Edgefield Church Nashville – Sermons

All Came to Pass: Joshua 13-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:02:39 -0500

The promises that came to pass in Joshua preview the promises that have come to pass, and will come to pass in the christian life.

Thus the LORD Will Do: Joshua 9-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:20:11 -0500

Joshua is portrayed as the savior of Israel, defeating Israel's enemies and providing a home for them. How does what Joshua did for Israel help us better understand what Jesus did for us?

Let This Be Recorded: Psalm 102

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:02:33 -0500

Groaning over the effects of sin and death is a defining feature of our life here on earth. Psalm 102 describes both this groaning, and the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus.

Is God for Us?: Joshua 7-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:19:05 -0500

The most important question you need to know the answer to is if God is for you or against you. If he is for you, you cannot fall. If he is against you, you cannot stand. So how can we know if God is for us?

Devoted To The Lord: Joshua 5:13-6:27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:19:02 -0500

The battle of Jericho is at the same time the most familiar story in Joshua, and perhaps the most challenging story for how we see God and our relation to him. To truly understand this battle, we need to see who is fighting, how he’s fighting, why he’s fighting, and how we can join him.

What Will Heaven Be Like?: Revelation 21:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:41:03 -0500

What will heaven be like? Heaven is both a place and a person.

Faith Before the Fight: Joshua 5:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:25:44 -0500

The Israelites battle preparation is the opposite of what we would expect. Faith in God's promises and a reliance on God's grace was what the Israelites needed most in battle.

How You Shall Know: Joshua 3-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:19:05 -0600

We build a confident hope in God by cultivating our remembrance of His demonstrated power.

Your God, He Is God: Joshua 2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:37:01 -0600

Why was Rahab willing to risk everything to save a couple of Israelite spies?

Strong and Courageous: Joshua 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:12:54 -0600

God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous throughout Joshua chapter 1. What is courage, why is it necessary, and how do we get it?

The King Has Left the Building: Luke 24:1-53

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:58:33 -0600

Christian confidence, joy, and worship is rooted in the risen and reigning Messiah.

King of the Jews: Luke 23:26-56

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:44:08 -0600

What do you see when you see Jesus hanging on a cross?

No Guilt in This Man: Luke 22:63-23:25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:04:37 -0600

What was the plan behind Jesus going through a trial to prove his innocence, only to be sentenced to death?

Not My Will But Yours: Luke 22:1-62

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:31:31 -0600

Why would Jesus allow himself to be forsaken by everyone?

Rejoicing in Our Sufferings: Romans 5:3-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:05:40 -0600

How can we not just rejoice despite our suffering, but actually in our suffering?

Call Confirmed: 2 Peter 1:3-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:13:52 -0600

With the Gospel as our foundation and godliness as our charge, we should make every effort to pursue virtue for assurance of our calling.

Good News for the Nations: Luke 24:45-47

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:19:20 -0600

How does the season of Christmas relate to Jesus's mission to bring Good News to the nations?

The Weary World Rejoices: John 1:1-5, 14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:30:44 -0600

We often assume our weariness comes from having too much to do, too much to think about, too much of something or another. But have you ever considered whether weariness might flow from having too little of what you need most?

Good News for the Lost: Luke 19:10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:32:37 -0600

What does it mean that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost?

Good News for the Sinner: Luke 5:31-32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:46:07 -0600

Jesus's prerequisites for the kingdom are different than what we would expect. He didn't come to call the righteous, but the sinner.

Good News for the Poor: Luke 4:17-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:16:30 -0600

Only those who recognize their poverty can accept the freedom that Jesus came to offer.

Watch Yourselves: Luke 21:5-38

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:27:02 -0600

How often do you think about where the history of the world is going? Jesus tells us signs of the end, but more importantly what our posture should be towards it.

What Will You Live On?: Luke 20:45-21:4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:44:17 -0600

Jesus's condemnation of the scribes and praise of the widow faces us with a question. What will you live on?

By What Authority: Luke 20:1-44

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:56:15 -0600

How do you evaluate a figure like Jesus?

Up to Jerusalem: Luke 19:28-48

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:41:17 -0600

The way Jesus comes to Jerusalem foreshadows the work he has come to do.

The Grace of Lament: Psalm 77

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 13:55:30 -0500

When difficult circumstances don’t make sense, this Psalm show us we can turn to God, complain to Him, ask questions, and trust that He will be faithful.

About the Kingdom Business: Luke 19:11-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:30:55 -0500

How you steward the King’s gifts reveals where your loyalty actually lies.

Have Mercy: Luke 18:9-19:10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:26:38 -0500

Who can enter God’s kingdom? All those and only those who come through Jesus for mercy.

Will He Find Faith on Earth?: Luke 17:20-18:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 13:33:07 -0500

God’s kingdom is unobservable now, but its coming will be unmistakable and unexpected. In the meantime, how should we seek His kingdom?

Living the Kingdom Life: Luke 17:1-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:18:26 -0500

From five short teachings of Jesus we learn more about what it means to follow him, and how that is so different from what the world calls us to.

What Is Exalted: Luke 16:14-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:25:12 -0500

The Pharisees wanted to be seen by others, not God. Will you live your life to prove yourself toward God or others?

You Can't Serve God and Money: Luke 16:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 13:04:40 -0500

Jesus warns us that is impossible to serve both God and money. But how can we make sure that money is not our master?

Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Romans 1:16-17

Joel Kurz — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:14:15 -0500

Guest Preacher Joel Kurz of The Garden Church in Baltimore, MD:

Gospel confidence flows from gospel comfort.

Rejoice with Me: Luke 15:1-32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:53:51 -0500

The Pharisees were repulsed by the very people Jesus rejoiced in. Through these parables, we learn that heaven celebrates when sinners repent and turn to Him. Do we share in that joy, or do we stand at a distance like the Pharisees?

Count the Cost: Luke 14:1-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:32:34 -0500

The kingdom of God is completely free, and costs you everything. What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus?

Unless You Repent: Luke 13:1-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:52:44 -0500

The need for everyone to repent was central to Jesus's message, but He warns us that many will not. Jesus stands welcome to all that will turn to Him, so why is it that so many of us won't?

Be Ready: Luke 12:35-59

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:39:51 -0500

A crucial part of treasuring God’s kingdom is staying ready for Jesus to come again. But how can we be ready?

Seek His Kingdom: Luke 12:13-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 13:51:04 -0500

In the Bible’s perspective on money, what matters most is not how much you do or do not have, but what your money is to you. Because what your money is to you reflects who God is to you.

Rejoicing in God's Presence: Psalm 23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 14:08:51 -0500

How can you rejoice in God’s presence no matter what you’re feeling or what you’re facing?

Blood Money: Mark 14:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:56:24 -0500

Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, but Mary was willing to give everything for him. Can you be bought away from Jesus, or are you willing to give him your whole life?

The Bread of Life: John 6:25-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:23:53 -0500

Why do you come to Jesus? For what you want, or what Jesus says you need?

Keeping your Heart: Proverbs 4:23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:33:50 -0500

Keeping the heart is one of the most important duties in the Christian life. In this proverb we see what is the matter of the duty, the manner of the duty, and the motive for the duty.

The Devil's Worst Enemy: Philippians 2:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:49:50 -0500

In Jesus, God has united believers unto himself and to one another through the gospel. But how do churches pursue this kind of gospel unity together?

Living with the End in View: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:36:07 -0500

What mindset should a Christian have? Here Peter shows us how to live with the end in view, for the glory of God.

Keep Running the Race of Faith: Hebrews 10:19-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 12:12:55 -0500

In Hebrews 10:19-25 we are encouraged to keep running our race of faith by drawing near to God, by holding fast to our confession of hope, by stirring up one another to love and good works, and by continuing to gather as God’s church, all because of the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus and the never-ending faithfulness of God to his promises.

Whom to Fear: Luke 11:37-12:12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 21:09:45 -0500

Religious hypocrites fear other people, because they don’t fear the Lord. Followers of Jesus fear the Lord, so they have no reason to fear other people.

Stand with Jesus: Luke 11:14-36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:31:23 -0500

In this passage Jesus confronts us all with a striking and inescapable choice. We are either with him, or we are against him. Where do you stand with Jesus?

The Better Portion: Luke 10:38-11:13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 May 2025 12:52:15 -0500

When you are a follower of Jesus you are called to prioritize Jesus' words, prioritize God's will, and pursue them shamelessly.

Who Is My Neighbor?: Luke 10:25-37

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 May 2025 16:10:22 -0500

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar and beloved stories in the Bible. But what is it doing in Luke’s Gospel, and what is the point for us?

He Set His Face: Luke 9:51-10:24

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:52:23 -0500

How can you make Jesus’s mission as central to your life as it was to his?

Remember: Joshua 1:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 May 2025 14:14:52 -0500

By looking at the first chapter of the book of Joshua we see that God remembers God's promises, God's servant remembers God's precepts, and God's soldiers remember God's people.

Ecclesiastes Seminar - Bobby Jamieson

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 01 May 2025 11:36:50 -0500

Absurd, Gift, Beyond: An Overview of Ecclesiastes

Evangelism According to Ecclesiastes: Ancient Remedies for the Ills of Modernity

Bobby Jamieson — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Seminar from Pastor Bobby Jamieson of Trinity Baptist Church (Chapel Hill, NC) to The Gospel Coalition – Nashville Chapter gathering on April 30, 2025.

For centuries, readers have been struck by how modern the book of Ecclesiastes sounds. It diagnoses the human condition with stunning depth and timeless relevance. This message will offer fresh pathways to the gospel, and equip us to evangelize secular neighbors, by showing how Ecclesiastes addresses our experiences of the absurd, alienation, resonance, and more.

Discipleship 101 - Cross Before Crown: Luke 9:18-50

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:48:13 -0500

Have you rightly assessed the cost of following Jesus? In Luke 9:18-50, we see that Jesus’ disciples are called to carry a cross before they wear a crown.

He Is Not Here But Has Risen: Luke 24:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:08:34 -0500

Why do Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Why does it matter whether Jesus rose from the dead? And what if I believe Jesus DID rise from the dead?

Proclaim The Kingdom: Luke 9:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:44:33 -0500

To follow Jesus is to keep his mission at the centre of your life: proclaiming the kingdom of God, trusting the power of God.

Who Then Is This?: Luke 8:22-56

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 18:54:13 -0500

What must you know to know peace? That Jesus rules with absolute authority, and Jesus rules with life-giving love.

How You Hear: Luke 8:1-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:55:45 -0500

It’s one thing to hear God’s word, and another thing to hear it well. Take care how you hear.

Who Will Love Him More?: Luke 7:36-50

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:29:46 -0500

Because Jesus welcomes sinners, welcomed sinners treasure Jesus.

What Did You Expect?: Luke 7:18-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:53:49 -0500

How does Jesus respond when even his must trusted followers are tempted to question him? And where should we turn with the doubt that drives our questions?

Say the Word: Luke 7:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:58:33 -0500

These two simple stories, of Jesus’s authority matched with compassion, show us the faith that we need and the Savior we can rely on.

On the Rock: Luke 6:43-49

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:48:48 -0600

What we treasure drives what we do. What we do reveals what we treasure. What are your actions saying about what’s in your heart? Do you treasure Jesus?

Love Your Enemies: Luke 6:27-42

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:38:26 -0600

If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re called to love your enemies because God loved you when you were his enemy.

Are You Blessed?: Luke 6:12-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:13:46 -0600

Whatever reveals your desperate need for Jesus is a blessing. Whatever blinds you to your need for Jesus is a threat.

Fresh Wineskins: Luke 5:33-6:11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:40:57 -0600

To understand Jesus we need to know that he’s not a Pharisee. To benefit from Jesus, we can’t be Pharisees either.

Reclaiming Godliness: Titus 2:11-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:15:51 -0600

In this passage we see how godliness is driven by grace and directed towards glory.

The Friend of Sinners: Luke 5:1-32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:03:05 -0600

Through this series of remarkable signs, Luke shows us what to expect if we come to Jesus.

Mission Statement: Luke 4:14-44

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 15:37:43 -0600

In Jesus’s first public appearances, Luke defines for us the mission Jesus lived for.

Son of Adam, Son of God: Luke 3:21-4:13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:35:45 -0600

Jesus came to win the battle that Adam lost. Luke shows us why he was qualified to fight for God’s people, and how he conquered.

Prepare: Luke 3:1-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:40:05 -0600

Whether we’re prepared for Jesus hinges on whether we want the change he came to demand and enable.

Looking For Me?: Luke 2:41-52

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 12:31:43 -0600

Jesus makes clear his identity and his mission as the Son of God, and asks us, like Mary & Joseph, "Looking for me?"

From Loss Through Longing To Love: Luke 2:36-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:39:20 -0600

The arc of Anna’s story is the arc of the Gospel and the arc of the Christian life: from loss, through longing, to love for Jesus and the hope of his return.

My Eyes Have Seen: Luke 2:22-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:40:10 -0600

Whether we, like Simeon, find consolation in Jesus depends on what we’re living for.

Good News: Luke 2:1-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:13:44 -0600

This familiar story is meant to shock us so that it can shape us.

Promises Made, Promises Kept: Luke 1:57-80

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:05:43 -0600

When God makes promises, He keeps them. How will you respond to what He has already promised?

My Spirit Rejoices: Luke 1:39-56

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 18:10:31 -0600

Seek Mary’s joy in God, through Mary’s humility before God.

Let It Be: Luke 1:26-38

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 14:06:41 -0600

To benefit from Mary’s son, we must share Mary’s faith.

A People Prepared: Luke 1:5-25

Bill Heerman — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:51:13 -0600

The Gospel of Luke opens by announcing the birth of John the Baptist, who will prepare God’s people to receive the message of Jesus. In John’s birth announcement we hear a resounding echo of God’s faithfulness in the Old Testament, giving us a sure and steady confidence that we can trust God to be faithful to his people again, because he always has.

That You May Have Certainty: Luke 1:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 15:00:06 -0600

Luke wrote this book not merely to inform us, but to persuade us to build our whole lives on Jesus.

The Blessing of Mercy: Psalm 103

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 13:56:44 -0500

This Psalm shows us how great God’s mercy is towards His people. How should we respond to His mercy?

Take Care: Hebrews 3-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:57:35 -0500

What do we need to make it through the wilderness, so that we don’t fall as Israel did? These chapters show us three crucial resources God has given us.

Do You Remember?: Psalm 106

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:49:12 -0500

Psalm 106 applies the book of Numbers to our lives in order to help us remember who God is and what he has done for us.

How Firm is God's Promise?: Num. 26-36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:43:17 -0500

God’s promise is absolutely immoveable. But what is God’s promise to you?

Embodying the Welcome of Jesus: Romans 15:7

Sam Allberry — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:29:28 -0500

A Sunday morning sermon from guest preacher Sam Allberry of Immanuel Church – Nashville on Romans 15:7.

Idolatry in the Wilderness: Num. 25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 13:07:06 -0500

This truly shocking story is essential for us, because idolatry is still tempting, it’s still dangerous, and it’s still the backdrop for the good news of Jesus.

Disobedience in the Wilderness: Num 20:1-21:9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 15:05:13 -0500

Why tell such unflattering stories about Israel's most beloved leaders? To show that even the most faithful depend completely on faith in the grace of God toward sinners.

Presumption in the Wilderness: Num. 16-17

Matt McCullough — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:18:58 -0500

Access to God is not a ladder to climb but a gift to receive in the only way God offers it.

Unbelief in the Wilderness: Num. 13-14

Matt McCullough — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:38:03 -0500

Everyone struggles with doubt in the wilderness. The question is whether we will focus on what stands against us or who stands for us, whether we will look to Jesus or look to ourselves.

Discontent in the Wilderness: Num. 11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 13:32:49 -0500

Grumbling is as dangerous as it is easy to slip into. Do you know what you tend to complain about, and what it says about your heart, and what it says about God?

How Precious is God's Prescence?: Num. 1-10

Matt McCullough — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 17:38:28 -0500

For all their repetition and apparent randomness, the rules and regulations of Numbers 1-10 work together to make one clear point and to raise one crucial question. God’s presence with his people is precious. Is God’s presence precious to you?

In the Wilderness: How Numbers Helps Us Follow Jesus: 1 Cor. 10:1-13

Matt McCullough — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:15:25 -0500

The story of Numbers is our story as Christians. It’s setting is our setting, it’s trials are our trials, and it’s Lord is our Lord.

He Will Surely Do It: 1 Thes. 5:23-28

Seth Jones — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 13:54:20 -0500

For those who are in Christ, God promises to sanctify you personally, completely, and faithfully.

Why We Come to Church: 1 Thes. 5:16-22

Matt McCullough — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:53:51 -0500

Why do we come to church? Because Jesus is coming back, and coming to church is how we stay ready.

Christ-Centered Friendship: 1 Thes. 5:14-15

Matt McCullough — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:47:39 -0500

We reflect the goodness of Christ to us when we always seek to do good to one another.

How to Treat Your Pastors: 1 Thes. 5:12-13

Matt McCullough — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:13:59 -0500

What does it look like to relate well to our pastors while we prepare each other for the return of Jesus? Paul says we should respect them, and we should love them.

Ready or Not: 1 Thes. 5:1-11

Matt Ecton — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 14:15:30 -0500

Followers of Jesus are to stay alert and be watchful as they wait for His return.

Grieve With Hope: 1 Thes. 4:13-18

Matt McCullough — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:47:02 -0500

Can grief and hope go together?

What Is Your Ambition?: 1 Thes. 4:9-12

Matt McCullough — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 19:33:45 -0500

Christian ambition is fueled and formed by love.

Growing in Holiness: 1 Thes. 4:1-8

Bill Heerman — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:41:59 -0500

Pursuing a deeper knowledge and love of God makes us more and more like Jesus.

Abound in Love: 1 Thes. 3:11-13

Matt McCullough — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:40:07 -0500

An everyday awareness of Jesus' return brings an everyday urgency to our love for one another.

To Supply What is Lacking in Your Faith: 1 Thes. 2:17-3:10

Matt Ecton — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:52:21 -0500

Christian love is marked by a godly vigilance over the spiritual condition of others.

Word-Centered Church: 1 Thes. 2:13-16

Matt McCullough — Sun, 26 May 2024 13:29:23 -0500

We want to be people centered on God’s word. Why? Because God speaks through his word, he sanctifies through his word, and he saves only through his word.

Metaphors for Ministry: 1 Thes. 2:7-12

Matt McCullough — Sun, 19 May 2024 12:56:58 -0500

With two powerful metaphors, Paul shows us the care at the heart of our growth as Christians.

Entrusted with the Gospel: 1 Thes. 2:1-6

Matt McCullough — Sun, 12 May 2024 15:54:32 -0500

Heathy local churches are marked by gospel-centered methods and fueled by a God-centered motive.

Our Guilt and the Gospel: Hebrews 9:13-14

Nik Lingle — Sun, 05 May 2024 12:44:01 -0500

Guest Preacher Nik Lingle of Westwood Baptist Church instructs us from Hebrew 9:13-14 where we see that the blood of Christ is able and effective to cleanse our conscience.

Vital Faith Is Viral: 1 Thes. 1:4-10

Matt McCullough — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 07:39:59 -0500

God’s power shows up in us when we willingly trade our best lives now for the joy of waiting for Jesus.

What Are We Known For?: 1 Thes. 1:1-3

Matt McCullough — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 13:01:30 -0500

What do you want your church to be known for? And what sort of church are you working to build?

A Heart Unlike The Lord's: Jonah 3:10-4:11

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:14:27 -0500

What we pray for reveals who we are. Jonah 3:10-4:11 highlights the contrast between Jonah's heart and the Lord's.

Revival in Ninevah... No Revival in Nashville?: Jonah 2:9-3:10

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:52:51 -0500

The Spirit's work among the Ninevites teaches us what genuine revival actually looks like, and challenges us in our own ministry here in Nashville.

Longing for Life: 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Matt McCullough — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:32:14 -0500

We all know what it's like to long for what we don't have. In 2 Cor. 5:1-4, we see what we all long for the most, where it's available, and how we can get it.

Life From the Pit: Jonah 1:17-2:10

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:22:48 -0500

When God's people repent of their rebellion against Him, He is faithful to rescue them.

Fearing the Sovereign: Jonah 1:4-17

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:41:11 -0500

In Jonah 1:4-17, we see two different ways of responding to God's Word: stubborn rebellion and submissive fear. Which is more characteristic of your own response to the Sovereign God?

God's Messengers of Mercy: Jonah 1:1-3

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:06:34 -0500

The Book of Jonah is ultimately a message of God's mercy toward all, even the bird-brained, the depraved, and the calloused. Christians have the privilege of stewarding this message of mercy as we proclaim it to the lost.

Bound for Home Together: Acts 1:6-8

Matt McCullough — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 13:40:00 -0600

The hope of heaven sets our mission as a local church. It shapes the message we share with others, and the life we share together.

Bound for Endless Love: 1 Thes. 4:13-18

Matt McCullough — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:42:31 -0600

You do have to grieve. But you don’t have to grieve without hope.

Bound for No More Pain: 2 Cor. 4:16-18

Matt McCullough — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 15:43:29 -0600

How do you not lose heart when there are so many reasons to? You need to know that heaven is where you are going, and suffering is how you will get there.

Bound for Untouchable Security: 1 Peter 1:3-5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 16:39:05 -0600

There is no peace without hope, and no hope without heaven.

Bound for Perfect Holiness: 1 John 3:2-3

Matt McCullough — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 12:55:30 -0600

In heaven we will be perfected by sight. In the meantime, on earth, we are being purified by hope.

Bound for Spotless Righteousness: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Matt McCullough — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:02:58 -0600

For a Christian, the day of judgment is a day to long for, because on that day we will finally see ourselves as God already sees us in Christ, defined not by all our sins and failures but by his beautiful, spotless righteousness.

From Fear to Freedom: Mark 4:35-5:20

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:09:08 -0600

Though we fear many things, Jesus has the power to free us from every overwhelming evil power (particularly fear of our sin and being in a sinful world) so we should not fear his power but trust his power.

Bound for Fullness of Joy: Psalm 16

Matt McCullough — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:13:03 -0600

No one is ever fully satisfied, and often the better we seem to have it the worse we seem to feel. How did we get here? And what can be done about it?

Set Your Mind: Colossians 3:1-4

Matt McCullough — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:12:52 -0600

At the center of the Christian life Paul places intentional, disciplined focus on the hope of heaven. Why?

