this: "What is your relationship to the government, Jesus? Are you for the Romans or for the Jews?" His answer is very surprising! As Jesus' opponents are hoping to catch Him committing treason against the state, He exposes their treason against God!
Big Idea: Our primary duty is to give back to God, from whom all other duties originate.
A Secret Trap (15-17)
A Sovereign Trial (18)
A Surprising Twist (19-22)

What is the Gospel? | John 3:16

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from John 3:16.
The truth of John 3:16 is simple, yet it is so profound and weighty. It reveals the heart of the gospel, which is vitally needed for the unbeliever as well as the believer.
Big Idea: The Gospel is a revelation of the gift of life.
The Gospel Is a Revelation
The Gospel Is a Gift
The Gospel is Life

Who Is Worthy? He Is! | Matthew 22:1-14

A sermon by Pastor Tim Vusik from Matthew 22:1-14.
The final parable in which Jesus continues to indict the religious leaders for their faithlessness is about a wedding, but with an unusual ending. Instead of the couple entering the wedding chambers with great joy, the parable ends with a man entering the outer darkness with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Something profound happens. The groom and his father are terribly dishonored.
Big Idea: Embrace God's gracious invitation to His banquet with humility and faith, for He is truly worthy!
The Great Invitation (1-3a)
The Gross Insult (3b-6)
The Grave Indignation (7)
The Gracious Inclination (8-14)