The Lord Bless You and Keep You: Numbers 6:22-27

Matthew Ecton — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 12:45:17 -0600

When you imagine God looking at you, what expression does he have on his face?

My Spirit Rejoices: Luke 1:46-55

Matt McCullough — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:21:02 -0600

What do you need to see about Jesus to rejoice in God in your heart, not just with your words?

Your Kingdom Come: Psalm 72

Matt McCullough — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 12:53:22 -0600

A just and righteous king is to your life what rain is to freshly mown grass. Jesus is the king you need.

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding: Psalm 45:1-17

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:28:12 -0600

Who is God's most beautiful of Kings and what is it like to be married to Him?

The Lord Is My Rock: 2 Samuel 22:1-51

Matt McCullough — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:29:26 -0600

David's life summary is as straightforward as it is uplifting for anyone who's overwhelmed by life: I call upon the Lord, and he saves me.

He loves me... He loves me not... ?: Romans 8:31-39

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 13:04:04 -0600

The Apostle Paul brings assurance to the believer as he teaches us to consider the inseparable love of God for us through Christ Jesus our Lord.

The End?: 2 Samuel 24:1-25

Matt McCullough — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 15:50:36 -0600

The end of 2 Samuel seems really strange until you see that it’s not an ending at all, but a signpost pointing toward a greater David to come.

Aftermath: 2 Samuel 13:1-21:22

Matt McCullough — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 15:40:05 -0600

The aftermath of David’s sin shows us the awful consequences of disobedience and, ultimately, the absolute necessity of God’s free grace.

From "Woe is Me" to "Send Me": Isaiah 6:1-13

Scott Patty — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 12:45:36 -0600

The conversion of the prophet Isaiah reveals the cleansing and commissioning work of Christ.

Against the Lord: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:31

Matt McCullough — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:37:06 -0500

Israel’s greatest hero is the chief villain in the Bible’s most vivid portrait of sin and what it causes. It’s a story meant to warn us of four terrible truths about sin, and point is to one glorious truth about God.

Established Forever: 2 Samuel 5:6-10:19

Matt McCullough — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 14:40:04 -0500

God’s promise to David shows us the hope that’s offered through Jesus and how we can receive it.

The Spirit of Groaning and Glory: Romans 8:18-30

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:45:12 -0500

The Apostle Paul brings comfort to the believer as he instructs us consider how the Creation groans, how the Christian groans, and how Christ's Spirit groans on our behalf.

Over All Israel: 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:37:35 -0500

They say that crisis reveals character. What did Israel’s civil war reveal about David?

How the Mighty Have Fallen: 1 Samuel 28:1 - 2 Samuel 1:27

Bill Heerman — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 14:01:32 -0500

The tragedy of King Saul’s death reminds us that all kings die and let us down, except for Jesus. Being in Christ means our allegiance is to a King who will never let us down and ours is a citizenship in a Kingdom where the poor are exalted and where there will be righteousness, justice, and peace—forever.

Life in the Wilderness: 1 Samuel 21:1-27:12

Matt McCullough — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:56:56 -0500

How do we live in the gap between what God has promised and what we see now?

The Lord is Between You and Me: 1 Samuel 18:1-20:42

Matt McCullough — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:56:51 -0500

This story shows us two ways to respond to God’s anointed: Don’t be Saul. Be Jonathan.

The Spirit of Adoption: Romans 8:14-17

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 15:57:07 -0500

The apostle Paul reminds anxious Roman Christians of the blessings they now possess since they have the Spirit of adoption.

The Battle is the Lord's: 1 Samuel 16:1-17:58

Matt McCullough — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 13:10:36 -0500

The story of David and Goliath isn’t really about David or Goliath. It’s about God’s commitment to vindicate his name by saving his people when they trust in him.

The Spirit of Life: Romans 8:1-13

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:16:19 -0500

The apostle Paul reminds the first century Christians in Rome of their wonderful new life in the Spirit and how to deal with their stubborn sin.

Who Will You Fear?: 1 Samuel 12:1-15:35

Matt McCullough — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 17:03:38 -0500

Samuel feared the Lord. Saul feared the Philistines, and even his own people. Who will you fear?

A King in Israel: 1 Samuel 8:1-11:15

Matt McCullough — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:51:00 -0500

In the rise of Saul, God gave Israel the king they asked for, not the king they needed. But in his great mercy, he turns his judgment into their deliverance.

How Big Is Your God?: 1 Samuel 4:1-7:17

Matt McCullough — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 13:13:26 -0500

The God of Israel is too big to control, but he is big enough to help.

A Faithful Priest: 1 Samuel 2:12-3:21

Matt McCullough — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 13:07:06 -0500

The line between those who know the Lord and those who do not is whether we hear the Word of the Lord and ignore it, or hear the Word of the Lord and embrace it.

No Rock Like Our God: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 14:17:51 -0500

The story of Hannah shows us what true faith looks like—the faith Israel would need in the mess they were in, and the faith we need to grab hold of what God has promised us.

No King In Israel: The Book of Judges

Matt McCullough — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:18:08 -0500

1-2 Samuel show us why it’s such good news that Jesus has come as king. Judges shows us why we need a king in the first place.

Brothers In Arms: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:39:36 -0500

Paul concludes his letter by reminding the Corinthians to love all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Why we can work ourselves into the ground: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 13:41:42 -0500

Paul continues to explain to the first century church in Corinth that they will receive resurrection bodies. But with what bodies will they come? And when will they come? And what will that mean for how they are to live on earth now?

What if... Christ did not rise?: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:59:53 -0500

Having explained the truth of the resurrection of Christ, Paul reveals the consequences of Jesus rising for the Corinthians past, future, and present.

"But By the Grace of God": 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 15:59:52 -0500

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the essentials of the gospel - that which they must proclaim and hold fast to.

Love Your Body: 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 15:49:06 -0500

What does a love for the church body look like? For the sake of unbelievers and believers alike, the Corinthians are to desire the gift of prophecy over the gift of tongues.

Love Never Ends: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:34:38 -0500

Paul says of all the gifts the Spirit could give, love matters most. But what kind of love is he talking about? And why is it so important?

One Body, Many Members: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Matt McCullough — Sun, 28 May 2023 14:33:28 -0500

In the body of Christ, everybody is gifted, and nobody is self-sufficient.

Come Together: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Matt McCullough — Mon, 22 May 2023 10:48:08 -0500

What is the point of the Lord's Supper? And how can we make sure we're aiming for it?

Headship and Head Coverings: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Matt McCullough — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:01:04 -0500

Why was Paul so concerned about head coverings and hairstyles? Should we be?

Imitate Christ: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 07 May 2023 14:05:56 -0500

Paul gives the Corinthian church the motivation for following Christ in all circumstances, and with particular regard to eating with pagan friends.

Flee from Idolatry: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22

Matt McCullough — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:33:30 -0500

Idolatry boils down to what you want most and how you hope to get it. Paul shows us how to avoid it.

Imperishable Goals: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Matt McCullough — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:51:38 -0500

Let's gladly give up what we can't keep to gain what won't fade. What matters isn't whether we get what we deserve but whether we get to connect others to Jesus.

Where Conscience and Knowledge Conflict, Let Love Abound: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Shaka Mitchell — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:56:47 -0500

Guest preacher, Shaka Mitchell, shares a message from 1 Corinthians 8.

With Me in Paradise: Good Friday Service

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:34:34 -0500

Edgefield Church's Good Friday Service - April 7, 2023

Of First Importance: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 21:17:39 -0500

What do Christians believe about Jesus? Why should I believe this message is true? How can I receive this message myself? And how will it change my life if I do?

Undivided Devotion: 1 Corinthians 7:17-40

Matt McCullough — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 20:25:46 -0500

What does it look like to grow as a Christian? Learning to remain where you are, and remember where you're going.

Living the Life God Gives You: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

Matt McCullough — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:23:02 -0500

Christian contentment flows from knowing that where you are in life is a gift from God. He is with you right where you are.

The Blessings Building: Psalms 127-128

Mark McCullough — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:12:52 -0500

Guest speaker Mark McCullough shares a message from Psalms 127 & 128.

Not Your Own: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Matt McCullough — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:44:14 -0500

Why is sex outside marriage such a big deal for Christians? Because you belong to God who loves you, and sex affects you deeply.

Living as Inheritors of the Kingdom of God

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:54:20 -0600

Paul tells the Corinthian church to settle matters of disputes internally and be willing to lose money and reputation because they will inherit the Kingdom of God soon.

Love and Judgement: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Matt McCullough — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 13:51:12 -0600

A healthy church takes sin seriously. Paul shows us how, and why.

Following Paul to Humility: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Matt McCullough — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 16:19:33 -0600

Want to grow in humility? Take a look at Paul's example, and ask yourself three questions: Whose opinion matters most to you? Who gets credit for what you have? What do you expect out of your life?

You Are God's: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Matt McCullough — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 13:46:34 -0600

Paul shifts our focus off of ourselves and puts it on the God whose people we are. He shows us what God is doing among us, what God wants from us, and what God had given to us.

Taught by the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Matt McCullough — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:15:40 -0600

Writing to a church obsessed with status divisions, Paul shows us the one dividing line that matters most.

Does the Method Fit the Message?: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:07:03 -0600

What we believe about the power of our message - Christ and him crucified - must shape how we share that message through our church.

The Wisdom of the Cross: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 14:59:00 -0600

Paul reminds the church of God at Corinth of what God's message was to them, and therefore what they could expect from being his messengers.

No Divisions: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Matt McCullough — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 20:12:51 -0600

Paul begins his argument with the importance of unity, the danger of division, and the power of the cross.

Sanctified in Christ Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Matt McCullough — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:27:41 -0600

1 Corinthians shows us how to be different from the world, and why.

2023 - Another Year of Pleasure?: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 9:3-10

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:21:10 -0600

It's a New Year...What will you live for in 2023? Will you live for wisdom or for pleasure?

The Lamb of God: John 1:29

Matt McCullough — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:25:13 -0600

A short sermon from Christmas Sunday morning.

The Word Became Flesh: John 1:14-18

Matt McCullough — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:02:35 -0600

Why did God become a man? So that we could receive grace, and so that we could know God.

From Darkness to Light: John 1:9-13

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:51:17 -0600

John declares Jesus Christ to be the true light. But how does one come out of the darkness to live in the true light?

The Word Was God: John 1:1-5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:34:37 -0600

John begins his story of Jesus with the beginning of everything. That’s because he wants us to know Jesus is God, Jesus made everything, and Jesus will make all things new.

Perfectly One: John 17:20-26

Matt McCullough — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 16:11:54 -0600

Jesus spent some of his final moments praying for unity among his people. But what unity matters to Jesus? And why does unity matter so much to Jesus?

Those in the Lord...Work: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 14:38:19 -0600

As the apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians he calls them away from laziness and to work hard for one another because they are in the Lord.

What does it mean to be old faithful?: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 12:44:29 -0600

Paul tells the Thessalonian church to pray for His Word proclamation in a world that often rejects it.

You Gave Them to Me: John 17:6-19

Matt McCullough — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:07:01 -0600

For your life and growth and happiness as a Christian, it's crucial to know how Jesus feels about his friends and what he wants for them.

Glorify the Son: John 17:1-5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 13:58:33 -0500

When Jesus asked the Father to glorify him, what did he really want?

Take Heart: John 16:25-33

Matt McCullough — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 15:37:14 -0500

With his final words to his disciples before the cross, Jesus commands them to take heart, and tells them why they should.

The Era of Un-Takable Joy: John 16:16-24

Bill Heerman — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 14:44:02 -0500

Jesus promises his disciples that after his death and resurrection, their sorrow will turn to joy! And Jesus says that no one will ever be able to take the joy of knowing Christ away from those who follow Him. This un-takable joy is anchored in Christ’s resurrection: no one can take our joy because no one can take Jesus from us, not even death.

Saved From Devil's Mouth: 2 Thess. 2:1-17

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:14:10 -0500

Paul tells the Thessalonians that they can expect lawlessness in this world because Christ has not come yet. He will come soon, but until then Christians must not be deceived like those who stubbornly refuse the Word - they must stand firm in it.

How the Helper Helps Us: John 16:4b-15

Matt McCullough — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 15:37:59 -0500

The Helper helps us see our need for Jesus, and he helps us see the goodness of Jesus.

Not of the World: John 15:18-16:4a

Matt McCullough — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 14:40:27 -0500

If you're with Jesus, he promises the world will hate you, but he will help you.

Greater Love: John 15:12-17

Matt McCullough — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 14:35:11 -0500

When you abide in the vine that is Jesus, the fruit that you bear is love.

I Am the Vine: John 15:1-11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 20:51:30 -0500

Through this metaphor of the vine and its branches, Jesus shows us how we grow as Christians. He shows us what is his role, and what is ours.

The Passover: Exodus 12

Mark Dever — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 10:34:15 -0500

What is the Passover and why is it important?

Parting Gifts: John 14:25-31

Matt McCullough — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:10:46 -0500

Jesus has given us his spirit to teach us, and his peace to ground us.

Love and Obedience: John 14:15-24

Matt McCullough — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:33:45 -0500

Obedience comes from love, and love comes from the Spirit.

Show Us the Father: John 14:7-14

Matt McCullough — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:27:28 -0500

We know God through Jesus, and others know Jesus through us.

Considered Worthy: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:56:12 -0500

Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians are living lives worthy of the coming kingdom. For, unlike their persecutors who will be condemned, they trust in Christ, love other Christians, and are willing to suffer for the king.

Troubled Hearts: John 14:1-6

Matt McCullough — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:17:58 -0500

What can you do when your heart is troubled?

You Cannot Follow Me Now: John 13:36-38

Matt McCullough — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 15:08:06 -0500

Through the contrast between Peter and Jesus, John shows us the heart of the gospel.

As I Have Loved You: John 13:31-35

Matt McCullough — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:58:26 -0500

Our calling as a church is to glorify God through a love for one another that looks like his love for us.

I Have Given You an Example: John 13:1-30

Matt McCullough — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 14:53:59 -0500

On the night he was betrayed, just hours before his terrible death, Jesus paused to serve his friends, and to show us how to follow after him.

'Grace to You’ - the grace that keeps us working: 2 Thess.

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 12:14:29 -0500

In this overview sermon, we see how Paul reminds the hard-working Thessalonians of God’s grace which brings peace.

Praise the Lord: Psalm 148

Matt McCullough — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 13:50:41 -0500

Everything that exists points to the greatness of God. But it takes a human to praise him for his goodness. That's what we were made for.

Forget Not His Benefits: Psalm 103

Matt McCullough — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 14:07:17 -0500

God removes our sin, and remembers our weakness.

Steadfast Love: Psalm 90

Matt McCullough — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:09:51 -0500

The steadfast love of the Lord is stronger than sin and death.

What is Man?: Psalm 8

Matt McCullough — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 15:25:27 -0500

True knowledge of ourselves begins and ends in worship.

Consistency amid Oppression: Daniel 6:1-28

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 29 May 2022 13:22:24 -0500

Daniel now in his eighties must live under new rule. Under Medo-Persian rule, his Israelite name is returned to him. But will he continue to live according to it?

Judgement amid Pride: Daniel 5:1-31

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 22 May 2022 12:48:14 -0500

As Persians attack Babylon, King Belshazzar, proudly drinks to himself and to his pagan gods. The son has not learned form his father. The writing is on the wall. God reveals, 'Your time is up!'

Repentance amid Pride: Daniel 4:1-37

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 15 May 2022 21:15:19 -0500

King Nebuchadnezzar makes great boasts of all that he has built in Babylon? How will God deal with this consistently arrogant and evil king? A second dream is dreamed...

Courage amid False Worship: Daniel 3:1-30

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 08 May 2022 17:07:03 -0500

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, are threatened with the fiery furnace unless they worship the kings image. Will they fall to the image or face the inferno?

Calm amid Futility: Daniel 2:1-49

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 01 May 2022 17:03:48 -0500

King Nebuchadnezzar cannot sleep and the wise men of his day cannot interpret his dream. Only Daniel can reveal the truth. Will the king find rest? And what will he remember from God's word to him?

Distinctiveness amid Pressure: Daniel 1:1-21

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 17:11:21 -0500

Daniel and his young teenage friends begin exile in Babylon, and are quickly called to a distinctive life. What must all students of God know as when facing a world which desires our assimilation?

The New Adam: 1 Corinthians 15

Matt McCullough — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:45:04 -0500

To understand the story of Easter, you really need to know the story of everything.

Dust to Dust: Genesis 2:16-17; 3:19

Matt McCullough — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:48:10 -0500

To understand what it means to be human, we have to understand that death is certain, death is tragic, death is humbling, but death is useful.

Broken Relationships: Genesis 3:7-24

Matt McCullough — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 16:54:13 -0500

The fallout from sin touches every relationship in our lives, from our relationship with the world to our relationships with one another to the most important relationship of all--our relationship with God. But the gospel has the power to restore those relationships as far as the curse is found.

The New Creation: How Should We Wait For It? Revelation 22:6-21

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:34:25 -0500

The apostle John arises from his angelic vision of the New Creation. Was it all just a dream? And how do Christians live today in light of the New Creation that they will inherit soon?

1 Peter 5:6-11

Bill Heerman — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 16:54:42 -0500

Parting words of wisdom: Peter ends his letter with some simple commands that help us bring the hope of Christ into our everyday. Be humble. Stay alert. And keep your eyes on heaven.

The Root of Evil: Genesis 3:1-6

Matt McCullough — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 14:56:22 -0500

Behind our specific acts of disobedience is our rejection of what it means to be human. We question God's authority, reject God's goodness, and decide we are better off on our own.

One Flesh: Genesis 1:27-28, 2:18-25

Matt McCullough — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 13:24:00 -0600

Marriage is designed to help us do what God made us to do: represent his rule, and reflect his love. And sex is designed for marriage.

Male and Female: Genesis 1:27, 2:4-23

Matt McCullough — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:40:43 -0600

God made men and women as equals, but to be distinct. And he made us male and female, on purpose, for our good.

Dependents: Genesis 1:29-30

Matt McCullough — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:30:07 -0600

God made us to need him. This simple point has huge implications for how we see ourselves, how we see God, and how we see one another.

The New Creation: What is it going to be like?: Revelation 21:9-22:5

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 15:06:51 -0600

Having explained who will be in the new creation, John now describes what the city of the new Jerusalem will be like - the home for all whose names are in the book of life.

In His Image: Purpose: Genesis 1:26-28

Matt McCullough — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 14:13:35 -0600

To be made in the image of God is to be made for a purpose: to represent God's rule, to rest in God's goodness, and to reflect God's glory.

In His Image: Dignity: Genesis 1:26-27

Matt McCullough — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 13:10:06 -0600

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? It means that human dignity is based on the love of God, and human dignity extends to every human life.

It Was Good: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Matt McCullough — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 12:24:54 -0600

When God made everything, everything he made was good, exactly as he wanted it. What does that mean for our lives as humans in God’s good world?

God Made Everything For Love: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Matt McCullough — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:11:45 -0600

Why is there something rather than nothing? Because God is love.

The Creator and His Creatures: Genesis 1:1

Matt McCullough — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 12:35:31 -0600

Knowing ourselves begins with knowing that we are not God, that we owe our lives to God, and that therefore God defines who we are.

The New World Remade By God: Who is going to be there?

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 15:03:58 -0600

A vision of the New Heavens and the New Earth is given by Jesus to the apostle, John. It will be where God dwells. But who else will be there?

Out of Egypt: Hosea 11:1-9

Matt McCullough — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 12:18:46 -0600

When God's people are in trouble, he delivers them. Always. No matter what.

He Shall Be Their Peace: Micah 5:1-5a

Matt McCullough — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:14:28 -0600

Why is there so much injustice in the world, and what hope is there for justice?

Which Tree?: Isaiah 6:8-7:14

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0600

The young King Ahaz, of the house of David, is besieged by King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel. What will he do? Will he trust the sinful forces of his day, or the Lord’s saving promises?

Born to Set His People Free: Matthew 1:1-17

Matt McCullough — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 14:53:47 -0600

A list of ancestors may seem to us like an underwhelming way to begin the story of Jesus' life. But Matthew's genealogy is the perfect introduction to where Jesus came from, what Jesus came to do, and who Jesus came to save.

The End of the Beginning: Acts 28:11-31

Matt McCullough — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:25:33 -0600

The end of this incredible story is also our invitation to take up our role in the work God is doing in the world.

Paul's Odyssey: Acts 27:1-28:10

Matt McCullough — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 15:58:42 -0600

As Paul's circumstances go from bad to worse, we see in Paul's character the unmistakable beauty of Jesus, and the trustworthiness of the God to whom Paul belongs.

Remember, We Are All One Body: Ephesians 4:1-16

Isaac Adams — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:25:55 -0600

We are one body, with many gifts, helping one another grow up in Jesus.

Such as I Am: Acts 25:1-26:32

Matt McCullough — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 14:45:28 -0500

Paul’s final defense shows us exactly what we need for effective evangelism.

Paul the Puppet?: Acts 22:22-24:27

Matt McCullough — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:44:26 -0500

Paul is caught between Jewish leaders who hate him and Roman officials who care nothing for him, falsely accused, unjustly imprisoned, completely vulnerable and, it seems, all alone. But God has prepared him for this moment and has put him exactly where he's supposed to be.

Voices on the Road: Acts 21:1-22:22

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:23:17 -0500

Paul enters Jerusalem against the advice of his friends, and endures suffering at the hands of the Jews, yet gets to share his testimony.

Will and Testament: Acts 20:25-38

Matt McCullough — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:37:38 -0500

Paul's final words to the elders in Ephesus give us a clear picture of the pastoral leadership we need for our growth as Christians.

Going to Jerusalem: Acts 20:1-24

Matt McCullough — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 08:01:11 -0500

A savior who can raise the dead is a savior worth dying for. And a savior worth dying for is a savior worth living for.

Worship Wars: Acts 19:21-41

Matt McCullough — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 08:40:46 -0500

If as Christians we live faithfully in the world, what sort of reaction should we expect from those around us?

Spiritual Power: Acts 19:1-20

Matt McCullough — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0500

These two stories show us how God's power works in us and how God's power works through us.

All Hands on Deck: Acts 18:1-28

Matt McCullough — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 17:00:40 -0500

What will we need if we're to build our church on the power of the gospel? What sort of ministry strategy keeps the Word at the center?

Paul among the Pagans: Acts 17:16-34

Matt McCullough — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:53:32 -0500

In Athens Paul met with people who lived as if this world is everything, and it's up to us to make the most of it. He introduced them to the God who made the world and everything in it, the God on whom we depend for everything and to whom we owe everything.

Eager for the Word: Acts 17:1-15

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 18:42:18 -0500

Paul evangelizes in Thessalonica and Berea with mixed results. Many are unconvinced by his simple explanation of the gospel. But those in Berea examine the word eagerly and humbly believe.

Introducing Sunday Evenings at Edgefield

Edgefield Church Nashville — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:03:29 -0500

A conversation about what to expect from our Sunday evening gathering and why we're so excited about it.

Here We Go Again: Acts 15:36-16:40

Matt McCullough — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 19:05:38 -0500

This collection of short stories, with wonderful variety and unique detail, makes the same point Acts has been making all along. God is at work, through all sorts of people, places and circumstances, spreading his word to the ends of the earth.

The Grace of the Lord Jesus: Acts 15:1-35

Matt McCullough — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:50:47 -0500

This story takes us into one of the defining moments in the history of Christianity, driven by a question at the heart of Christianity: what does it take for a person to be saved.

Clear Expectations: Acts 14:1-28

Matt McCullough — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 20:56:47 -0500

The conclusion of Paul's first journey as a missionary helps us see what we can expect as we take up our role in the same mission.

The Straight Paths of the Lord: Acts 13:1-52

Matt McCullough — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 15:48:36 -0500

The story of Paul's first missionary journey gives us a look at the three characters involved in the mission that belongs to us too: there's the local church who sends it's best, the ambassador who is willing to go, and the Lord who is saving his people.

Whose Word Will You Live For? Acts 12:1-25

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 20:39:06 -0500

As the Gospel continues to go forth, Peter and Herod demonstrate two ways to respond.

From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth: Acts 11:1-30

M. K. — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:12:28 -0500

Understanding that God accepts all people without distinction affected the Jerusalem church's whole purpose and mission. As we consider this passage, we are challenged to find our role in Jesus' mission to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, a role for which he enables us.

No Partiality?: Acts 10:34-48

Matt McCullough — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 13:58:48 -0500

God accepts anyone from anywhere because, through Jesus, God can forgive anyone from anywhere.

The Gospel Goes Global: Acts 10:1-33

Bill Heerman — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 16:47:26 -0500

In this passage the good news of the gospel extends to the gentiles. It is a transformative moment for the people of God. There is no longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile: all of God's people are washed clean by the blood of Jesus. And if God doesn't make a distinction, neither should we.

A Fruitful Community

Matt McCullough — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 18:39:22 -0500

How can we cultivate a fruitful community, where what we believe about God shapes how we live together

The Heart of God: Titus 3:1-8

Matt Givens — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 08:41:10 -0500

Faithful Christian living begins with remembering that when we were from from him, God was merciful to us.

Grace and Glory: Titus 2:11-15

Matt McCullough — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0500

What orients our lives as Christians? The grace of God that has appeared, and the glory of Christ that will appear.

Adorning the Gospel: Titus 2:1-10

Matt Mccullough — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Our lives can obscure or display the beauty of the gospel we profess. What do we need in order to make the beauty of the gospel clear?

Terrifying Teachers: Titus 1:10-16

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 31 May 2021 08:00:00 -0500

Paul explains why elders are necessary. False teachers have infiltrated churches in Crete and are teaching religious rules. Such teaching must be stopped.

Leadership Matters: Titus 1:5-9

Matt McCullough — Mon, 24 May 2021 10:42:00 -0500

What is an elder? Who should be elders? And how should we respond to what Paul says about elders?

Succession Plan: Titus 1:1-4

Matt McCullough — Sun, 16 May 2021 16:00:00 -0500

What do we want to be about as a church? What do we want to hand on to those who come after us? The same things Paul handed down to Titus, and through Titus down to us.

Redemption in Christ: Ruth 4

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 10 May 2021 10:40:00 -0500

Boaz and Ruth marry. Ruth and Naomi enjoy all the undeserved blessings of redemption. Obed, grandfather of King David, is born.

Faith in Christ: Ruth 3

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 03 May 2021 11:17:00 -0500

Ruth observes that everlasting provision comes through a marriage to Boaz. As a result, she takes a risk; she hopes solely in him.

Kindness of Christ: Ruth 2

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Boaz, a relative of Naomi, notices the impoverished Ruth gleaning in the fields. He ensures that she has an abundance of protection and provision.

Turning to Christ: Ruth 1

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0500

After leaving Israel, the place of God’s blessing, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. She returns without husband or sons, but with a loyal daughter-in-law, Ruth.

Do You Love Me?: John 21:15-19

Matt McCullough — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 09:30:00 -0500

There is no one the resurrected Jesus cannot restore. And there is nothing the resurrected Jesus cannot ask of us.

Easter Is for Doubters: John 20:19-20, 24-31

Matt McCullough — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0500

The resurrection of Jesus turns fear to gladness, and skepticism to worship.

Good Friday Message: John 19:28-30

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0500

As Jesus dies on the cruel cross, he declares final two lines, which reveal who he is and what he came to do.

Compelling Community Conversation: Chapter 12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 08:54:37 -0500

As we begin our life together as Edgefield Church, we're using this book to help us think through what a healthy church looks like. Please join Matt McCullough and Jonathan Worsley as they discuss the last chapter.

Christian Contentment: Philippians 4:10-23

Matt McCullough — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0500

The secret to contentment isn't changing your situation, or even accepting your situation. The secret to contentment in any situation is to be in Christ, to enjoy the gift of his friendship and the promise of his provision.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0500

Don't Be Anxious?: Philippians 4:6-9

Matt McCullough — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 15:15:00 -0500

Paul doesn't just tell us not to be anxious. He shows us what to do with our anxiety.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:30:00 -0500

As we begin our life together as Edgefield Church, we're using this book to help us think through what a healthy church looks like. Please join Jonathan Worsley and Bill Heerman as they discuss the tenth chapter.

Stand Firm: Philippians 4:1-5

Matt McCullough — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 15:30:00 -0500

With the love of Christ around us and the hope of heaven before us, what should our lives look like now? Paul gives us three examples.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:05:00 -0600

Eyes on the Prize: Philippians 3:12-21

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0600

As Paul heads towards his finish in Christ, he encourages the Philippians to keep running to eternity.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:01:00 -0600

Gain Christ: Philippians 3:1-11

Matt McCullough — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:37:42 -0600

What do you gain when you gain Christ?

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 08:04:36 -0600

Christ-like Role Models: Philippians 2:19-30

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 13:43:24 -0600

Having stated the need to humbly serve others like Christ, and having applied it to their situation, Paul gives the Philippians two role models of Christian service.

Shock to the System: Philippians 2:12-18

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:19:10 -0600

Paul encourages the church at Philippi to live out their salvation in reverent obedience. Surprisingly this obedience is primarily evidenced in simple harmony and contentment. - NOTE - we experienced a power outage in the middle of the sermon. Hopefully that interruption will not impede your ability to listen to the message.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0600

The Same Mind: Philippians 2:1-11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 14:36:37 -0600

Unity in the church only comes through humility, and humility only comes through worship.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:52:51 -0600

Worthy of the Gospel: Philippians 1:27-30

Matt McCullough — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 15:47:35 -0600

Paul boils down what he wants for his friends and for us to one central calling: show through your life together that the gospel is precious.

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:19:25 -0600

The Joyful Existence: Philippians 1:18-26

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 17:51:26 -0600

As the imprisoned apostle Paul contemplates his future, he delights at the thought of either imminently going to be with Christ or the Philippians.

The Compelling Community - Conversation - Chapter 2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:45:41 -0600

In This I... Rejoice?: Philippians 1:12-18

Matt McCullough — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 22:03:50 -0600

Paul is in prison, he’s being attacked by fellow Christians, and yet he rejoices. How?

Compelling Community Conversation - Chapter 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:04:16 -0600

The Community of Love: Philippians 1:9-11

Matt McCullough — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 14:39:49 -0600

Paul's prayer for this church is that they would glorify God by the way they love one another. So what kind of love brings glory to God?

Partnership in the Gospel: Philippians 1:1-8

Matt McCullough — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 14:55:14 -0600

When Jesus is at the center of our relationships in the church, we'll share one identity, one purpose, and one hope.

Great Expectations: Luke 2:36-38

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 09:28:19 -0600

As 2021 dawns what should Christians hope for? The prophetess, Anna, models how those who await the coming king live.

Trust Him: Hebrews 2:14-15

Matt McCullough — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 12:18:27 -0600

The coming of Jesus is the proof we need that, no matter what uncertainty we're facing, we can trust the Lord with our lives.

Waiting for Christ to Return: Luke 19: 11-27

Bill Heerman — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:44:29 -0600

In this parable Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God will not appear immediately. While we wait for Jesus—our true king—to return, we are instructed to use the gifts that God has given us to engage in the business of the kingdom. This parable is both an encouragement to faithfully wait and a warning for those who would reject the authority of the king.

Are You Justified?: Luke 18:9-14

Matt McCullough — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 10:07:09 -0600

The drive for validation, for a life that counts for something, is a basic human drive. But this parable warns us against looking for validation in the wrong place, and points us to the only source we can depend on.

Winner at The Game of Life?: Luke 16:19-31

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:09:49 -0600

Jesus speaks of two men, two lives, and two destinations. Will we listen to God’s word or live for this life alone?

Planning Ahead: Luke 16:1-9

Matt McCullough — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:58:17 -0600

What do you expect for your future? How does that affect you today?

Which Son?: Luke 15:11-32

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 20:08:24 -0600

Jesus is seen eating with sinners and tax collectors in Jerusalem. The religious are outraged. The land of the Father is at stake. Jesus tells the story of two sons.

Lost and Found: Luke 15:1-10

Matt McCullough — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:14:00 -0600

Through two stories of loss and recovery, Jesus shows us the surprising beauty of God's love for sinners.

The Great Banquet: Luke 14:12-24

Matt McCullough — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:14:07 -0600

What if the greatest meal in the world was open to everyone? Then the question wouldn't be whether you can get in, but whether you want to come.

Like What?!: Luke 13:18-19

Matt McCullough — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 21:08:33 -0500

God's kingdom begins in obscurity and ends in glory. This reality takes our focus off what seems impressive to us, and puts it on the God who's at work and what he's promised to us.

Cut It Down: Luke 13:6-9

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 07:55:08 -0500

Using the parable of the fig tree, Jesus teaches that God patiently looks for the fruit of repentance in his people; those who do not produce it will finally be cut down!

Rich Toward God: Luke 12:13-34

Matt McCullough — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 09:08:54 -0500

What our wealth is to us is a powerful sign of who God is to us.

Approaching God as Friend and Father : Luke 11:5-13

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 18:22:49 -0500

How do we come to God? Jesus tells his disciples to pray with a shameless audacity so that they might receive what they most need – the Holy Spirit.

He Had Compassion: Luke 10:25-37

Matt McCullough — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:13:17 -0500

How do you tell who belongs to Jesus? Those who experience compassion from him show compassion to others.

Unless The Lord:Psalm 127:1-2

Matt McCullough — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:22:59 -0500

Everything that matters to our church depends on the power of God at work among us. So let's celebrate what he has built, and trust him with what we love.

Seed and Soil: Luke 8:4-15

Jonathan Worsley — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:47:57 -0500

There are just two ways to receive the Word: 1. To see it’s truth and to produce fruit in keeping with it 2. To reject it. If such revelation is down to the grace of God we should sow the Gospel everywhere knowing that fruit will be produced in time.

What the Kingdom Is Like: Luke 7:36-50

Matt McCullough — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:13:55 -0500

Jesus uses parables to show us what his kingdom is like, and to deliver us from our mistaken assumptions about what it means to belong to it.

God Will Raise His Church: Acts 9:32-43

Jonathan Worsley — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 20:04:47 -0500

In the climax to the first part of Acts, Peter miraculously heals two servants of the church. Such deeds remind us what God’s church is all about.

Origin Story: Acts 9:1-31

Matt McCullough — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:28:33 -0500

The story of Saul's conversion and calling shows us that God's grace can reach anyone, and his power can use anyone.

Personal Evangelism: Acts 8:26-40

Matt McCullough — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:52:52 -0500

The key to faithful and effective evangelism is knowing the difference between God’s role and ours.

Sovereignty: Acts 8:1-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0500

The comfort of God's sovereignty is that you can trust him. The challenge of God's sovereignty is that you can't control him. But when you know you can trust him, you have no need to control him.

Rejection & Grace: Acts 6:8 - 7:60

Matt Givens — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 19:55:39 -0500

Opposition to the gospel and the church reaches a climax as the first Christian martyr dies, but God teaches us that no amount of rejection can stop His purposes from being accomplished... that His witnesses will go to the end of the earth.

Scaling Up: Acts 6:1-7

Matt McCullough — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 19:30:00 -0500

A conflict in the church, and how the apostles handled it, help us to see what's essential about the church and how we can hold onto it.

Who Rules the World?: Acts 5:12-42

Matt McCullough — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Whether they're favored by the people or thrown into prison, the apostles obey, and they rejoice. That's because they know who rules the world, and so can we.

Two Ways to Give - Acts 4:32-5:11

Matt McCullough — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:57:51 -0500

These two stories show us that our posture toward our money says a lot about our posture toward Jesus. We can give because of Jesus, or we can give in place of Jesus.

The Sovereign Lord

Seth Jones — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0500

What does the church’s prayer in the face of persecution teach us about God? That He’s sovereign over all, actively carrying out His plan, and with His messengers as they tell about Jesus.

What Is Jesus Doing Now?: Recapping Acts 1-4 | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0500

Acts is the story of what Jesus continued to do in the world after his death and resurrection. This sermon sums up what we've seen him doing through the first four chapters.

Repost: He Regards the Lowly | Matt McCullough | Psalm 138

Matt McCullough — Fri, 29 May 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Thanksgiving psalms like this one show us how to relate to God as if we have history together, as if he's been good to us when we've needed him. What do we need to see about God so our gratitude about the past fuels hope for the future?

Repost: Did You Have a Good Rest | Jonathan Worsley | Psalm 62

Jonathan Worsley — Fri, 22 May 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Psalm 62 (repost from Kew Baptist Church first Sunday of 2020 - 5th January). It's around 1000BC and King David is the midst of some stomach-churning political fray. His enemies speak well of him but they are ultimately untrustworthy. He looks to the future and recognises that power and wealth will not last. Where will David go? Where will David's soul find relief?

Repost: How Lament Builds Trust | Matt McCullough | Psalm 13

Matt McCullough — Fri, 15 May 2020 22:00:00 -0500

When laments begin with honesty about our experience and move through desperation that gives up on any other source of hope, laments don’t threaten trust in God’s love and care. They deepen that trust.

Repost: In the Wilderness | Matt McCullough | Exodus 15:22-16:36

Matt McCullough — Fri, 08 May 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Israel is out of Egypt, but they are not yet in the Promised Land. In between lies a wilderness. But in this wilderness, and in ours, God continues the work he began in Egypt, showing us who he is and setting us free.

Repost: Job's Faith | Matt McCullough | Job 1:20-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Fri, 01 May 2020 19:00:00 -0500

What is the wise way to respond to innocent suffering? This question is central to the book of Job. No one paying attention to the world can deny the reality of innocent suffering—that our experience of the world is far from what we wish it to be, and often our suffering doesn’t make sense. If Job’s friends show us how not to respond to this reality, Job’s own responses to his friends and to his God model authentic faith in our suffering.

Repost: Do Not Be Anxious | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:25-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Several times in this text Jesus gives the same simple command: don?t be anxious. To those of us who struggle with anxiety, that can sound a bit like blaming the victim. Who would really choose to be anxious, after all? But what Jesus offers isn?t a dismissive charge to get over it. Nor is it a comprehensive explanation of everything that goes into anxiety. What he offers are weapons for the battle with anxiety that are powerful no matter what your unique struggle looks like. Recorded 2016-06-19.

The Divine Deals with Death | Jonathan Worsley | John 11:1-48

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus raises Lazarus, thus revealing his divinity, and thus giving us every confidence to trust in him.

Repost: Longing For Life | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Deep in every human is a longing for more than what we experience in this world. In this text Paul pinpoints our longing--a longing for life. It's a longing only the risen Jesus can fulfill. (Originally 2017-04-16.)

Repost: Be Still My Soul | Matt McCullough | Psalm 131

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm of David gives us a profile of inner peace, and where we can find it.

Repost: Joy and Sorrow | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:6-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Peter says it's possible to rejoice and to grieve at the same time. But only if you have a living hope. Do you?

Repost: Hope Secured | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:3-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

No one can live without hope. That's why Peter begins his letter with this profile of Christian hope--a secure hope because it begins and ends with God. (Reposted from 2018-08-12)

No Other Name | Matt McCullough | Acts 4:1-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

There is only one savior, so there can be only one Lord.

Signs and Wonders | Matt McCullough | Acts 3:1-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -0600

In the sign Jesus performs through Peter, and in Peter's speech about what happened, we get a wonderful look at what sort of world Christians are hoping for and, even more, what sort of God we're hoping in.

Life Together | Matt McCullough | Acts 2:42-47

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0600

What kind of community does the Spirit create through the gospel?

Who Is Jesus? | Bill Heerman | Acts 2:22-41

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0600

In Peter's Sermon at Pentecost he gives a clear and compelling statement of the gospel. Peter shows us that the coming of the Holy Spirit is due to the life and work of Jesus. In answering the question, "who is Jesus?" we also come to understand the answer to the question, who is Jesus to us?

This Is That | Matt McCullough | Acts 2:1-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0600

The story of Acts began with a promise, the promise that God's Spirit would come with power to his people. In this passage we see that promise fulfilled. But what does it mean?

Christian Confidence | Matt McCullough | Acts 1:15-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0600

This story gives us one of the central themes of Acts: from beginning to end, our confidence is based on knowing that God is at work, following his plan, giving his people everything they need.

Lifted From The Depths | Jonathan Worsley | Psalm

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0600

In this psalm David sings of the goodness of God who found him in death and restored him to life. Because David's song is really Jesus's song, it can be our song too.

He Was Lifted Up | Matt McCullough | Acts 1:9-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0600

The blessings of the gospel flow to us through the often overshadowed event Luke describes in this story. What makes the Ascension of Jesus such good news for us?

Now What? | Matt McCullough | Acts 1:1-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0600

The kingdom of God will come as his gift, not as our achievement. While we wait, our job is to bear witness to the King.

The Word Spread | Matt McCullough | Acts

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0600

Acts tells the story of the earliest days of the church. It's a remarkable story, full of dramatic twists and turns. But through it all Acts tells a story about God, what he's doing in the world, and how we can join him.

Direct Access to God | Justin Myers | Hebrews 10:19-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Do you pray? We quickly answer yes, but how often do we consider why we don't pray? In this passage, we uncover four hindrances to prayer that the author assumes while he encourages us to confidently and hopefully approach God's throne.

The Glorious Birth Of Jesus | Bill Heerman | Luke 2:1-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0600

The birth of Jesus displays the glory of God. But Jesus was born into humility, which means he is the savior for everyone, especially those who are broken and marginalized. By temporarily setting aside His glory, Jesus makes a way for us to know the glory of God forever.

A Birth Announcement | Bill Heerman | Luke 1:67-79

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Jesus is the savior that God promised to send, making peace with God for those who trust in him through the blood of the cross. But what exactly is this peace that Jesus purchases for us, how can we get it, and why does God give it to us?

Boast in Christ Alone | Shaka Mitchell | Galatians 6:11-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Only God's merciful work through Jesus on the cross, not the work of our hands, brings salvation.

Sow to the Spirit | Matt McCullough | Galatians 6:6-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0600

We can invest our resources where they have no chance to yield, or we can invest our resources where they have no chance of failure.

Christian Friendship | Matt McCullough | Galatians 6:1-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0600

What kind of friend does the gospel create? These verses give us a profile of Christian friendship, showing us both the work to be done and the tools we'll need for the job.

Walk By The Spirit | Matt McCullough | Galatians 5:16-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0600

The key to enjoying rather than abusing the freedom of the gospel is walking by the Spirit. How do we do that?

Free To Love | Matt McCullough | Galatians 5:7-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0600

When you don't have to spend your life justifying yourself, you're free to spend your life for others, as Christ did for you.

Set Free For Freedom | Matt McCullough | Galatians 5:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0600

In Christ we are set free from the suffocating pressure to justify our lives, and set free to wait for the righteousness he promised us while we spend our lives in love for others.

Children of the Promise | Matt McCullough | Galatians 4:21-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In this text Paul uses a surprising argument to make a familiar and life-giving point: the freedom of the gospel comes only as a gift, never an achievement.

The Freedom of the Gospel | Matt McCullough | Galatians 4:8-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

When the gospel delivers us from fear and pride, it sets us free to pour out our lives for one another.

The Astonishing, Transformative Love Of The Father | Scotty Smith | 1 John 3:1-3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In this text John is caught up into worship by the beauty of the gospel, and calls us to join him. How can we? By looking to an astonishing love, and liberating relationship, and a transformative hope.

Before and After | Matt McCullough | Galatians 4:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0500

When God sent his Son, he gave us redemption from the curse of the law, he gave us adoption as sons and daughters of God, and he gave us his Spirit to convince us that it's all true.

One In Christ | Matt McCullough | Galatians 3:27-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

When you're in Christ, he is more important for who you are than anything else about you. This has huge implications for our relationships with one another.

Why Then The Law? | Bill Heerman | Galatians 3:15-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In this passage Paul explains how the law prepares us for a savior. Obeying the law cannot save us. Instead, the law is God?s holy standard that reveals to us our sinfulness. Apart from Christ, our situation is desperate. But in Christ we are saved by grace through faith, and faith alone.

The Blessing of Abraham | Matt McCullough | Galatians 3:7-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In this passage Paul introduces Abraham as an ally for his argument about faith versus works of the law. The blessing God promised to Abraham comes to those who believe, as he did. So what is this blessing, and how is it possible for us to enjoy it?

Faithful Spirituality | Matt McCullough | Galatians 3:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

The Christian life matures in the same way it begins--by God's grace through faith in the message of Christ crucified.

Justified | Matt McCullough | Galatians 2:15-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Justification is the center of this passage, it's the center of the letter, and it's the center of the gospel itself. So what is justification? And how do you get it?

In Step With The Gospel | Matt McCullough | Galatians 2:11-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This stunning story shows us that it's possible to affirm the gospel with our words and still miss the implications of the gospel for how we live. It also shows us what God has given to help us live in step with the gospel.

Why Trust The Gospel | Matt McCullough | Galatians 1:11-2:10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Here are three reasons we can trust the gospel Paul's letter was meant to preserve for us.

A Different Gospel | Matt McCullough | Galatians 1:6-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0500

With unmistakable urgency, Paul shows us the danger of turning to a different gospel, and what makes us vulnerable.

Grace Alone: Introducing Galatians | Matt McCullough | Galatians

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This letter was written to address very specific challenges for a specific group of people at a specific point in time. But Paul's words about the gospel speak directly questions that are crucial for our lives, too. Galatians helps us understand what the gospel is (and isn't), what the gospel means for who we are, and what the gospel means for how we live.

The Praise of the Lord | Matt McCullough | Psalm 145

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm shows us what appropriate praise looks like, in response to God's kindness. But how can we hope to praise the Lord as we should?

Steadfast Love | Matt McCullough | Psalm 136

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm shows us that everything God does he does for love, and it shows us how to respond to him.

The Presence of the Lord | Matt McCullough | Matthew 114

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm celebrates the presence of the Lord with his people as the purpose of the Exodus. But what do you have when you have God's presence?

The Testing of Israel and the Temptation of Christ | Bill Heerman | Matthew 4:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In the story of the Exodus, God's people Israel were tested in the wilderness for 40 years. In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. Israel repeatedly turned away from their Father in Heaven, but Jesus faced his temptation without sin. In this Jesus shows that He is the Son of God. And as the Son of God who was perfect, Jesus' death and resurrection purchased for us the right to be called children of God.

They Soon Forgot | Matt McCullough | Psalm 106

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm offers us the chance to learn from Israel's mistakes, to fear the Lord who takes sin seriously, and to trust in the God who remembered what Israel had forgotten.

How To Respond To Redemption | Matt McCullough | Psalm 105

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm models three ways to respond to God's grace in our lives.

Satisfied in God Alone | Bill Heerman | Psalm 81

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Psalm 81 is a celebration of God's faithfulness to his people and a warning not to repeat the mistakes of Israel's past. With the exodus as the backdrop, God's message is clear: seek satisfaction in God and God alone.

Memory Matters | Matt Givens | Psalm 78

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

We've heard it said that those who fail to remember the past are doomed to repeat it. That's why the psalmist calls us to remember God's faithfulness and warns us about the cost of forgetfulness. Even so, we see God's ultimate faithfulness--that he has not forgotten us--through the work of Christ.

Redemption Song | Shaka Mitchell | Exodus 15:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0500

The Song of Moses reminds us that God is worthy to be praised, for what he has done and what he continues to do.

By Grace: Making Exodus Our Story | Matt McCullough | Exodus 1-99

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 May 2019 15:00:00 -0500

How can we make the story of Exodus the story of our lives?

Careful What You Wish For | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 May 2019 15:00:00 -0500

This command gets to the heart of why we often struggle to love our neighbors as ourselves. It gives us an opportunity to consider where covetousness attacks us, and how to fight back.

Telling The Truth | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 May 2019 15:00:00 -0500

It's relatively easy to see that honesty is good for us. Why then is it so hard to be consistently honest? And where do we find the strength to live with open, transparent freedom?

The Eighth Commandment | Justin Turner | Exodus 20:15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 May 2019 15:00:00 -0500

A familiar command calls us to remember the generosity of God who has set us free in Christ to be a generous people.

Do Not Commit Adultery | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Behind this straightforward command is a perspective on sex that is as unusual in our culture as it was when it first appeared. But it's a perspective full of joy, of hope and of healing.

The Lord of Life | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Human life is precious because God says it is. That means none of us has the right to take the life of anyone else. But there's far more to the sixth commandment than avoiding murder. If we've experienced the life-affirming, life-saving grace of God in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we will want to follow his lead in protecting and promoting vulnerable lives wherever we can.

Honor Your Parents | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0500

The first commandment aimed at how we treat one another is the command to honor your father and mother. What makes this such a foundational command? What would it look like for us to obey it?

Sabbath Rest | Seth Jones | Exodus 20:8-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0500

In a list of commandments, it can seem peculiar for God to require his people to rest. What did it mean for the Israelites to remember the Sabbath, and what does it mean for us today?

God's Name In Vain | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

What does it mean to take God's name in vain, and how can we avoid it?

Make No Image | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:4-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

The command not to make and worship any images can seem like an easy command to obey. Really, we aren't as safe as we might believe. But by God's grace we can be.

Introducing the Ten Commandments | Matt McCullough | Exodus 20:1-3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

What are the Ten Commandments, and why should we care about them?

True Freedom | Matt McCullough | Exodus 19:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

God redeems his people not to leave them to themselves but to bring them to himself, where they can know the joy of true freedom--a relationship of trust and obedience, with God as their Father.

In The Wilderness | Matt McCullough | Exodus 15:22-16:36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Standing Firm Amidst (Un)Certainty | Shaka Mitchell | Exodus 14:1-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0600

God continues to provide a way for his people to move from certain death to eternal life. First with Moses and now with Jesus, we can stand firm knowing God will fight for us.

Redemption | Matt McCullough | Exodus 11:1-12:42

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0600

In a way this story resolves the tension that's been building throughout Exodus. But it's a resolution that is also full of tension. It's a story of judgment and of mercy. It's a story of death and of life. It's the story of Israel's redemption that pictures the redemption of everyone who trusts in Jesus.

That You May Know | Matt McCullough | Exodus 7:8-10:29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0600

These nine signs of power serve one central purpose. They reveal to us who the Lord really is. What do they tell us about him?

Who Is (Really) the Lord? | Matt McCullough | Exodus 5:1-7:7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Pharaoh's challenge to God's demand--"Who is the Lord?"--was meant as a rhetorical question. But it's a question God takes seriously and intends to answer, for Pharaoh and for Israel and for us, through all the comes next.

Persistent Doubt and Resilient Grace | Matt McCullough | Exodus 4:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Through watching God respond to Moses in his moments of doubt, we learn what grace we can expect from God in our own doubts.

I Am | Matt McCullough | Exodus 3:1-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -0600

With three crucial statements God introduces himself to Moses, and to us: I will be with you, I am, I promise.

God Knew | Matt McCullough | Exodus 1:1-2:25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -0600

These two chapters set the stage for the story that follows, and, at the center, they draw our attention to a contest of powers: the king who forgets, and the God who remembers.

Grace & Obedience | Matt McCullough | Exodus

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 14:00:00 -0600

Exodus shows us the God who redeems, and what his redemption is for.

A Prayer For Hope | Justin Turner | Romans 15:13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -0600

A study of Paul's prayer for an abounding hope. We look deeper at Paul's petition to God to fill the church with joy and peace so that hope overflows.

Waiting For Comfort | Matt McCullough | Luke 2:22-32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -0600

The story of Simeon helps us see how, for now, hope often looks like waiting. But Simeon's story also shows us how to find joy in what he saw while we wait.

Hopeful Aliens | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -0600

Our hope defines who we are. Our hope distinguishes us from what we were. And our hope depends completely on the coming of Jesus.

Final Instructions | Bill Heerman | 1 Peter 5:6-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 14:00:00 -0600

Peter ends his letter with some simple commands that help us bring the hope of Christ into our everyday. Be humble. Stay alert. And keep your eyes on heaven.

The Humble Community | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 5:1-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -0600

Christian communities should be marked off by an unusual humility towards one another. Peter shows this sort of humble community has a lot to do with how elders and members relate to one another in the local church.

Rejoice | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 4:12-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -0600

Peter says we should expect to suffer because we're Christians, and that we should rejoice when we do. But why? What makes suffering good news?

The End | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 4:7-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -0600

Peter says the end of all things is at hand. But what he tells us to do about it may surprise you.

The Lamb Rules, Let's Worship | Phil Newton | Revelation 5:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -0600

How can you live with hope even when you're suffering and don't know what will happen next? Only when you know the Lamb who was slain rules all for his glory and your good.

Christian Suffering | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 4:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Suffering has been behind a lot of what Peter has said to encourage his readers. Here that theme comes to the surface. Peter shows that for followers of Jesus suffering is intentional, it's inevitable, and it's hopeful.

His Victory Is Yours | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 3:18-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This passage has been called the most obscure passage in the New Testament. It's notoriously difficult to understand. But it was given to encourage new believers who were suffering for their faith. So what does it mean, and how is it helpful?

In Christ In The World | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 3:13-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0500

What does it look like to engage the world around you as a Christian?

Beloved Community | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 3:8-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Peter's final example of alien living is aimed at the life of the church community. We show our hope in Christ, that our hearts our fixed on an inheritance he's promised us, by our otherworldly love for one another.

The Hopeful Marriage | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 3:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Peter's words to wives and husbands could be easily misunderstood, even rejected out of hand as a relic from another time. But if we listen carefully to what he says, we'll find a life-giving message that's rooted in the hope of the gospel.

Facing Injustice with Hope | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 2:18-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Peter's words to slaves have a tragic history of misinterpretation and abuse. But what is he actually saying about slavery? And what can we learn from what Peter says?

Christian Ethics: Rethinking Freedom | Shaka Mitchell | 1 Peter 2:11-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0500

As Believers, we are bound to a heavenly kingdom and by submitting to the Lord we find true freedom. At the same time our orientation to earthly authorities is one of obedience.

Who Are You? | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 2:4-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0500

In this passage on Christian identity Peter addresses three crucial questions all of us must face. How do you know who you are? Where do you get your validation? Where do you find your purpose?

Hope Fuels Love | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The natural posture of the hopeful person is love, when hope is tethered to Jesus.

How Hope Makes Us Holy | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:10-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Christian holiness flows out of Christian hope, not the other way around. How should we respond to the hope God has given us? Peter gives us three examples.

Joy and Sorrow | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:6-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Peter says it's possible to rejoice and to grieve at the same time. But only if you have a living hope. Do you?

Hope Secured | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:3-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 15:00:00 -0500

No one can live without hope. That's why Peter begins his letter with this profile of Christian hope--a secure hope because it begins and ends with God.

Resident Aliens | Matt McCullough | 1 Peter 1:1-2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Peter wrote this letter to help new Christians understand what it means to follow Jesus when identifying with him sets you apart from the culture where you live.

Remember | Matt McCullough | Lamentations 5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This book of sorrow ends with a prayer. It's a prayer that wonderfully models the steps of lament we've been following all summer. And it's a prayer perfectly answered in Jesus.

Witness | Matt McCullough | Lamentations 4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This poem answers the call of chapter one for a witness to the human tragedy of Jerusalem's fall. It offers a crucial model for us. Where and how should we bear witness to social problems in our time and place?

Hope Lamenting | Matt McCullough | Lamentations 3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This third poem, a small but brilliant shaft of light in the darkness of this book, helps us learn how to fight for hope in the midst of sorrow.

Remember the Wrath of God | Bill Heerman | Lamentations 2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Lamentations 2 is a poem of desperation, as the author gives voice to the anguish the people of Israel felt when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon in 587 BC. It serves as a sobering memorial to God's wrath, God's justice, and God's faithfulness to do what He said He would do. Where can we find hope in this suffocating judgment?

How?! | Matt McCullough | Lamentations 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This collection of poems is a memorial to unimaginable suffering, meant to help us understand the pain of loss, the importance of a witness, and the only possible hope.

How Lament Builds Trust | Matt McCullough | Psalm 13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:00:00 -0500

When laments begin with honesty about our experience and move through desperation that gives up on any other source of hope, laments don?t threaten trust in God?s love and care. They deepen that trust.

Praying Boldly In The Darkest Hour | Shaka Mitchell | Psalm 22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Psalm 22 gives us a template for moving from desperation to prayer to praise knowing we have final victory in Jesus.

Choosing to Remember in Times of Lament | Seth Jones | Psalm 77

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The Bible doesn't give us a method for getting rid of pain or suffering. But it does tell us what to remember in the midst of it.

Why Do You Hide Yourself? Lamenting Injustice | Matt Givens | Psalm 10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 15:00:00 -0500

How are we supposed to respond to injustice when it seems like God is nowhere to be found? The Bible teaches us that our authentic suffering leads to authentic lament, which leads to authentic hope in God.

Introducing Lament | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 May 2018 15:00:00 -0500

This introduction to our summer series explains where lament comes from, what lament looks like, and why lament is so essential for our life together.

Whose Name Matters? | Matt McCullough | 3 John

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 May 2018 15:00:00 -0500

John wrote this letter to help a friend understand what sort of leader he should support and whom he should avoid. The primary test: whose name matters most?

Love In Truth | Matt McCullough | 2 John

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 May 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The truth about who God is, what he's done, and what he commands defines the sort of love we should have for one another.

What We Know | Matt McCullough | 1 John 5:13-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 May 2018 15:00:00 -0500

At the end of his letter, John leaves us with a list of assurances he's been writing about all along. What does he want us to know?

Only Jesus | Matt McCullough | 1 John 5:6-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 15:00:00 -0500

John insists that having Jesus, and only Jesus, is the difference between life and death. But why? What do you have when you have Jesus?

Faith Is The Victory | Matt McCullough | 1 John 5:1-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 15:00:00 -0500

When we see God through the gift of Jesus, what difference shows up in our lives? We will love what God loves, and we will trust what God commands.

Abiding In Love | Matt McCullough | 1 John 4:13-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Where do you stand with God? There is nothing more important to know about yourself. And when you see that God sees you through Jesus, when you come to know God loves you, it changes how you relate to God and to others.

Why Do Christians Love? | Seth Jones | 1 John 4:7-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 15:00:00 -0500

John makes stark claims about love. And, in this passage, he points to the Christian's motivation for love and why that motivation matters.

Resurrection Identity | Matt McCullough | 1 John 3:1-3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Because Jesus rose from the dead, we are God's children now. And, one day, we will be like him.

True Spirituality | Matt McCullough | 1 John 4:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Though most of us want to experience spiritual reality, John says not all spirituality comes from God. How can we tell what comes from God?s Spirit?

When Love Isn't Easy | Matt McCullough | 1 John 3:19-24

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500

One of John's favorite themes is love for one another, but he's not naive. He knows that love sometimes feels like death. This text helps us when love isn't easy.

Love In Deed And Truth | Matt McCullough | 1 John 3:11-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The primary mark of a genuine Christian is love. That's what John claims here. Why does love matter so much? What is this love he's talking about? And where should it show up in our lives?

Sin And The Christian | Matt McCullough | 1 John 3:4-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 14:00:00 -0600

In this passage John says that no one who knows God can keep on sinning. So what does that mean? Why is it impossible? And where does that leave me?

Children Of God | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:28-3:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0600

What do you gain when God makes you his child? John points us to three things.

One Thing Matters | Bill Heerman | 1 John 2:18-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0600

John claims that there is only one thing that matters in all of life. What is it and why does it matter so much?

What Do You Love? | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:15-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0600

John says we shouldn't love the world or the things in the world, but what does that mean? And why is it such a problem?

Christian Confidence | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:12-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0600

How can you know where you stand with God? John's confidence rests on three things.

Old And New | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:7-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 14:00:00 -0600

When God showed his love for us in the life and death of Jesus, an old command became new. And that command is at the heart of what it looks like to follow Jesus.

Love And Obedience | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 14:00:00 -0600

When we know God through Jesus, we will come to want what he wants and trust what he commands.

Walk In The Light | Matt McCullough | 1 John 1:5-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 14:00:00 -0600

God is light. In him there is no darkness. So how can sinners, who have reason to hide in the darkness, know friendship with God in the light? Only through honest confession of sin.

True Love: Introducing John's Letters | Matt McCullough | 1 John 1:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 14:00:00 -0600

John wrote his letters to help his friends tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit Christianity. But why did John feel the need to do that? And how can you recognize true Christianity?

The LORD Is My Shepherd | Bill Heerman | Psalm 23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Psalm 23 has one central theme: The LORD is my shepherd. It is a statement that comforts the people of God, recognizing that God promises to provide for us, to protect us, and to give us what we need most--Himself.

Long Live The King | Matt McCullough | Psalm 72

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:00:00 -0600

A righteous king--an authority over us who always does what is right--is to our lives what rain or rich soil is to the grass. We were made to depend on such a king for our lives to flourish. This psalm shows us what a righteous king looks like, and how we can serve him.

He Rules The World | Matt McCullough | Psalm 2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 14:00:00 -0600

When the powerful use their power to do whatever they want no matter who gets hurt, it makes sense to ask the question underlying this psalm: Who rules the world? And when you've felt the weight of that question, you're prepared to celebrate the good news in this psalm's answer.

Let The Nations Be Glad | Matt McCullough | Psalm 67

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 14:00:00 -0600

God gives grace to his people to show his saving power to all peoples. This psalm shows us that those who know God's grace and presence are responsible to share those blessings with those who haven't experienced them.

Trust In The Lord | Shaka Mitchell | Psalm 146

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 14:00:00 -0600

We are called to a lifetime of praise that is built on trust in the Lord, the only one faithful to His word.

He Regards the Lowly | Matt McCullough | Psalm 138

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Be Still My Soul | Matt McCullough | Psalm 131

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 14:00:00 -0600

This psalm of David gives us a profile of inner peace, and where we can find it.

Sleep Therapy | Matt McCullough | Psalm 127

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Everyone struggles with anxiety for one reason or another. This psalm identifies a couple common reasons we worry, and the only sure path to rest.

Luther's Psalm | Matt McCullough | Psalm 118

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 15:00:00 -0500

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we decided to work through Psalm 118, the favorite psalm of Martin Luther. And it isn't difficult to see why he loved this psalm so much. It captures the heart of the gospel Luther helped to clarify: everything depends on God's steadfast love, which is freely available to all who believe.

Gathered In | Matt McCullough | Psalm 107

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm uses four different examples to make one powerful point: when the hopeless cry out to God, he hears them and delivers.

Steadfast Love | Will Acuff | Psalm 90

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 15:00:00 -0500

When you recognize the truth about human life, that all of us flourish then wither like grass, the psalmist's response is the only one that makes sense. "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days."

Buried Alive | Matt McCullough | Psalm 88

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Psalm 88 has been called the saddest prayer in the book. It begins with unanswered cries to God. It ends in deep darkness. And in between it offers a profound look at what despair feels like.

Relationship History | Matt McCullough | Psalm 78

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 15:00:00 -0500

How can Israel's history help our relationship with God today?

My Portion Forever | Matt McCullough | Psalm 73

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Everyone experiences envy. No one enjoys what that feels like. But how do we overcome our tendency to envy the good things other people enjoy? This psalm helps us see that envy always comes from overvaluing what other people have, and from undervaluing what it is to have God's presence in your life.

Better Than Life | Matt McCullough | Psalm 63

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 15:00:00 -0500

This praise psalm celebrates the irreplaceable goodness of knowing God from personal experience. But how can we experience God as the psalmist did?

Rejoicing in Vengeance? | Matt McCullough | Psalm 58

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm is one of many that pray for the destruction of Israel's enemies. If you don't live with enemies close at hand, psalms like these can be hard to connect with. And given the brutal language, psalms like these can seem totally out of step with Jesus's call to love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. How should we respond to prayers like these? Should we rejoice in vengeance?

Wealth And Wisdom | Matt McCullough | Psalm 49

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 15:00:00 -0500

How can we learn to worship God with our wealth rather than worshipping wealth as our god? We need to see what death does to wealth, so that we can see what Jesus does to death. Then we can see more clearly what Jesus means for our wealth.

Where Is Your God? | Matt McCullough | Psalm 42-43

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 15:00:00 -0500

What should we do when God feels absent? This psalm models three crucial steps.

Have Mercy | Jonathan Worsley | Psalm 51

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 15:00:00 -0500

What does it look like to be honest with God about our sin? David offers a powerful model. He shows us what it looks like to genuinely recognize our sin, to repent of our sin, and to experience renewal after our sin.

Who Has You Covered? | Matt McCullough | Psalm 32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:00:00 -0500

You can try to cover your own sin, or you can let God cover it for you.

The God Who Speaks | Matt McCullough | Psalm 19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 15:00:00 -0500

All relationships depend on communication. If God exists, our only hope for knowing anything about him, much less knowing and loving him, depends on his willingness to speak to us. So where can we hear from God?

The God Who Saves | Matt McCullough | Psalm 18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:00:00 -0500

This psalm belongs with a group known as thanksgiving psalms. It celebrates God as the one who hears and answers, the God who saves. But whom does God save?

Lasting Joy | Matt McCullough | Psalm 16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 15:00:00 -0500

The only way to experience true, lasting joy is to love most what you can't lose.

The Pursuit of Happiness | Matt Givens | Psalm 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 15:00:00 -0500

This first psalm serves as an introduction and an invitation to the whole collection of psalms. It lays out the path to true and lasting happiness. What it says about happiness, and where to find it, may surprise you.

Where Authentic Christianity Shows Up | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 15:00:00 -0500

With his final encouragement for his friends, Paul ties together the main themes of his letter, and points to where authentic Christianity shows up: in community.

Test Yourself | Seth Jones | 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Throughout this letter Paul has been under examination, but now at the end he tells the Corinthians that they should examine themselves. What sort of test does Paul have in mind? And how will this test be graded?

Living Together In Christian Unity | Bill Heerman | 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Paul?s goal in writing to his friends is to deepen their faith. As he defends himself and his ministry against specific accusations, he puts forward an example of relating to Corinthian church, where we find an encouragement to live a self-denying, unified life with brothers and sisters in Christ. The power to live like that comes from our identity in Christ?all of us sinners who need a savior. Our purpose to bring all glory of God.

God?s Sufficient Grace | Shaka Mitchell | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 15:00:00 -0500

The Christian life inevitably involves hardship. We want God?s victory to look like our success over those hardships, but Paul tells us a different story. God?s strength is made perfect in our weakness, whether we win in this life or not.

The Boasting Fool | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 11:16-33

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 May 2017 15:00:00 -0500

How do you expect God to treat his friends?

No Other Jesus | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 May 2017 15:00:00 -0500

In this text Paul unleashes a withering attack on teachers he calls false apostles and servants of Satan. He accuses them of peddling a counterfeit version of Jesus and his gospel. What exactly is Paul worried about? And how can we avoid it ourselves?

The God-Centered Life | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 May 2017 15:00:00 -0500

What do you want your life to be known for?

How To Give | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 8:10-9:15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 May 2017 15:00:00 -0500

What will our giving look like if Jesus is our model?

Why To Give | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0500

One of the main reasons Paul wrote this letter was to urge the Corinthians to send money to impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. But his approach wasn't what you might expect. He doesn't scold them. He doesn't shame them. He just reminds them of God's grace to them.

Good Grief | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Paul says the difference between godly grief and worldly grief is the difference between life and death. So what is godly grief? Why do we need it so badly? And how do we get it?

Longing for Life | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Deep in every human is a longing for more than what we experience in this world. In this text Paul pinpoints our longing--a longing for life. It's a longing only the risen Jesus can fulfill.

The Temple Of God | Will Acuff | 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Paul confronts Christians with a direct challenge to be holy--set apart from anything that stands against God. But that challenge is rooted in a precious, mind-bending promise. God has promised to live among his people.

Sorrowful Yet Rejoicing | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Are Christians supposed to be happy? It depends on what you mean by happy. If Paul's description of his life is our guide, we should expect our lives to be sorrowful. And we should expect to be always rejoicing.

Reconciliation | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 15:00:00 -0500

The Bible teaches that we were all made for a relationship we have broken. Our deepest need is reconciliation. This text shows us how to get peace with God, and how to spread it.

In Christ | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 5:11-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 15:00:00 -0500

"In Christ" is a phrase that comes up all throughout Paul's letters. It's easy to pass right over it without paying much notice. But what does it mean to be "in Christ"? And why is it so important?

What Are You Waiting For? | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 15:00:00 -0500

Waiting is a basic Christian posture. We walk by faith, not by sight, until God?s promises come to pass. In this passage Paul clarifies what it is that we?re waiting for, and what we do while we wait.

Beyond Comparison | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Paul says the problems we face now can't compare to the eternal glory we're promised in Christ. He says we get this truth when we focus not on what we can see but on what we can't see. But how do we compare what we can see to what we can't see?

Jars Of Clay | Matt Givens | 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Because of Jesus, the world's greatest treasure comes hidden in jars of clay--common, unexceptional, even fragile and weak. That means, for the Christian, suffering is never what it seems.

Freedom | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 14:00:00 -0600

True freedom, the freedom that comes by God's Spirit, is not primarily freedom from something holding you back. It's freedom for--freedom to see, to enjoy, and to be transformed by the glory of Jesus.

Proof In The Pudding | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 3:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 14:00:00 -0600

What is true Christianity? And how can you see if Christianity is true? Paul?s answer may surprise you. It should definitely encourage you.

Fragrant Knowledge | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 14:00:00 -0600

How does the knowledge of God spread throughout the world? It?s not a question we would normally ask, but it?s crucial for understanding our calling. Paul shows us we?ve got to recognize the difference between God?s responsibility and ours.

Loving Correction | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Here are four things we can learn from Paul about how to correct one another in a healthy way.

Godly Sincerity | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 1:12-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 14:00:00 -0600

One of the main reasons Paul wrote this letter was to defend his own sincerity against people who thought he was speaking from both sides of his mouth. And sincerity is certainly worth defending. You want to know that someone means what he says, that he?s not holding anything back, and that you can trust him to follow through. But sincerity is easier to require from someone else than to produce consistently in ourselves. Paul explains how the grace of God is the only sure path to the sincere lives we want.

Afflicted Comforters | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Paul describes a community where, though everyone experiences suffering, everyone is comforted and everyone is responsible for comforting others. He helps us learn to see our suffering for what God is doing in us and what he will do through us.

Authentic Christianity | Matt McCullough | 2 Corinthians

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 14:00:00 -0600

Why do we need this ancient letter? Here are at least three reasons.

Advent With The Judges: The King God Has Given Us | Matt McCullough | Judges

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 14:00:00 -0600

Judges has shown us what sort of king we need. John?s gospel shows us God has given us exactly what we need in Jesus.

Advent With The Judges: The King We All Need | Matt McCullough | Judges

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 14:00:00 -0600

The book of Judges is like a negative space portrait?the colorful characters catch our eye, but we?re really supposed to see what?s missing. Israel?s awful experience shows us that if we want peace what we need is a very specific kind of leader to take us there.

Redemption | Matt McCullough | Ruth 3-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 14:00:00 -0600

The story of Ruth reminds us that the story of every life of every one of God?s children is a story of redemption. Our paths won?t be the same, or straight or easy?but with every step God is bringing us to Jesus.

From Bad to Worse? | Shaka Mitchell | Ruth 1-2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 14:00:00 -0600

In the darkest of times, can God pull us through, and make us better for having faced the challenge?

No King In Israel | Matt McCullough | Judges 17-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 14:00:00 -0600

Judges ends in almost total darkness with some of the ugliest stories anywhere in the Bible. But even these darkest of scenes point the way to light. They?re here to show us what we need if we really want lasting justice. We need a true and worthy king.

Last But Not Least | Matt McCullough | Judges 13-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 14:00:00 -0600

In Samson?the last of the judges?we see a leader of unprecedented power leading a life of unbridled selfishness. We have a judge, in other words, who?s no better than his people with no interest in saving them. But still God uses him. And in his story we get a glimpse of the future?of how God saves, and whom.

Happy Endings | M.K. | Revelation 15:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 14:00:00 -0600

This picture of what God has promised to do shows that risks for the kingdom aren?t really risks.

We Are Responsible | Matt McCullough | Acts 1:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus?s final words to his followers make every Christian responsible for getting the gospel to everyone who hasn?t heard it. How can we take up this responsibility?

Holy Love | Matt McCullough | Judges 10:6-11:40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0500

The story of Jephthah is a dark one. It is a story of deliverance like the others, but the focus is not on his courage or even God?s power. The focus is Jephthah?s tragic misunderstanding of God?s love? and it shows us our only hope for a peaceful, life-giving relationship with God is God?s free, undeserved, gracious love for us in Jesus.

Like Father Like Son | Matt McCullough | Judges 8-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Gideon?s decline and Abimelech?s fall show what happens when you treat your power as a blank check for your agenda, not a stewardship from God. This story warns us against abusing the privileges and opportunities we?ve been given, and it points us to the leader we desperately need.

The Lord Is With You | Matt McCullough | Judges 6-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0500

The story of Gideon focuses on Gideon?s slow-rising faith, God?s remarkable patience, and the promise that the Lord delivers those willing to give up their desire for control and trust him.

Expect The Unexpected | Matt Givens | Judges 4-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0500

It may be that the stories in Judges follow a familiar cycle, but there?s nothing predictable about the way God delivers his people. When he acts to save them, he makes it obvious that he?s the one who does the saving.

Dark Comedy | Matt McCullough | Judges 3:12-30

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 15:00:00 -0500

The story of Ehud and Eglon is not one you?d expect to find in the Bible. It?s not just that the story is violent. It?s also crude and darkly comedic. But through the unexpected details we get a picture of the God who inserts himself into the messy lives of his people to turn their mourning into laughter.

Vicious Cycle | Matt McCullough | Judges 2:6-23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 15:00:00 -0500

This chapter introduces what?s typically called the Judges cycle. It?s a pattern that most of the individual stories follow and it?s the key to the meaning of the whole book.

No Compromise | Matt McCullough | Judges 1:1-2:5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Judges begins where Joshua left off. Israel has entered the land God promised them. They?ve been charged with removing the Canaanites still living there. But why was this so important? Why was it even ok? And then there is the driving question of the story: will Israel be faithful?

Introducing Judges: The King We All Need | Matt McCullough | Judges

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 15:00:00 -0500

This overview sermon sets up our fall preaching series. What is Judges about? It?s about Israel?s disobedience?and ours. It?s about God?s holiness?his perfect justice and his relentless love. And it?s about Jesus, who is the only answer to the questions raised by this book.

Debtor?s Prison | Will Acuff | Matthew 18:21-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0500

When we recognize the scale of our debt to God?the debt he has canceled through Jesus?there?s no way we can withhold forgiveness from others.

Christian Hope | Bill Heerman | 1 Peter 1:3-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Christian hope is the confident expectation and desire for the promises of God to be true. In the context of 1 Peter, this hope is the confident expectation of Christ?s victory over death. Peter gives us three reasons for why we can be so confident in this hope. 1) Our hope is anchored in the past: Jesus has been raised from the dead. 2) Our hope is secure in the future: we have an eternal inheritance being kept for us in Heaven. 3) We are now being guarded by God through faith as we wait.

Now What? | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:24-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus brings his sermon to a close with a vivid appeal to respond well to what he has said. The choice is clear. The stakes are high. Now what will you do with Jesus?

Beware False Peace | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:21-23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0500

With this warning Jesus raises a question that hovers over the entire Sermon on the Mount: who will enter the kingdom of heaven? His answer: it?s not just what you say that matters, but what you do. And it?s not just what you do that matters, it?s whom you know.

Beware False Prophets | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:15-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus?s warning is straightforward: ?Beware of false prophets.? But who are these false prophets? And how can we recognize them?

The Narrow Gate | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:13-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:00:00 -0500

With this radical rule of love Jesus sums up the ethics of the kingdom he?s been describing all along. It?s an incredibly simple rule: do for others what you wish they would do for you. But where do we get the strength to obey it?

Ask Your Father | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:7-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus says when we ask God for something we?ll receive it. But what does that mean, and why should we believe it?s true?

Judge Not | Matt McCullough | Matthew 7:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus warns us against standing in judgment over others because we?re not worthy ourselves, and because we don?t see everything clearly.

Don?t Be Anxious | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:25-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Do Not Lay Up for Yourselves Treasures on Earth | Will Acuff | Matthew 6:19-24

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus warns us that we can only serve one Master. His words challenge us to make God our beloved treasure, not earthly wealth that will only decay.

Costly or Valuable? | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:16-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 15:00:00 -0500

In the discipline of fasting?as in anything we sacrifice for God and his kingdom?either we will be celebrated for the costliness of our commitment or God will be celebrated for the value of his friendship.

Pray Like This | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:9-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus has warned us not to pray like hypocrites or pagans, but what does healthy Christian prayer look like? Christian prayer is based on who God is, it?s focused on what God wants, and it?s honest about what we need.

When You Pray | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:5-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Before teaching us how to pray, Jesus first clarifies why we should pray to God in the first place. We should come to God because we love him, not from a hypocritical desire to impress other people. And we should come to God because we trust him, not from some attempt to control him by saying just the right thing.

Beware Hypocrisy | Matt McCullough | Matthew 6:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500

The righteousness of Jesus?s followers will always stand out, but his followers are never righteous in order to stand out.

Family Resemblance | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:43-48

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus finishes his examples of kingdom behavior with the primary mark of all those who are with him?love. But not just any love. The distinctive love of Jesus?s followers?a love that reflects the love of their Father?is love for those who don?t love them well in return.

An Eye for an Eye | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:38-42

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus says his followers don?t resist when they?re mistreated. But what does it look like to obey? And wouldn?t it be dangerous for us and for others if we did obey? Jesus offer four examples that show us both how his words challenge us and how his words help us.

Our Word is Our Bond | Shaka Mitchell | Matthew 5:33-37

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500

trivial. In fact, our words reveal what?s inside our hearts and for those of us that follow Jesus, the truthfulness of our words show the world who He is.

A Greater Righteousness | Bill Heerman | Matthew 5:27-32

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500

As Jesus continues to show us what whole-hearted love for and obedience to God looks like, we consider three ways that Jesus tells us we might be committing adultery: lust, divorce, and remarriage after divorce. Plumbing the depth of our sin, we also plumb the depth of Christ?s love and mercy. And we come to the glorious conclusion that Christ is enough.

A Greater Righteousness | Bill Heerman | Matthew 5:25-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500

In this section of the sermon on the mount, Jesus calls us to hearts that are empty of anger and full of reconciliation. We feel our need of a savior because we can never meet this standard perfectly. We also consider practical ways to avoid anger and pursue reconciliation that flow from transformed hearts that rest in the finished work of Christ.

Christ, the Law and Christian Righteousness | Matt Givens | Matthew 5:17-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 15:00:00 -0500

What does the Old Testament have to do with the kingdom Jesus came to establish? He came to fulfill its purpose and demands, and now his followers should be careful to follow his commandments out of delight instead of duty.

Christ, the Firstfruits | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:00:00 -0500

We must see ourselves in Adam?s death if we want to fully see ourselves in Jesus?s resurrection.

Salt, Light, and Christian Calling | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:13-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 15:00:00 -0500

In the Beatitudes Jesus described the character of those who follow him. Now he tells us why our character matters. When we?re with Jesus, we?re called to be different, called to be useful, and ultimately called to glorify God.

Where Do You Belong? | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:10-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 15:00:00 -0500

As a follower of Jesus, you should expect persecution. It is as basic as being poor in spirit, mourning over sin, or hungering after righteousness. But Jesus also says you should welcome persecution, because it shows you belong to another world.

Children of Peace | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 14:00:00 -0600

To be children of God is to take on the family resemblance. And that means seeking peace where God seeks peace.

Pure in Heart | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 14:00:00 -0600

For one reason or another, we want to see God. We want to understand the forces in the world that are bigger than us and outside our control. We want to know that there?s meaning beyond our own preferences and something that last longer than our own lives. We want to know the claims of the Bible are true, that we aren?t alone in our suffering, that our connection to God can be more than abstract and impersonal. We want to see God, and Jesus promises that it?s possible?for the pure in heart. So why is it necessary to be pure in heart? And how can I become pure in heart?

Have Mercy | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:00:00 -0600

With this Beatitude Jesus shifts focus to how the citizens of his kingdom treat others. Blessed are the merciful. So what does Jesus mean by mercy, and what does it take to be merciful?

Hungry? | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:00:00 -0600

Some of us need to be told that it?s possible to be satisfied. Some of us need a reminder that we?re more hungry than we may realize. All of us need the challenge and the comfort in Jesus?s promise that satisfaction comes to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. So what is righteousness? And what are you hungry for?

Blessed Are the Meek? | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:00:00 -0600

We tend to think of meekness as a weakness, but Jesus calls the meek blessed. So what does he mean by meekness, and how can we cultivate it?

Mourning and Comfort | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 14:00:00 -0600

All of us spend tremendous amounts of time and energy and money seeking what we believe will make us happy. But Jesus says that it?s those who mourn who will be blessed. What sort of mourning does he have in mind? And how will the mourners be blessed?

Poor in Spirit | Matt McCullough | Matthew 5:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:00:00 -0600

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit, but what did he mean by ?poor in spirit?? And what does that mean for us if we want to enjoy his kingdom?

Introducing the Sermon on the Mount | Matt McCullough | Matthew 4:23-5:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 14:00:00 -0600

To begin his public ministry, according to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus traveled around proclaiming the ?gospel of the kingdom.? The Sermon on the Mount is the longest, most detailed account of the sorts of things Jesus was saying. What does he say the kingdom is like? In what sense is this gospel?good news? And how can we make the most of this sermon?

Gospel Partnership | Scott Patty | Philippians 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 14:00:00 -0600

How can a local church stay faithful over the long haul? By pursuing what God is doing through his gospel.

Jesus the King | Bill Heerman | Psalm 72

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 14:00:00 -0600

In Psalm 72 we see God?s promise of a coming King who will once and for all fulfill the hopes of God?s people. By studying the promises made so long ago, we find hope and rest in Jesus, who is the King God promised to send.

Light and Truth | Matt McCullough | Psalm 43

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 14:00:00 -0600

How can we bring the light of Christmas into the darkness of our lives? Psalm 43, read on this side of the coming of Christ, shows us two simple steps. Talk with God about the darkness. And talk to your soul about Jesus.

The Great Reversal | Matt McCullough | Psalm 30

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 14:00:00 -0600

David?s song of praise for God?s deliverance points us to the great reversal we all need. We need someone who can rewrite our stories of darkness, mourning, and death into stories of morning, gladness, and life.

Growing Wise Together | Matt McCullough | James 5:19-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 14:00:00 -0600

James finishes his letter by calling us to do for each other what he had done for his friends through his letter. He calls on every one of us to pursue everyone with the truth, because everything is on the line. We?re all responsible for helping each other bridge the gap between what is true about God and what is going on in our lives.

The Church in Prayer | Drew Raines | James 5:13-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 14:00:00 -0600

Throughout his letter James has been showing us what it looks like to live as if we truly believe that God is and that he is for us in Jesus. It makes sense, then, that he would close his letter with a call to prayer. Prayer demonstrates the fear of the Lord that is the source of all wisdom.

While You Wait | Matt McCullough | James 5:7-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 14:00:00 -0600

How does the return of Jesus help us endure the hard things of life with patience? James offers us three examples.

| Matt McCullough | James 5:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 14:00:00 -0600

With powerful, unmistakeable images James warns us that wealth can lead to our destruction. But how can we recognize when wealth becomes deadly? James gives us two examples. We're in danger when our wealth depends upon hoarding, and when our self-indulgence depends on exploitation.

Wisdom for Tomorrow | Shaka Mitchell | James 4:13-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 14:00:00 -0600

What is the wise way to think about the future? James warns us against any planning that assumes the future belongs to us. Instead, wisdom means trusting the one who gave his own Son for us.

Christian Calling and the Lie of Efficiency | Will Acuff | 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; Romans 8:1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 14:00:00 -0600

Given our tendency to measure success by results we can see and control, how can we embrace our calling as Christians with freedom and joy?

Friend or Foe? | Matt McCullough | James 4:4-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James says you?re either God?s friend or God?s enemy. So what is friendship with God? Who are God?s friends? And how can I pursue friendship with God?

People Problems? | Matt McCullough | James 4:1-3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James is a down-to-earth letter, so it?s no surprise that he takes up a problem that?s common to all of us: conflict with other people. But what James has to say about our people problems is surprising all the way through.

Who Is Wise? | Matt McCullough | James 3:13-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James claims that the wisdom of the wise shows up in meekness or humility. Why? Because the wise know wisdom comes as a gift, not an accomplishment. The wise know wisdom is for serving others, not proving themselves. And the wise know wisdom is for making peace, not winning battles.

Your Words Matter | Bill Heerman | James 3:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James says your tongue or your speech is to your life what a bit is to a horse or a rudder to a ship. Given this incredible power, what can we do to use our words wisely?

Faith Always Works | Matt McCullough | James 2:14-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Throughout his letter, and especially in this text, James makes one main point: faith apart from works is dead. But what does James mean? And how should we respond?

"You Are... God?s Building?: Celebrating 5 Years of Life Together | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 15:00:00 -0500

The purpose of our local church?and every local church?is to glorify God by our life together. In other words, God gets glory when our way of life together doesn?t make sense and wouldn?t be possible apart from his power.

No Partiality | Matt McCullough | James 2:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Genuine faith in Jesus leaves no place for partiality in Christian community. Bottom line: if you want to be with Jesus, you lose the right to be picky about who you?re willing to love.

Faith That Works | Matt Givens | James 1:19-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James wants to show us that genuine faith always makes a difference in how we live our lives. In other words, faith always works. In this passage he shows us why faith works, how faith works, and where faith works.

The Gifts of God and the Trials of Life | Matt McCullough | James 1:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0500

James opens his letter full of commands with perhaps the most surprising command of all. He insists we?re to see the trials we face in life as cause for joy. It is through trial that we grow in maturity, through trial that we?re protected from a faith that?s not genuine. So sort of trial should we expect? And where can we get what we need to persevere?

Faith Breeds Wisdom | Matt McCullough | James

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0500

To make the most of the letter of James, like any other biblical text, we need to know what it?s meant for and how we should use it.

Resilient Joy | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes 11:8-12:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Ecclesiastes is a book about meaninglessness and death, but it?s also a book about joy. Many times through the book, the author follows up sections on the depressing emptiness of life under the sun by telling us to enjoy ourselves as long as we live. How can we live with joy in a world so full of vanity?

What Good Is Justice? | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0500

In two places Ecclesiastes laments the power of injustice, and in both places the author ties injustice to the problem of death. If death is our end, why do human lives deserve to be protected equally? And if the just and the unjust both end up dying, why worry with justice at all? Our only hope for the justice we crave is a God who sees all things and will judge us?all of us?after death.

What Good Is Wealth? | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0500

When we look to wealth to make us happy or to make us secure, we?re only striving after wind. But when we trust the providence of God we can fully enjoy his gifts, and when we trust the promises of God we can hold his gifts loosely.

What Good Is Pleasure? | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Can lots of pleasure make a short life meaningful? That?s the question the author of Ecclesiastes set out to answer with the lavish lifestyle he describes in this passage, a lifestyle where did anything and everything he wanted to do. His experiment reached an awful conclusion, but his wisdom paves the way for a joyful alternative.

What Good Is Work? | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Ecclesiastes catalogs the meaningless of life ?under the sun? ?the world as it is if there is nothing and no one that lasts forever. The author takes up his first example with a question: what good is all of our work? The answer? It all depends on our perspective. Under the sun, our work is a dead end. But in the Lord, our work is an opportunity.

Introducing Ecclesiastes: What Good Is Wisdom if You?re Dead? | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Ecclesiastes is probably the darkest book in the Bible. It?s author imagines the meaning of life if all there is to it is what we experience ?under the sun??as if God doesn?t exist. His conclusions sound remarkably modern: everything is meaningless because everything dies. Unless?

Job?s God (Part 2) | Matt McCullough | Job 40:6-42:6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 15:00:00 -0500

God's final response to Job's anguished questions about innocent suffering is a portrait of two bizarre monsters, called Behemoth and Leviathan. Who *are* these creatures, and how is this speech meant to encourage Job and us in our sorrow?

Job?s God (Part 1) | Matt McCullough | Job 38:1-40:2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Job?s lost everything even though he?d done nothing wrong. His main desire was to know why. Near the end of the book, in a passage of remarkable power and beauty, God finally speaks to him. But what God says is not what Job expected. He doesn?t mention Job?s experience at all. He responds instead with a poem celebrating the vastness, complexity, and wildness of the natural world. How is this response helpful?

Job?s Faith | Matt McCullough | Job 1:20-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 15:00:00 -0500

What is the wise way to respond to innocent suffering? This question is central to the book of Job. No one paying attention to the world can deny the reality of innocent suffering?that our experience of the world is far from what we wish it to be, and often our suffering doesn?t make sense. If Job?s friends show us how not to respond to this reality, Job?s own responses to his friends and to his God model authentic faith in our suffering.

Job?s Friends | Matt McCullough | Job 2:11-37:24

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Job is about the wise way to respond to suffering, but it?s not just about your own suffering. It?s about how to respond wisely to the suffering of others. The largest portion of Job is a back-and-forth conversation between Job and three of his close friends, friends who came to comfort him but made a horrible job of it. We can learn how to comfort one another with wisdom by recognizing what Job?s friends got wrong.

Job?s Suffering | Matt McCullough | Job 1:1-2:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Job tells the story of a man who was wise and good, enjoying all the benefits of wisdom that Proverbs predicts. Job had everything, then he lost everything, and it wasn?t his fault. Job?s suffering raises questions none of us can avoid if we?re paying attention. At one level, there?s the mystery around all innocent suffering: what is God doing? At a deeper level, suffering raises a question of worship: can we love God for himself, even if we lose the things we want to get from him?

Wisdom in the Home | Drew Raines | Proverbs

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 May 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Proverbs walks through the lifecycle of the human experience ? as a child, an adult, a spouse, and a parent ? and applies the fear of the Lord at each phase.

Trusting a Sovereign God is the Foundation of Wisdom | Bill Heerman | Proverbs

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 May 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Proverbs reminds us that the same wise God who designed the Earth and everything within it is also the sovereign God over our individual lives. Therefore, we are wise to trust him to guide our steps.

Contentment | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 30:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 May 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Everyone struggles with contentment, and no one likes the way discontent feels. The wisdom of Proverbs helps us recognize where our discontent comes from and points the way toward true contentment through fear of the Lord.

The Sluggard | Matt McCullough | Proverbs

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 May 2015 15:00:00 -0500

One of Proverbs? favorite subjects is the sluggard?a comedic, somewhat endearing, ultimately tragic figure that looks a little too familiar. The portrait of the sluggard warns us against the destructive power of sloth, and points us towards the invigorating rest promised in Jesus.

Good Sex Is Wise Sex | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 5-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Proverbs is about the stuff of life, so it makes sense that Proverbs talks about sex. A lot, in fact. What does it look like to fear the Lord in our sex lives? According to Proverbs, wise sex is bounded sex, and wise sex is better sex.

Life-Shaping Friendship | Matt McCullough | Proverbs

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Proverbs describes the beauty of good friendships, the sort of friendships without which we can?t really grow wiser. And Jesus shows us what makes true friendship possible. He is the friend we need so we can be friends to others.

Words of the Wise | Matt McCullough | Proverbs

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Proverbs 18:21 claims that ?death and life are in the power of the tongue.? That?s a strong claim, for sure, but it?s proven over and over again in our experience. Our words have incredible power to hurt others or to help them. And few things offer so clear a window into our hearts. So how do we use our words wisely?

The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the Hope of Easter | Matt McCullough | Ecclesiastes

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 15:00:00 -0500

The message of Ecclesiastes is as straightforward as it is depressing: everything in meaningless because everyone dies. But this message is the essential backdrop for the hope of Easter: everything is meaningful because Jesus is alive!

Two Ways to Live | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 9:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Wisdom is about choices. And behind every choice?even the ones that seem mundane?is an act of worship. The wise are those who seek to express love and loyalty to God in every area of life, trusting that this is the path to true and lasting joy.

Trust in the Lord | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 3:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0500

Everybody wants to live a life that?s long, peaceful, and loved well by others. Proverbs tells us wisdom?a skill or instinct for living life well?is the key. And Proverbs 3 shows us where all true wisdom begins. It begins with a trust in the Lord that leans on him with everything you have and looks for him in everything you face.

Seek Wisdom | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 2:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0500

This text leads us to questions we?ve got to consider carefully before launching into wisdom of Proverbs: What does it look like to seek wisdom well? How do we even get started? And how can we know it?s worth the effort?

How Proverbs Helps Us | Matt McCullough | Proverbs 1:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:00:00 -0500

This opening passage in Proverbs is a poetic introduction to the whole book. It points us to what the proverbs are for and to the truth that is the key to understanding them.

Fear the Lord: Introducing Wisdom Literature | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:00:00 -0600

What is wisdom, exactly? What does a wise life look like? And where does Jesus fit in? This overview of biblical wisdom kicks off our study of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and James.

Do You Love Me? | Matt McCullough | John 21:1-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 14:00:00 -0600

This conclusion to John?s Gospel does more than tie up a few loose ends. It illustrates the faithful, patient love of Jesus toward those who have failed him. And it shows us the only power that can transform our lives and sustain our faith to the end. Do you love Jesus?

Meeting the Risen Christ | Matt McCullough | John 20:19-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:00:00 -0600

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is a self-involving belief. It?s more than intellectual. It?s personal. To meet the risen Christ is to be transformed?to move from fear to gladness, from doubt to worship, from aimlessness to mission.

I Have Seen the Lord | Matt McCullough | John 19:38-20:18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 14:00:00 -0600

All the good news in Christianity hinges on what John tells us about Jesus in this text: Jesus?s physical body really did die, it really was buried, and it really did rise to new physical life. Why should you believe what John reports?

It Is Finished | Matt McCullough | John 19:16-37

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 14:00:00 -0600

This text tells the story of Jesus?s death by crucifixion, one of history?s cruelest forms of torture. Yet John spares us all the brutal details. He focuses instead on all the signs that Jesus died on his terms for his purposes. So why did Jesus have to die? What did his death accomplish?

Behold Your King | Matt McCullough | John 18:28-19:16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:00:00 -0600

John gives us more detail about Roman governor Pontius Pilate than all the other Gospel writers combined. And John tells us that everything he?s included is meant to persuade us to believe that Jesus is the Christ. So how does looking at Pilate help us see the beauty of Jesus?

Courage, Cowardice, and Compassion | Matt McCullough | John 18:1-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:00:00 -0600

The opening scenes in the story of Jesus?s death tell a story of great courage, as Jesus faces his captors with unflinching resolve and in absolute control. They tell a story of great cowardice, as Peter faces his own examination and denies Jesus repeatedly. And they tell a story of great compassion: Jesus dies on purpose because he knew Peter would deny him, and he knew we?d deny him too.

Praying with Paul | Matt Givens | Ephesians 3:14-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 14:00:00 -0600

Paul?s prayers for his friends offer us a wonderful model for how we should pray for each other.

Learning to Pray for People | Bill Heerman | Colossians 1:9-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 14:00:00 -0600

Paul?s prayers for his friends offer us a wonderful model for how we should pray for each other.

Walk in the Light | Matt McCullough | 1 John 2:7-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 14:00:00 -0600

Part of our calling as Christians is to reflect the light of Christmas until Jesus comes again. John tells us that the old command, the command to love one another, has been made new because the light is already shining and the darkness is passing away. So how must we love one another if we are to walk in the light of Jesus?

The Light Shines | Matt McCullough | John 1:4-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:00:00 -0600

The Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on why we need Jesus, on why the news of his coming is such wonderful news. John frames our need and what Jesus offers us in the images of light and darkness. We need Jesus because we are the people walking in darkness?the darkness of sin and the darkness of sorrow. And Jesus has come to us as the light no darkness can overpower.

Stay Together | Seth Jones | Hebrews 10:23-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 14:00:00 -0600

The Christian life is a team sport. We will either accomplish the goal together, or not at all.

Jesus Prays | Drew Raines | John 17:1-26

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0600

Jesus ends his time with his disciples in prayer. What requests does he make to His Father and what relevance do they have to us?

No One Will Take Your Joy | Matt McCullough | John 16:16-33

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0600

In his last conversation with his closest friends before his execution, Jesus promises real sorrow overcome by lasting joy. But why should we believe this joy is possible? And how can we connect with it?

How the Spirit Helps Us | Matt McCullough | John 16:5-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0600

The Spirit helps us see ourselves for who we really are?our sin, our self-righteousness, our misjudgments about what is good?and the Spirit helps us see Jesus for the all-satisfying glory that he is.

Thank God for Models | Robert C. | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0600

Paul?s prayer for his friends shows us the model response to the gospel, the model messenger of the gospel, and the model community created by the gospel.

Chosen to Go | Matt McCullough | John 15:12-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0600

If you?re a follower of Jesus, you have been chosen by God to live your life on his mission with the promise of his power.

Love, Hate, and Life in the World | Matt McCullough | John 15:18-16:4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In this text Jesus implies that understanding and anticipating the hatred of the world for Jesus and his followers is crucial for faith that lasts. But what does Jesus mean by the hatred of the world? And how should we deal with the hatred of the world?

Abide in Me | Matt McCullough | John 15:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0500

When it comes to growth as a Christian, Jesus leaves no middle ground. Those who abide in him bear fruit, and those who don?t abide in him wither and die. It?s either/or. So what does it mean to abide in him? And what sort of fruit comes from those who do?

If You Love Me? | Matt McCullough | John 14:12-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus teaches that if we love him we will obey him, and if we don?t love him we won?t obey him. The key to our behavior?what we do?is in the affections?what we love. That?s why Jesus?s promise of a Helper, the Holy Spirit, is such good news. The promised Spirit is also a promise of a new heart moved by love for Jesus.

The Way, the Truth, the Life | Matt McCullough | John 14:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus promises his followers a place of rest and belonging that only he can provide. Connecting with that promise is the key to lasting peace now.

A New Commandment | Matt McCullough | John 13:21-38

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -0500

The primary mark of a genuine follower of Jesus is a love for others that reflects Jesus?s love for us. So what does this love look like?

He Loved Them to the End | Matt McCullough | John 13:1-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus serves us, so we serve each other.

Understanding Unbelief | Matt McCullough | John 12:36-50

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Why was Jesus so widely rejected by his own people? That?s the question John takes up as Jesus?s public ministry draws to a close. And his answer is crucial for us as we face unbelief in ourselves and in those around us.

For This Purpose | Matt McCullough | John 12:20-36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus came to win glory?the glory of his death, the glory of his Father, and the glory of all those who trust in him.

The Conquering Lamb | Matt McCullough | John 11:45-12:19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0500

These three stories point us to the irony we have to recognize if we want to understand Jesus and what it means to follow him: he is the death-defeating king who conquers by dying, the champion who wins by losing, the one who gains his glorious throne by embracing the shameful cross.

Death, Resurrection, and the Glory of Jesus (Part 2) | Matt McCullough | John 11:1-44

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0500

To see the glory of Jesus?to fully believe in him and rest in his power?we must see him in light of the problem he came to solve, the problem of death. And when we?ve seen the glory of Jesus?when we?ve tasted the sweetness of what he offers by his life, death, and resurrection?we come to see the problem of death in a whole new light.

Death, Resurrection, and the Glory of Jesus | Matt McCullough | John 11:1-44

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0500

If we want to understand the full significance of Jesus and what he came to do for us, we have to look squarely at the awful reality of death. It?s in the context of this most basic human problem that the glory of Jesus shines most brightly.

The Sovereign Shepherd | Matt McCullough | John 10:22-42

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Following Jesus as shepherd means he?s more than an accessory; his call demands your whole life. But the same shepherd who demands our lives also gives life to all who rest in him.

The Good Life and the Good Shepherd | Matt McCullough | John 10:1-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus claims that he is the door into the good life?a life of safety and satisfaction. He claims that everyone else offering the good life will ultimately bleed you dry, not fill you up. And he claims that he will deliver where all others fall short because he is the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep enough to die for them and who?s powerful enough to conquer death for them.

Seeing Jesus with New Eyes | Bill Heerman | John 9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Only Jesus can give us true sight.

Navigating a Broken World by Faith | David Atchison | Hebrews 11:23-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Moses?s life gives us an important window to see faith.

True Freedom | Matt McCullough | John 8:31-59

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus offers freedom to everyone who hears his word and embraces him. But in what sense do we need freedom? How do we know Jesus can deliver? And how is it that he can set us free?

See the Light | Matt McCullough | John 8:12-30

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 15:00:00 -0500

The cross of Jesus is the ultimate light through which we understand the world, find hope in sorrow, and experience freedom from sin.

Neither Do I Condemn You | Matt McCullough | John 7:53-8:11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Though most agree this famous story doesn?t belong in John?s Gospel, it stands as a vivid and beautiful illustration of the Bible?s consistent and clear message: sin is a universal problem (and not just someone else?s problem), but it is no match for the liberating power of Jesus?s grace.

Is This the Christ? | Matt McCullough | John 7:1-52

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In this chapter John develops the mounting tension over who Jesus is and how to respond to him. Along the way, he illustrates three ways to reject Jesus and the one way for anyone to embrace him. Ultimately, it?s all about the heart.

God Is Not Like Us | Seth Jones | Psalm 36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0500

God is not like us, but he wants to make us like Him.

What it Means to Follow Jesus | Bill Heerman | John 6:60-71

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus came to save people from their biggest problem: death.

Feeding on Jesus | Matt McCullough | John 6:41-59

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus uses vivid imagery as a metaphor for belief. He is the bread of life and the living water, and whoever feeds on his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life.

The Work of God | Matt McCullough | John 6:16-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 May 2014 15:00:00 -0500

The difference between life and death hinges on the difference between the work God wants from us and the work God does for us. According to Jesus, the work God requires of us is to believe on him. But it is God?s work to make us satisfied and to make us secure.

Power and Purpose | Matt McCullough | John 6:1-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 May 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Like Matthew, Mark and Luke, John gives us the story of the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus turns a glorified snack into a full meal for a massive crowd of hungry people. It?s a story meant to demonstrate that Jesus has power that isn?t limited by rigid laws of nature, that in him we catch a glimpse of a new world breaking into the somber limitations of this old one. But John also means this story to provide a sign of Jesus? purpose. He will use his power not necessarily to give us what we want but to give us what we need above all else.

How Can You Believe? | Matt McCullough | John 5:30-47

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 May 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In this dialogue with those who opposed him, having just claimed to be equal with God, Jesus points to the evidence that supports his claim. But his main focus is explaining why those who?ve seen the evidence still don?t believe in him. If we believe based on what we want, and if we want the respect and praise of other people, we?ll never believe in Jesus. But if we want the approval of God more than the approval of other people, Jesus becomes beautiful to us.

Death Is Not the End | Matt McCullough | John 5:16-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:00:00 -0500

The words of Jesus in this passage are the words that got him killed. When we hear his words as they sounded to his first audience, it?s not difficult to understand why. He is making claims that are ridiculous at best and dangerous at worst?if they?re not true, that is. If they?re true?if he does have the power of God over life and death and judgment?then we must honor the Son.

Do You Want to Be Healed? | Matt McCullough | John 5:1-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In his healing of the lame man, Jesus shows he is the one who will make all things new. But in the responses of the Jewish leaders and the healed man, we?re warned against two ways to miss out on the new world Jesus came to bring.

Our Living, Life-Giving Shepherd | Matt McCullough | John 10:10-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 15:00:00 -0500

In place of a life defined by sin, suffering and death, Jesus offers us a life that is abundant and eternal. This passage is meant to show us why we can trust him to deliver on his promise. Jesus cares for his people with a love that drove him to death and a power that death could not conquer.

The Power of Biblical Hope | Bill Maynard | 1 John 3:2-3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:00:00 -0500

We have a hope that does not disappoint, one in which we should invest everything.

True Faith | Matt McCullough | John 4:43-54

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 15:00:00 -0500

We must avoid faith based merely on what we see and aimed merely at the lives we want. Instead, we must seek faith based primarily on what we hear?on Jesus?s Word?and aimed at the life Jesus promises us.

Call to Worship | Matt McCullough | John 4:19-42

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus?s conversation with the Samaritan woman clarifies the central calling of our lives. We?re called to be worshipers, and we?re called to seek worshipers.

What Jesus Offers | Matt McCullough | John 4:1-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:00:00 -0500

This passage tells the story of Jesus?s meeting with a lonely Samaritan woman, an outcast even among an outcast people, whose life seems to have been a series of failed relationships with men. John tells the story to illustrate what Jesus came to offer those who trust in him. He offers acceptance even for those rejected by everyone else. And he offers satisfaction that is unmatched and unending.

He Must Increase | Matt McCullough | John 3:22-36

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:00:00 -0500

This story centers on John the Baptist near the end of his life, just as his ministry was fading way and eclipsed by the rising popularity of Jesus. In his response to the situation we get one of this Gospel?s clearest examples of what it looks like to have genuine faith in Jesus. There?s transforming, liberating power in John?s statement of faith: ?He must increase; I must decrease.?

God So Loved the World | Matt McCullough | John 3:16-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 15:00:00 -0500

To fully appreciate the beauty in this iconic description of God?s love, we?ve got to understand who it is God loves and what his love costs him. And then we?ve got to face the choice this text poses for each of us: what will you do with Jesus?

Born Again | Matt McCullough | John 2:23-3:15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 14:00:00 -0600

Jesus insists that only those who are born again can enter the kingdom he came to establish. But what does it mean to be born again? And where can you get this experience? The answers come out in Jesus?s conversation with a religious leader named Nicodemus. They?re unexpected, but they?re life-giving.

Jesus and Knowing God | Matt McCullough | John 2:13-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 14:00:00 -0600

This passage tells the story of Jesus cleansing the Jerusalem temple of all those selling animals and changing money. The fury of Jesus can be shocking given what we normally expect from him. But the anger he showed in driving shopkeepers from the temple flowed from the same love that drove him to earth. His all-consuming passion was for knowing God, and he came to make knowing God possible for us.

The Wedding | Matt McCullough | John 2:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 14:00:00 -0600

This story captures the first of Jesus?s ?signs,? actions that symbolize what he came to do for us. It isn?t as eye-catching as some of his later miracles. There?s no healing of the sick, no calming of a storm, no resurrection of the dead. But when Jesus turned water into wine, he offered a perfect taste of what his coming means for his people: he will turn guilt and shame to unimaginable joy.

Come and See | Matt McCullough | John 1:35-51

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:00:00 -0600

The best way to evaluate whether Jesus is the Messiah is to experience him as a person or, in Jesus? words, to come and see. But when you experience Jesus you see, as did his first disciples, that he knows you already and has the power to make you new.

Following John to Jesus | Matt McCullough | John 1:19-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:00:00 -0600

This story of Jesus?s life begins not with Jesus himself but with a figure called John the Baptist, one sent to prepare the way for the Christ. Following John?s lead, we get a clear picture of what we must know about ourselves and about Jesus if we?re to truly enjoy what Jesus offers us.

The Beauty of Incarnation | Matt McCullough | John 1:14-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:00:00 -0600

At the heart of Christianity is the claim that God became human for us. But how can we get our minds and hearts around this claim? It?s at once abstract and too familiar, but John would have us taste the beauty of incarnation.

Jesus Is? | Matt McCullough | John 1:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 14:00:00 -0600

The opening of John?s Gospel gets at questions all of us must address at one point or another. Where did we come from? Why are we here? What?s wrong with us and our environment? Who can we trust to solve problems that are too big for us? John places Jesus at the center of these questions, and confronts us with questions of his own, the questions his book will address all the way through: Who is Jesus? And who is Jesus to you?

Why Believe?: Introducing John?s Gospel | Matt McCullough | John 20:30-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 14:00:00 -0600

John wrote this book to persuade readers that Jesus is the only one who can give us the life we?re made for. And though he originally aimed at first-century Jewish readers, John?s Gospel is for all of us because all of us need to trust Jesus more than we do.

Remember God?s Work | Matt Givens | Psalm 103

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 14:00:00 -0600

One of the most challenging problems in the heart of a Christian is forgetfulness. David gives us hope by encouraging us to remember all that God has done for us in Christ: He has saved us from sin, saved us from death, saved us by love, and saved us for joy in Him.

Child of God | Matt McCullough | John 1:9-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 14:00:00 -0600

God became a child to make you a child of God.

Praying Like Jesus | Bill Heerman | Matthew 6:5-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Speaker: Bill Heerman

In All Things Love | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Paul?s first letter to the church in Corinth covers a full range of issues basic to human life across the centuries. It?s a letter about politics and competition, about fashion and style, about sex and money and food. And straight through every issue it?s about selfishness and the power of cross-centered love to overcome the root of evil. It?s a letter well-summarized by Paul?s final instruction: ?Let all that you do be done in love.?

Because Christ Is Risen | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Jesus does more than remove the threat of death. He promises to give us bodies that won?t die through which we?ll know joy that is endless and complete. With this promise before us, there is nothing in this life we can?t do without for the sake of his kingdom.

Christ Is Risen | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 14:00:00 -0600

For Paul, Christianity stands or falls on whether Jesus is alive. But why? Only a living Jesus can truly free us from guilt in life and fear in death. And only a living Jesus makes the Christian life anything less than pitiful.

When We Gather | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 14:00:00 -0600

The church comes together not for private communion with God but to encourage each other with the gospel. We encourage each other by using our minds to engage our hearts.

The More Excellent Way | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Christians are defined by love, not by what they possess or how they perform. Christians are bound by love, because only love like God?s can keep sinful, selfish people together. And Christians are destined for love, for the endless world of love that we taste in part when we love each other well.

Gifted in Community | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 15:00:00 -0500

For the good of the church, God?s Spirit gives each believer gifts that are unique and indispensable. We?re all gifted. But we?re not self-sufficient. As members of one body, we each need others and others need each of us.

Do This?Until He Comes | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Confronting self-centered divisiveness at Corinth, Paul helps us understand what we do in the Lord?s Supper and what the Lord?s Supper does in us.

Headship, Headcoverings, and Hope in God | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 15:00:00 -0500

What do we do when the message and cultural context of the Bible seem far removed from our values and assumptions?

What We?re Made For | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:00:00 -0500

What does it look like to live our lives ?to the glory of God?? We were made to glorify God by loving his gifts for God?s sake, and by loving each other in God?s strength.

Careful What You Crave | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 10:1-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Paul points to the example of Israel to show that receiving great blessing from God doesn?t mean you won?t crave something more and fall into idolatry. Because comfort in Christian trappings isn?t the same as faith in Christ, be careful what you crave.

Free to Serve | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Christian freedom is not finally about what?s permissible for us but what?s beneficial for others. Jesus frees us from bondage to our own interests, and he frees us for binding ourselves to each other.

Known by Love | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0500

As Christians, we?re defined not by what we know but by who knows us?our loving God?and what we?re known for?our love for each other.

Singleness, Marriage, and the Christian Hope | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0500

All of us have a idea of what we hope to get out of our lives before we die. And all of us have a future beyond the grave promised to us by God if we trust in Jesus. The question is this: To which unrealized future does your heart belong?

There Remain with God | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 15:00:00 -0500

How can we be free from restlessness and discontent? Paul helps us connect with God?s acceptance of us, his sovereignty over us, and his future for us.

Jesus Christ and Your Sex Life | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Why do Christians think sex outside of marriage is such a bad thing? Given what Paul says here, the answer to that question has much to do with the sacredness of the body, the power of sex, and the purpose of sex within marriage.

Conflict and the Kingdom | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:00:00 -0500

How we handle conflict shows what we love and where we belong. When our hearts are locked on the things of this world, we?re driven to protect what we have and compete for even more. When we realize God has not given us what we deserve, we?re free to lay aside our rights and love with forgiveness.

Love, Judgment, and the Healthy Church | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Could it ever be a good thing to remove someone from the church because of their sin? Paul?s stern warning explains why we must confront sin if we truly love each other, if we truly love the church body, and if we truly love God and his glory.

Gospel Humility: Be Like Paul | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Paul uses his own life to call his friends to a humility rooted in the promises of the gospel. When we embrace God?s approval of us through Jesus, our security isn?t tied to what others think of us or what we think of ourselves. And when we taste the sweetness of what?s ours in Jesus, we?re set free from the restless pursuit of what we think we need or deserve.

You Are God?s | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 3:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 15:00:00 -0500

The church in Corinth was falling apart because its members were insecure and self-obsessed; or, in Paul?s words, they were behaving like infants, in a merely human way. The unflinching challenge of this text confronts all of us with two crucial questions: Who are you? And what are you doing with your life?

Crucified With Christ | David Atchison | Galatians 2:19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 15:00:00 -0500

When we add to the gospel, we nullify it.

Natural or Spiritual? | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Still pushing back against self-centered divisiveness in the church, Paul insists there?s only one distinction that really matters: those who love the cross of Jesus and those who reject it. And it?s only by God?s Spirit that any of us come to understand and to love that cross, to see the wisdom of God.

Gospel-Centered Minimalism | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0500

The aim of Paul?s ministry was to see deeper faith in the power of God apart from any substitute. If we share his goal, that means our message must focus always and only on Jesus and his cross. And it means our methods must clarify the power of the cross, not distract from it.

The Foolishness and Glory of God | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Paul calls the message of the cross foolishness, and there?s no question that?s how it?s always seemed to the powers that be. But what did Paul mean by this description? And why would God choose this foolishness?

Be United | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0500

In this passage Paul confronts one of the major problems in the church at Corinth and in so many churches since then: the people were divided against each other. Paul points us to where division comes from, why it?s so dangerous, and how the cross helps us overcome it.

The Cross-Centered Community | Matt McCullough | 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Paul writes this letter to a dysfunctional church plant to clarify what defines a healthy church community: Holiness, grace, and love.

The Good Shepherd | Bill Heerman | Psalm 23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Psalm 23 is a dramatic portrayal of trusting God completely. When we read its 6 verses, we are drawn to ask ourselves if we trust God enough to proclaim, ?The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.?

What Do You Love? | Bill Heerman | Psalm 1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

When we place God at the center of our lives, we will experience a deep happiness that is not dependent on our circumstances. By understanding the psalmist?s metaphor?a tree planted by streams of water?we hope to gain a deeper knowledge of who God is and what it looks like to love him most.

The Worshipful Life | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 66:1-2

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

This final chapter in Isaiah captures the only suitable response to the message of the book: Worship. And worship that pleases God hinges on the heart posture of the worshiper. God wants worshipers who come desperate and empty handed, who tremble at his word.

While You Wait | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 61:10-62:7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Isaiah is full of sweeping promises from God about his plans to redeem his people and remake the world. Many of these promises haven?t been fulfilled yet, so we wait. This text shows us how to wait in faith: we testify to what?s coming and we pray until it gets here.

What God Wants from Us | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 58:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Genuine trust in God and his promises produces a different way of life. But God isn?t interested in any good works we might offer as a kind of bargaining chip to get what we want from him. God is pleased by good works done for others as an overflow of our joyful security in him.

Trust in God | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 36:1-37:38

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Isaiah?s beautiful descriptions of God?s plan to redeem sinners are only good news for us if we know that they?re promises to us, and if we know how we?re supposed to respond to his word. This story of King Hezekiah in crisis?one of Isaiah?s only stories?is meant to show us what it looks like to claim God?s promises. It looks like a trust that?s rooted in despair, centered on God and his character, and motivated by God?s glory.

New Creation | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 65:17-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

God?s plan to redeem extends as far as the brokenness of the world. In the new heavens and the new earth, there will be gladness and no sorrow; life and no death; fruitfulness and no futility; peace and no hostility.

The Quantity and Quality of God?s Redemption | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 55:1-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Because of the Servant?s work, God offers the only thing that can truly satisfy us?himself. And he offers himself to all who see their need for him?everyone from everywhere.

Gracious Redefinition | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 54:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

This chapter unpacks the beautiful reality that?s possible because the Servant has suffered for our sins. God?s grace can reframe your past, and God?s grace can perfectly secure your future.

The Servant Shall Be Exalted | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 53:10-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0500

The resurrection proves Jesus?s death fully accounted for sin and opened up a new world of hope.

The Royal Servant Suffers | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0500

God?s promised redeemer, both king and servant, triumphs through suffering. That?s the unexpected message of this famous passage, which explains for us both why he had to suffer and why his suffering is such good news for us. His suffering is substitutionary, voluntary, and obedient.

The Servant | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 42:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0500

To his emphasis on the coming King, Isaiah adds an unexpected description of the one who will come to save God?s people and bring justice to the nations. The conquering King is also the Servant; he is humble, gentle, and longsuffering.

The Perfect and Permanent King | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 9:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Isaiah offers some of the Bible?s most beautiful descriptions of God?s plan to save sinners and heal the brokenness of the world. According to Isaiah 9, those plans center on the coming of a perfect and permanent King.

A Culture of Misplaced Trust | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 59:1-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:00:00 -0600

This passage is a clear and merciless indictment of what happens to the cultures we create when we refuse to trust God to make us secure. Like Israel in Isaiah?s day, we turn each other into threats to be attacked, competitors to be deceived, and resources to be exploited. But this passage also points the way to healing. Honest confession of our own brokenness helps us empathize with the weakness of others, and confidence in God?s saving power frees us to give ourselves to others.

Who?s Carrying Whom? | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 46:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Using an image of unmistakeable power, Isaiah shows that idols may draw you in with the promise of control, but in the end you?re left to carry their crushing weight. By contrast, the Holy One of Israel demands submissive trust in a God you can?t control, but he is powerful, wise, and loving enough to carry you.

The Uselessness of Idolatry | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 44:9-23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Isaiah presents idolatry?worshipping and trusting what isn?t God?as one of Israel?s most consistent and most significant problems. And though the symptoms have changed from culture to culture, idolatry is a heart disease we all carry. This chapter helps us understand what idolatry is, why it?s useless, how we?re guilty of it, and how we can be saved from it.

Whom Will You Trust? | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 7:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0600

The story of Ahaz illustrates Isaiah?s perspective on what?s wrong with Israel and with us. Then and now, everything rides on a single question: whom will you trust?

True Love | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 40:1-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0600

The Bible claims that God is love, but in trying to understand what that means we?ve got to be careful to avoid imposing our confused views of what love is onto God. The fact is that God?s love isn?t like any love in our experience, which is to say it?s holy love. In light of Isaiah 40, God?s holy love is preemptive, pardoning, and permanent.

?Holy in Righteousness? | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 5:8-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0600

One of the ways in which God is holy, in which he is not like us, is his perfect moral righteousness. We redefine what?s right and justify doing wrong; God is perfectly committed to what?s right and unfailingly judges what?s wrong. This makes God?s holy perfection a severe threat. But his holy perfection also comes to us as a promise: God offers us Jesus?s record of perfect righteousness, and by his Spirit we come to love what?s right and hate what?s wrong as God does.

No Comparison | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 40:12-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0600

At the heart of Isaiah?s portrait of God is God?s holy transcendence?the fact that God is beyond us and anything we experience in this world, that he?s not limited by the powers of this world or our ability to understand him. This aspect of what God is like is unavoidably abstract and difficult to connect with, much less enjoy. And that?s why Isaiah 40 is in the Bible?to help us see and enjoy God?s holy transcendence more fully.

The Holy One of Israel | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 6:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0600

?Holy? is Isaiah?s favorite description of God, the one that stands behind everything else he says about him. But what does that mean, and how can we understand and love that God is holy?

The Gospel According to Isaiah | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 1:1-2:5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0600

Using Isaiah 1 as an introduction to our new series, this sermon aims to clarify the four questions Isaiah helps us answer: Who is God? Who are we? What has God promised us? And how should we respond to his Word?

The Gospel and Prayer | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:00:00 -0600

The gospel, God?s good news that defines who we are, helps us understand why prayer is so important to our lives and to our church. The gospel clarifies why we must pray and what we must pray.

From Our Sins Release Us | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 64:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 14:00:00 -0600

We can?t help but long for justice against evil, but we?re guilty of the things we despise. How can we be saved? That?s the question raised by Isaiah 64. We need more than deliverance from what threatens us; we need deliverance from the evil that?s in us.

From Our Fears Release Us | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 25:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 14:00:00 -0600

In this prophetic vision Isaiah describes what the new world will be like when God comes to make all things new. Engaging this vision in light of the brokenness of the world we life in helps us sharpen our hope. It helps us long for the promise that God will deliver us from the things we fear and cannot control.

Remember Hebrews | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 13:20-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0600

The letter to the Hebrews ends with a benediction, a reminder of what God has done and a prayer for what God will do for his children. By sacrificing the blood of his Son, God has made a covenant that promises peace and life that will last forever. By his covenant God gives to us what he requires of us, promising to transform us so we can live the lives of worship we were made to live.

Follow Faithful Leaders | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 13:7-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0600

Wrapping up this letter to his friends, the author of Hebrews urges them to view their leaders as God gift to their community. This passage explains how we?re to follow faithful leaders, and where those leaders should be leading us.

The Grateful Life | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 13:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0600

Because of Jesus, worship looks different. There are no more temples, sacrifices, or ceremonial cleansings; now worship is a way of life, a life defined by gratitude for what God has done and will do for us through Jesus. This passage gives examples of what should mark a grateful life.

God?s Accessible, Unshakeable Kingdom | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 12:18-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0600

This passage, the rhetorical climax of the letter, summarizes the major themes of Hebrews. It reminds us where we?ve come through Jesus, where we?re going, and how we get there.

Obedience | Bill Maynard | 1 John 2:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Samuel said to Saul, ?To obey is better than sacrifice.? Obedience is lovingly conforming our lives to the ways of God in thought, word, deed, and attitude. The apostle John, in his last writings, put it even more simply: walk as Jesus did. We do not impress God with our obedience; we delight him. It gives us the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Heal What Is Lame | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 12:12-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0500

If the Christian life amounts to a long, difficult, and painful race, we?ve got to work as a team to strengthen each other and bind what is broken?to create a community of healing. We must work hard at what God is working out in us; this looks like peace with each other and a fuller dependence on God. And we must take responsibility for each other?s faith, pushing each other beyond apathy, hard-heartedness, and fleeting pleasure.

Endure Pain | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 12:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0500

The witness of Israel?s heroes and especially of Jesus is this: God?s promises are more precious than the comforts of this world. But this text reveals another dimension to how we should view our pain as people of faith. Our pain is used by our Father to discipline us; it shows God loves us, it aims at our holiness, and it always bears fruit.

Faith in a Better Resurrection | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 11:32-40

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0500

This conclusion to Hebrews?s list of faith?s exemplars offers a striking contrast. Sometimes faith brings back the dead, and sometimes faith costs everything. But the key point is this: if Jesus is alive, the difference between gaining or losing everything in this life doesn?t ultimately matter.

Moses, Faith, and Our Identity | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 11:23-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Moses?s life shows how faith is a matter of identity. Faith says that Jesus is more satisfying than the fleeting pleasure of sin. He?s more rewarding than the greatest treasures of this world. He?s more secure than the powers we admire and crave. And that?s because Jesus alone overcomes our inadequacy and makes us children of God.

Living the Faith of Abraham | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 11:8-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0500

The life of Abraham offers one of the Bible?s best examples of what it looks like to claim the promises of God by faith. Here our author uses Abraham?s life to call us to live as exiles in this world because we live with a homesick longing for the world to come.

By Faith | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 11:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0500

If Jesus represents what God has done to redeem our broken relationship with him, faith is what that healed relationship looks like in us. Hebrews 11 is one of the Bible?s most beautiful descriptions of faith, and these first verses show us what it is and why it pleases God.

The Value of Work | David Atchison

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0500

We often overlook work as a means to an end, but God created it and is glorified by us doing it in faith.

Endure | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:26-39

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Whether or not we endure in faith makes a statement about God, a statement that means life or death. We endure by fixing our hope on our true possession in Christ.

Embrace Christian Community | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:24-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Christian community is the key to holding on to faith and to living for the return of Jesus. This passage helps clarify what Christian community is and how it works.

Hold on to Hope | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0500

This verse and the context it draws from help us to trust the faithfulness of God when faced with doubts of mind and soul.

Draw Near | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:19-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0500

The truth about Jesus explained so carefully earlier in the letter is brought home here with one simple command: draw near to God. But because drawing near to God is easier spoken of than acted on, this passage helps us identify why we struggle to approach God and what we can do about it.

Sitting and Waiting | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:11-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Here, at the climax of the entire letter, we get two images that help us see that Jesus?s work for us is finished and how his work begins to change us.

Pleasing God | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 10:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0500

We know from human relationships how disruptive it is to have displeased the other person and to know we?ve been displeasing. Israel?s relationship with God suffered from this sense that God wasn?t fully pleased with his people, and a major point of their sacrificial system was to remind them of this problem. But Jesus came to perfectly please God, to do his will once and for all, and because of Jesus we can please God too.

Jesus and Your Future | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 9:27-28

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Everyone faces a future defined by one of two realities: death and judgment, or Jesus?s death and coming redemption. What will your future be? Are you eagerly waiting for him?

Failure, Death, and Redemption | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 9:14-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:00:00 -0500

All of us possess a moral conscience, and all of us have experienced what it is to have a defiled conscience?a conscience that tells us we have failed to meet our own standards, much less God?s. This passage explains how Jesus came to purify our consciences, to redeem us from living under the dark cloud of our failure.

Nothing But the Blood | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 9:1-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0500

The next two chapters of Hebrews are all about blood. They are especially about Jesus?s blood and why his blood is more precious than any other. So why is blood so important, and what does Jesus?s blood actually accomplish?

Promises Applied | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 8:7-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0500

We all want to change, Christian or not. We try to change by swapping out behaviors, but the radical message of Christianity is that change comes through a set of promises.

Better Promises | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 8:7-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0500

God responds to our abandonment of him by binding himself to us with a covenant we can?t break. In his new covenant, God makes us secure by changing what we want, by satisfying us with himself, and by forgetting our sins against him.

Shadow and Reality | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 8:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Hebrews is a letter full of comparisons, especially comparisons between what Jesus has accomplished and what the system of Moses was meant to provide. This passage introduces two new comparisons that are central in the chapters to come: the new tabernacle, or where Jesus intercedes for us; and the new covenant, or how Jesus intercedes for us.

Why a Permanent Priest Is Good News | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 7:23-28

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Hebrews 7, the most challenging section of this letter, has offered a host of minute and obscure details to show that Jesus?s priesthood will last forever. Now, at the end of the chapter, we?re told why this is such good news.

Untitled | Bill Heerman | Hebrews 7:11-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Speaker: Bill Heerman

The Order of Melchizedek | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 7:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Why do we need a priest? And why does it matter that Jesus is a priest like Melchizedek? Hebrews 7, the meat of this letter, introduces the mysterious beauty of Jesus?s priesthood.

Our Immovable Anchor | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 6:13-20

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Few of us would likely claim what makes us confident in the gospel?s promises is the fact that God swore an oath. But this passage suggests that?s precisely how God intended to give us stronger hope and unshakeable confidence. So how does God?s oath make us secure?

Genuine Christianity | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 6:9-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Because the power of the gospel transforms, genuine followers of Jesus bear certain marks. This passage presents three of these marks?love, faith, and patience?and why they?re so important.

Warning | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 6:4-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0500

In one of the most difficult and controversial passages in the entire New Testament, the author of Hebrews warns of the irreversible consequences of falling away from Jesus. What is the nature, purpose, and proper effect of this harsh warning?

Spiritual Maturity | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0500

Spiritual growth came no easier for the earliest Christians than it comes for us. This passage helps us understand what holds us back from spiritual maturity and how we can press on towards it.

Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Melchizedek | Matt McCullough | Hebrews

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 -0500

There is an ironic truth at the heart of the story Christians commemorate as Holy Week. The same man hailed as king one day is shamefully executed a few days later, and that death was inextricably linked to his becoming king. Hebrews helps us understand why Jesus had to die to become king, and its explanation has a great deal to do with a mysterious figure called Melchizedek.

A Priest Forever | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 5:1-10

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0500

This section of Hebrews introduces one of the letter?s most important subjects: the perfect priesthood of Jesus. But why do we need a priest in the first place? What did biblical priests actually do? And what makes Jesus a perfect priest?

Hold Fast | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 4:14-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0500

This crucial section of Hebrews offers a summary of what?s already been said and a taste of what?s still to come. Jesus is the Son of God who became our sympathetic high priest. These titles?admitedly abstract to our modern ears?are introduced for a profoundly practical purpose. They?re meant to convince us to hold fast to Jesus because only Jesus offers what we really need.

God?s Living and Active Word | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 4:12-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0500

God?s Word has the power to cut through our layers of pretension and expose who we really are. Thankfully, this same Word offers us a new identity.

Rest | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 4:1-11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0600

This passage offers both an invitation to share in God?s rest and a warning not to miss out. On one hand, we?re invited to enjoy perfect satisfaction in God and the security that comes from knowing he provides everything we need. On the other hand we?re told to fear and strive against unbelief and disobedience. How do these commands square with our promise of rest?

Our Disease and Its Cure | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 3:7-19

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0600

Using a vivid example from Israel?s history, this passage helps us understand the nature of a disease we all share and how we can fight it. Sin is a heart condition: it deceives, it hardens, and it feeds on unbelief. The only true remedy for our disease is a deeper affection for Jesus, which grows as we encourage and challenge one another.

Jesus?s Faithfulness, and Ours | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 3:1-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0600

When the author of Hebrews wished to encourage his readers to remain faithful, he pointed them to the faithfulness of Jesus. But so much rests on the answer to this question: What is the connection between Jesus?s faithfulness and ours?

Our Suffering Brother | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 2:10-18

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0600

At the heart of Christianity is the claim that God took on our humanity?became one of us?so that he could suffer. Hebrews 2 helps us understand why this had to be. Jesus became like us so he could act for us, defeating death as our champion by removing sin as our high priest. And because Jesus suffered everything we could before we do, he empathizes with us and promises us our Father is trustworthy.

The Death of Death | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 2:5-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0600

Death is the fundamental human problem. It shows us the limits of our power perhaps more clearly than anything else. It calls into question everything we were meant to be and all we try to accomplish. And, from the perspective of the Bible and Hebrews in particular, death is unnatural?an impostor, a weapon in the hands of a ruthless enemy whose days are numbered. For the death and resurrection of Jesus hold out a promise, a promise that his sacrifice means the death of death itself.

Don?t Drift Away | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 2:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0600

In this first of several warning passages in Hebrews, the message is as simple as it is serious: don?t drift away from Jesus. What makes this drifting so dangerous? What would it look like for us to drift from Jesus? And how can we avoid it?

Jesus Reigns | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 1:5-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0600

What makes Jesus more trustworthy than any alternative? According to Hebrews 1, the answer to this question has a lot to do with his status as Son of God, and with the fact that he reigns forever.

Medium and Message: ?God has spoken by his Son? | Matt McCullough | Hebrews 1:1-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0600

Hebrews opens with a dramatic claim that gives focus and meaning to everything that comes later. God had spoken in many ways before; but in his Son, the ultimate medium, he speaks in such a way that everything becomes clearer and comes together once and for all. But what does the fact that God has spoken in his Son tell us about his message and how we should receive it?

Introducing the Book of Hebrews | Matt McCullough | Hebrews

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0600

For all the mystery surrounding its origin, context, and style, Hebrews makes a case that is perfectly clear: Jesus is greater than any alternative hope for salvation, so we must hold fast to him.

Why Peace? | Matt McCullough | Luke 2:14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 -0600

In Luke?s narrative, the angels? celebration of Jesus?s birth hinges on the promise that his coming means peace on earth. But what did they mean by ?peace?? And where is it?

Why Bethlehem? | Matt McCullough | Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:2-5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Micah promised that a ruler to come, Israel?s Messiah, would emerge from Bethlehem, and a basic piece of the Christmas story is Jesus?s fulfillment of Micah?s prophecy. But why is Bethlehem so important? Bethlehem?s significance has everything to do with the kingdom of God, and with the goal of that kingdom, the glory of God.

Why John the Baptist? | Matt McCullough | Luke 1; Malachi 3-4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Luke begins his story of Jesus?s life not with Jesus but with the announcement and birth of another character, John the Baptist. Why was he so important? The answer has everything to do with an ancient story, a story left off by the Minor Prophets and picked up here by Luke.

The Wonderfully Counterintuitive Love of God | Matt McCullough | Malachi

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0600

?I have loved you??so begins God?s communication with his people in this final book of the Old Testament. It?s a fitting summary of the story of God?s dealings with Israel to that point. But Malachi is essentially a disputation between God and unbelieving Israel over whether and how he had loved them. If the prophets dramatize the character of God for us, this prophet illustrates what God?s love is like, and it isn?t what Israel or we would expect. God?s love is free, it?s steadfast, it?s inviting, and it?s self-centered?all of which makes for wonderfully good news.

Peace, Purity, and the Pierced Priest-King | Matt McCullough | Zechariah

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Though cloaked in often mysterious prophetic imagery, Zechariah?s message offers a beautiful elaboration on the coming kingdom, of God?s promise to deliver his people from threats on the outside?their enemies?and on the inside?their sin. And in a couple key passages, Zechariah suggests this deliverance will be accomplished by an unprecedented divine ruler, a priest-king.

Great Expectations | Matt McCullough | Haggai

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0600

When the people of Israel first returned to Jerusalem after the exile, what they found was a far cry from what they had hoped for. Haggai confronted their disillusionment, recasting their expectations and calling for trust in the faithfulness of God. His message gives us insight into how Jesus fulfills the hope of the prophets, and what it looks like for us to live as if God?s promises are true.

Pride, Humility, and True Security | Matt McCullough | Zephaniah

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0500

this point, illustrates how God?s roles as Judge and Redeemer are both guided by a single goal: to vindicate his name as the one true Lord. He will reveal his true identity once and for all by exposing those who proudly believe they can do better elsewhere, and by perfectly meeting the needs of those humble enough to rest everything on him.

Live by Faith | Matt McCullough | Habakkuk

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Habakkuk wonderfully frames a question that runs through the Bible and human experience: if God is good and powerful, why do evil and injustice flourish? God?s unexpected answer and Habakkuk?s prayerful response show us what realistic faith looks like.

Wrath and Refuge | Matt McCullough | Nahum

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Nahum is a book of shocking images. They are images that challenge our common notions of what God is like, that challenge our tendency to flatten the character of God. They are images that show us clearly that God is against all evil, that make us ask whether God is against us. And they are images meant to send us running to Jesus.

He Is Our Peace | Matt McCullough | Micah

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Like so many of the Minor Prophets, Micah focuses on coming judgment and promises a kingdom of peace and security on the other side of judgment. But Micah is unique in his focus on leadership. Israel?s unfaithful leaders led to the nation?s downfall. So who would lead them?and us?to peace?

Embracing the Wideness of God?s Mercy | Matt McCullough | Jonah

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Jonah is a powerful story celebrating the extent of God?s mercy that reaches even to the enemies of his people. But even more, it is an ironic and witty satire exposing the foolishness and hypocrisy of Jonah. The story contrasts, on one hand, Jonah?s experience of God?s mercy when he deserved to die for his disobedience; and, on the other hand, Jonah?s burning resentment when Ninevah receives the same mercy he enjoyed. The key question for us: how can we avoid Jonah?s hypocrisy?

?The Kingdom Shall Be the Lord?s? | Matt McCullough | Obadiah

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0500

In the wake of their exile, and especially given their treatment at the hands of their enemy Edom, Israel had to wonder whether the promises of God would come to nothing. Obadiah prophesied against Edom, but his was a message Israel was meant to overhear. It?s a message meant to encourage them and all who have ever had cause to doubt whether God could deliver on his promises.

Injustice, Idolatry, and Jesus | Matt McCullough | Amos

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0500

A contemporary of Hosea, Amos prophesied to dispel Israel?s mistaken assumption that sin and judgment were someone else?s problem. Amos is unique among the prophets for his emphasis on Israel?s exploitation of the weak and vulnerable. His words, full of beauty and laced with satire, help us understand why God takes injustice personally. And they help us understand why Jesus is the only hope for the unjust.

The Day of the Lord and the Call to Repentance | Matt McCullough | Joel

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Like so many of the Minor Prophets, Joel is a book of warning. He speaks especially of a coming ?Day of the Lord,? a decisive and terrible day when everyone opposed to God?s rule will be destroyed. That has never been a fashionable message, perhaps never less so than now. But what if Joel is right? How could we avoid our share in that judgment?

Spiritual Adultery and the Relentless Love of God | Matt McCullough | Hosea

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Hosea offers one of the Bible?s most vivid illustrations of the nature of sin: sin boils down to spiritual adultery, rejecting God?s love in favor of other options. But Hosea offers just as vivid an illustration of redemption in the face of judgment, what one author has called ?an anticipation in pageant form of Christ?s story.?

The Twelve: Introducing the Minor Prophets | Matt McCullough

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0500

This series introduction answers three basic questions: What are the Minor Prophets? What can we learn from the Minor Prophets? And how can we make the most of this study?

The Gospel and Evangelism | Matt McCullough | Colossians 4:2-6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The nature of the gospel ? Paul?s ?mystery of Christ? ? controls how we communicate this message to those who don?t follow Jesus. In other words, the message should control the medium.

Teach Us To Pray | David Atchison | Luke 11

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0500

. We should approach Jesus with the same desire.

Gospel-Centered Relationships | Matt McCullough | Colossians 3:18-4:1

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:00:00 -0500

In this text Paul drives the implications of the gospel even deeper into real life, into those relationships where our selfishness and idolatry are most likely to flourish. He calls us to gospel-centered relationships in marriage, in the family, and in the workplace.

Be Who You Are | Matt McCullough | Colossians 3:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0500

If salvation comes only through trusting what Jesus has done for us, as Paul?s been arguing, why does it matter how we live? The answer shapes everything. Union with Jesus changes who we are in God?s eyes, offering all the security we need; so we live in response to God?s favor, not to earn it.

The Gospel and Moralism | Matt McCullough | Colossians 2:16-23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0500

By nature, we?re all prone to moralism?to measure ourselves before God and others by our moral performance. This tendency is the enemy of the gospel. In this section of Colossians, Paul makes his case against moralism; he argues that it?s without substance, arbitrary and powerless. The implications for us are both convicting and encouraging: we don?t get to judge others, but we don?t have to fear being judged.

Jesus Satisfies | Matt McCullough | Colossians 2:6-15

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Everyone has something at the center of life that explains how to be fulfilled in life and what values are worth pursuing. According to Paul, the choice is simple. You can build your life on Christ as the only sure source of purpose and hope. Or you can fall for something that seems plausible at first but ultimately won?t satisfy, what he labels ?empty deceit.? The reason Jesus satisfies where nothing else will has everything to do with the fact that he offers something nothing else can: transformation and satisfaction.

Gospel-Centered Ministry | Matt McCullough | Colossians 1:24-2:5

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Writing to a church he?d never visited in person, Paul uses this section of his letter to explain his philosophy of ministry. Not surprisingly, it begins and ends with the gospel, with what he calls ?God?s mystery.? If modeled on Paul?s, our philosophy of ministry as a church and as individuals will be gospel-centered in content, in methods, and in goals.

Christ Alone | Matt McCullough | Colossians 1:15-23

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Why trust in Christ for redemption rather than some other source of hope? The burden of this question is the one Paul?s hymn to Christ is meant to carry. Knowing his readers were tempted to look elsewhere for security, or at the very least supplement what the cross offers, Paul explains why Christ?s identity as both God and man makes him the perfect mediator and only fit solution to our problem.

Pray the Gospel | Matt McCullough | Colossians 1:1-14

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0500

In letters like Colossians, Paul gives us a model for how to pray for ourselves and others. His prayer for the Colossians reflects a basic tension of the Christian life: through Christ we are redeemed already, transferred from darkness into light, but in our experience we are not yet what we will be. So Paul prays a prayer of gospel-centered thanksgiving, for what God has done already, and gospel-centered supplication, that the gospel would continue its good work in us.

?God Meant It for Good? | Matt McCullough | Genesis 37-50

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0500

If God is loving and powerful, why is there evil and suffering in the world? It?s a timeless question that has kept many from faith and unsettled the confidence of many an ardent believer. It?s a question the story of Joseph addresses with remarkable complexity and nuance. On one hand, the story illustrates what we know from experience: suffering comes even to those who don?t deserve it. There?s an element of mystery that neither this story nor the rest of the Bible attempts to penetrate. But on the other hand, seen from beginning to end, the story of Joseph illustrates that God governs all things?even evil and suffering?towards the fulfillment of his promises. The point for us is that, though the details of our suffering remain mostly mysterious, the gospel offers us hope that all things serve God?s purpose to redeem us.

Grace and Faith in the Life of Jacob | Matt McCullough | Genesis 28:10-22

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Typically stories about national founders?stories designed to give a nation identity and purpose?talk up moral virtues worthy of emulation and play down embarrasing flaws. Israel?s origin stories?perhaps especially stories about Jacob, Israel himself?provide a noticeable contrast to this pattern. That?s because Israel?s national identity?and now the identity of the church?rests upon a different sort of foundation, a foundation that has everything to do with the answer to two crucial questions: What can we expect from God? And what does God expect from us? These are questions the story of Jacob is meant to answer.

Believing God Provides | Matt McCullough | Genesis 21:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0500

One of Christianity?s great challenges is the call to walk by faith and not by sight. It?s the call to believe God?s loving and gracious promises are true even when the circumstances of your life cast serious doubt on those promises. There is perhaps no more vivid?certainly no more mysterious?illustration of this sort of odds-defying faith than the story of Abraham?s call to sacrifice his son. When joined to the account of Isaac?s birth and to God?s provision of a substitute sacrifice, this phase of the Abraham cycle offers poignant and timeless insight into what it looks like to believe God provides?and to stake your life to that truth.

God is Faithful to His Promises | Bill Heerman | Genesis 15:1-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 29 May 2011 15:00:00 -0500

God is faithful to the promises He makes in the Bible. Since we are grafted in as Abraham?s descendants through faith in Christ, we have confidence that he is working for our good despite our circumstances.

Abraham and the Promise of Salvation | Matt McCullough | Genesis 12:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:00:00 -0500

sin, is inseparable from these ancient promises. They speak of the content of salvation, the vehicle of salvation, and the scope of salvation.

Babel | Matt McCullough | Genesis 11:1-9

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 15 May 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The strange little story of the Tower of Babel explains the origins of Israel?s neighbors as the result of a clash between the unfettered pride of humankind and the unmatched sovereignty of God. Rich in irony, it juxtaposes the united human drive for security and significance with God?s effortless sway over the best of human ingenuity. But more than that, like all of Genesis 1-11, the story of Babel has timeless relevance as an explanation of our sinful condition and a precursor to God?s specific goals in salvation.

God Remembers | Matt McCullough | Genesis 6:9-9:17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 08 May 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The story of Noah and the flood is far from a nursery rhyme. It?s a story of cataclysmic judgment mixed with mysterious divine grace. Like everything else in the opening chapters of Genesis, this story is meant to introduce key themes that continue to play out in the storyline of the Bible, and it raises crucial questions. How should this story of terrible and intentional judgment affect our view of God? Why did God choose to preserve Noah and his family? Why should we expect he?ll preserve us?

The Wrong Kind of Fools | Greg Wills | 1 Corinthians 1:17-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The message of the cross will always be foolishness to the world, but true foolishness would be loving the respect of our peers more than we love the gospel.

Living out the Resurrection | Matt McCullough | Romans 4:23-5:4

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0500

When the apostles preached about Jesus they preached him as crucified and as risen from the dead. In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains why the gospel is incomplete apart from Jesus?s resurrection. In theory, the resurrection is the foundation of our faith that God accepts us because he accepts Jesus. In practice, it means ours is a peace and a hope that should hold fast no matter our circumstances.

Paradise Lost | Matt McCullough | Genesis 3

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Genesis, as a story of beginnings, explains the roots of a reality we can?t reasonbly deny: this world is not what it ought to be. Genesis 3 explains something of the nature of sin, that it replaces God?s authority with ours; the results of sin, that it destroys relationships, separates us from God, and ultimately brings death; and the solution for sin, that one we now know to be Jesus would come to perfectly solve the problem of sin.

Made in God?s Image | Matt McCullough | Genesis 1:26-31

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The conclusion to Genesis 1 claims that humans are unique among God?s creatures because they?re made in the image of God. That was a counter-cultural claim when first written and, in some ways, remains so today. But unique how? This text suggests the image of God gives us unique dignity, unique responsibility, and unique accountability.

In the Beginning | Matt McCullough | Genesis 1:1-27

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:00:00 -0500

The story of Genesis?a book of beginnings?opens with a poem that answers questions as old as time: Where did we come from? Why is there something rather than nothing? And who is in charge?

Jesus Is Alive | Matt McCullough | Mark 15:40-16:8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0500

Mark concludes his story with an earth-shattering claim that launches the life of the church: Jesus was really dead, but now he?s alive. He leaves us to ask two questions. Is it true? And if it is true, if Jesus really is alive, what are the implications?

Why Did Jesus Die? | Matt McCullough | Mark 14:53-65

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0500

must Jesus die? Mark?s telling of Jesus?s trial and crucifixion removes a couple possible explanations. Jesus didn?t die because he was guilty: the trial of Jesus shows no one found any legitimate legal reason to kill him. And Jesus didn?t die because he was powerless: Mark?s readers know Jesus is innocent and has power to overcome his captors, but he doesn?t defend himself. So why then? Jesus died to establish a kingdom you could live in. Mark?s chief irony and his central message is that Jesus comes to power and invites us into his kingdom through his death.

Jesus, Our Substitute | Matt McCullough | Mark 14:1-52

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Describing the events leading to Jesus?s arrest and crucifixion, Mark tells us a great deal about what Jesus came here to do: He came to be abandoned so we won?t have to be. Jesus was abandoned by everyone?Judas, Peter, his disciples, even his Father?and, remarkably, he chose to have it that way. Why did he choose this path of excruciating isolation? Because through his death?the ultimate abandonment?he established a covenant relationship that will never break.

Jesus on the Future | Matt McCullough | Mark 13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:00:00 -0600

In the longest section of teaching recorded in Mark?s Gospel, Jesus turns to questions asked by the religious and the philosophical since the beginning of time. What does the future hold, and how should we live now in light of that future? The details of Jesus?s predictions?about the destruction of the Temple in the near future and about his final return in power and glory?have always baffled interpreters. But the bottom line couldn?t be more clear: because Jesus is coming back in victory and judgment, and because we don?t know when, our responsibility is to trust Jesus and stay ready.

Religious Hypocrisy and the Love of God | Matt McCullough | Mark 11:27-12:44

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:00:00 -0600

After a parable of judgment that sets the stage for his confrontation with Israel?s religious leaders, Jesus fields challenges from each primary group of leaders: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the scribes. In each case, Jesus?s answers turn the tables on his challengers to expose their hypocrisy. In the end, Jesus proposes the only solution to religious hypocrisy: a love of God for God?s sake and with everything you have.

The King Has Come | Matt McCullough | Mark 11:1-25

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Chapter 11 marks Jesus?s arrival at Jersalem, an event laced through with prophecy fulfillment. Here, by an ?enacted parable? and by a dramatic confrontation in the Temple, Jesus shows more of what he?s come to do. As King, he?s come to purge and to restore.

Kingdom Citizenship | Matt McCullough | Mark 10:13-52

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:00:00 -0600

To this point Mark?s narrative has promised that Jesus would, paradoxically, establish the kingdom of God through his death. So what does this mean for who belongs to the kingdom and how? Mark answers this question by contrasting stories on faith with stories on self-reliance. In short, the kingdom belongs to the desperate, not the self-reliant, because it belongs to those who rest only on Jesus.

Marriage by Design, Marriage in Reality | Matt McCullough | Mark 10:1-12

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Still on the road towards Jerusalem, Jesus shifts the focus of his teaching on discipleship to the subject of marriage and divorce. As so often before, he explodes standard religious convention. Jesus answers a question from the Pharisees about divorce with an explanation of God?s original design for marriage. Marriage viewed from the perspective of creation, in the eyes of God, is an unbreakable bond. But how do we square Jesus?s marriage ideal with our experience in a world deeply marred by sin?

Living the Cross-Centered Life | Matt McCullough | Mark 9:30-50

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0600

As Jesus makes his way towards Jerusalem and the death that?s waiting there for him, he narrows his focus to teaching his disciples what it means to follow a Messiah who suffers. The cross sets the pattern for Christian discipleship, and this text offers concrete examples. A life modeled on the cross is a life that puts the interests of others above its own, and it?s a life that fights a radical battle with sin.

Belief, Unbelief, and the Saving Power of Jesus | Matt McCullough | Mark 9:14-29

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0600

In this story of demon possession and exorcism, Mark returns to one of his favorite questions: what must we do to claim the saving power of Jesus? It?s a story that illustrates what we know from our own experience: unbelief comes from many sources and in many forms. But in the desperate plea of a helpless father Mark illustrates another, even more powerful truth. It?s a decision to rest on Jesus?not mathematical certainty?which constitutes the faith that leads to deliverance.

Glory, Shame, and the Christian Paradox | Matt McCullough | Mark 9:1-13

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0600

Just after Jesus has told his disciples that he must suffer and die, and that following him means they will suffer too, Jesus reinforces their confidence in him with a glimpse of his glory, a mysterious event called the transfiguration. In this story and in Jesus?s discussion with his disciples about this event, Mark helps us understand a central Christian paradox: as Son of God Jesus is undeniably glorious, but his glory as Messiah comes through a death of unimaginable shame.

Jesus Is the Christ | Matt McCullough | Mark 1-8

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:00:00 -0600

The stories of Jesus?s life and teaching in Mark?s Gospel are designed to answer three main questions: who is Jesus, what did Jesus come here to do, and what does that require of us? Already, in chapters 1-8, we?ve seen the shape of Mark?s answer to those crucial questions emerge. First, Jesus is the divine Son of God, as shown in his unmatched words and actions of authority and power. Second, he came to fix what was broken, to establish the kingdom of God by his life, death, and resurrection. And, finally, Jesus demands absolute submission from us: a repentance from all competing allegiances, a rest in the sufficiency of his power and love, and a willigness to follow him with a life of self-denial.

Christmas and the Story of Salvation | Matt McCullough | Isaiah 9:1-7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:00:00 -0600

To fully appreciate why Jesus?s birth matters so much, we have to understand where it falls in the overarching story the Bible tells about God?s work of salvation. Isaiah 9 offers one of the most important clues, hundreds of years before Jesus was actually born. The prophet claims that the people who walked in darkness have seen a light because a child was born. In other words, we?ve got to understand the meaning of this darkness and we?ve got to understand the meaning of this light if we?re to understand the meaning of the child.

The Christ, the Cross, and Christian Discipleship | Matt McCullough | Mark 8:31-38

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:00:00 -0600

This exchange between Jesus and his disciples represents a turning point in Mark?s Gospel. Just after Peter?s climactic confession of Jesus as the Christ, Jesus explains what kind of Christ he would be and what that implied for all who would follow him. Jesus explains to his followers?and to us?that there is no Christ without the cross and resurrection, and there is no Christian discipleship without suffering.

Seeing and Believing | Matt McCullough | Mark 8:1-30

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:00:00 -0600

In this cluster of stories Mark helps explain why people respond to Jesus in very different ways, some in faith and others with persistent unbelief. Contrasting the disciples? struggle to believe even after all they?d seen with Peter?s dramatic confession of Jesus as the Christ, Mark shows us that spiritual sight is never the same thing as physical sight. Faith?seeing with new eyes?is a gift of God.

Jesus?s Radical Message of Sin and Salvation | Matt McCullough | Mark 7

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:00:00 -0600

In chapter 7, by relating Jesus?s confrontation with the Pharisees along with his ministry among the Gentiles, Mark exposes the two sides of Jesus?s radical message: the problem of sin is universal, but the promise of salvation is universal too.

Rooted in God?s Word | John Kramp | Psalm 119

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:00:00 -0600

In this psalm, a memoir of life lived through God?s word, we are challenged to cultivate both depth and breadth in our understanding of scripture and to apply God?s Word to the raw circumstances of real life.

Overexposure and Underappreciation | Matt McCullough | Mark 6:1-56

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:00:00 -0600

In chapter 6 Mark illustrates how we should respond to Jesus by contrast to two more examples of unbelief. People in Jesus?s hometown were offended by his claims to authority because they?d been inoculated through overexposure. They were familiar with Jesus as brother and son and carpenter, but he seemed too familiar for them to accept his radical words or actions. Jesus?s disciples struggle with another sort of unbelief, which Mark illustrates with the stories of Jesus feeding 5000 people and Jesus walking on water. Confronted with vivid danger, the disciples respond in fear because, as Mark explains, they failed to appreciate the significance of Jesus?s miraculous provision in the past.

Jesus Is More Powerful | Matt McCullough | Mark 4:35-5:43

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:00:00 -0600

Mark demonstrates in these stories that Jesus is more powerful than nature, evil, sickness, and even death. In each case, the person or group afflicted with their malady is paralized by fear. Jesus?s response to them is his message to us, ?Do not fear, only believe.?

The Kingdom Is Like? | Matt McCullough | Mark 4:21-34

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:00:00 -0500

In this batch of parables Jesus explains what the kingdom is like by analogy to familiar images, all of which aim to show why the kingdom doesn?t look like most expected. The kingdom is like a lamp which, though hidden initially, is ultimately brought in to be revealed. It?s like a seed that grows even though the farmer merely goes to sleep and wakes up again; in other words, kingdom growth is inevitable because God alone makes it grow. And the kingdom is like a mustard seed, small in its beginning but unmatched in its end. If this is what the kingdom is like, how do we respond?

What Do We Do With Jesus? | Matt McCullough | Mark 3:7-35

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:00:00 -0500

There is more than one way to respond to the claims and work of Jesus. Mark gives us three options. We can respond by calling him a crazy eccentric, an evil demon, or Lord.

Jesus and Religion-as-Usual | Matt McCullough | Mark 2:18-3:6

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:00:00 -0500

Mark begins to document the opposition that builds against Jesus, ultimately leading to his execution. Why did the religious leaders, who were experts of the law, fail to understand the signficance of Jesus and his kingdom? How do we avoid similar error?

Will You Be Forgiven? | Matt McCullough | Mark 2:1-17

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:00:00 -0500

At the beginning of chapter 2, Mark reveals new dimensions of Jesus?s identity and mission. Mark?s stories show that Jesus has the unique ability to forgive sins, and that this is precisely what he came here to do. The only question, then, is whether you will come to Jesus for forgiveness.

Jesus?s Liberating Authority | Matt McCullough | Mark 1:16-45

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:00:00 -0500

In this passage Mark tells a group of stories designed to show that Jesus came preaching the kingdom with a remarkably distinctive authority. But these stories also reveal a paradoxical truth: submission to Jesus?s loving authority sets you free.

Who Is Jesus? | Matt McCullough | Mark 1:1-16

Edgefield Church Nashville — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 15:00:00 -0500

If we are to understand why Mark labels his story about Jesus as ?good news,? we must first see how he answers the three questions at the heart of his story: Who is Jesus? What did Jesus come here to do? And what does that require of us?