Sermons from Parker DC

2 Kings 5 is a relatively familiar text as we get to Naaman and his unconventional swim in the Jordan River, resulting in his healing of leprosy. But as we look deeper, we discover a lot more! Naaman has to swallow his pride in order to discover physical healing. And as a result, he also finds faith in the God of Israel. In contrast, Naaman's servant is driven by greed, dishonesty, and selfish desire. In the end, Naaman is blessed and Gehazi (the servant) is cursed. Listen now to this powerful text and sermon from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series". Join us this Sunday as we continue on in our journey through the chronicles of Elijah and Elisha.

It's amazing how many miracles and teachings in the New Testament are foreshadowed in the Old. In this text from 2 Kings 4:38-44, Pastor Joey emphasizes that Jesus is the Bread of Life (see also John 6) that is pictured in the manna of the Exodus, the miracles here of the soup and the bread, and the feeding of the 5,000 in the gospels. God uses Elisha to redeem the deadly soup (also redeeming the labor) in the first short story. Then he uses the prophet to provide basic provision to the prophets and the people in a miracle that is very similar to the miraculous feedings by Jesus. We learn of God's sufficiency and provision here. Nothing in our life is unredeemable when Jesus steps onto the scene! Message preached on Sunday, April 21, 2024 as part fourteen in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

What do we do when life throws us a curve? In reality, our life is really not in our hands. Contrary to Bon Jovi's "It's My Life", our life is at the disposal of the Sovereign God of the universe who orchestrates everything according to His good, pleasing, and perfect will. In this message we look at a story that is roller coaster of emotions of life, death, and resurrection... a clear picture of the Gospel for sure! The story teaches us to lean on God amid the joys and sufferings of life, knowing that God is working all things together for good, albeit maybe not our initial understanding of good. Message preached on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at ParkerDC as part thirteen of the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

In a very similar story to Elijah's interaction with the widow of Zarephath, 2 Kings 4 gives us a picture of God's SUFFICIENCY and PROVISION amid an incredibly desperate moment. One of the prophet's wives approach Elisha needing God's help after her husband's sudden death. What is at stake is the freedom of her children and ultimately life for the family. The prophet instructs this widow to a unique and private miracle. It doesn't make the headlines of the local news, but it does provide both MERCY and God's GRACE. God meets this need as only a loving and sovereign God could! Message preached on Sunday, April 7, 2024 as part twelve in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

Of FIRST IMPORTANCE. Paul spoke in these terms in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 as he clarifies the core weekend of the gospel story when Jesus died, was buried, and rose again! In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Joey looks at the basic texts in Luke 23-24 of the Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection of our Lord, highlighting the necessity for all and the unity of the work of Christ. Christ has won the victory over sin and death! This is not just an Easter message, but the Christian message. Message preached on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at ParkerDC.

In this impromptu message, Pastor Joey sits aside the "Peaks & Valleys" series to look at Genesis 22 and God's sacrificial provision to Abraham and how it foreshadows the greatest provision on the Cross. Message preached on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at ParkerDC.

So many sermon titles apply here.... "A Tale Of Two Cities", "To Kill A Mocking Boy", or even "The Bald And The Beautiful". In this text we see the transition of the prophet's influence, from Elijah to Elisha following the former's mysterious departure. In two unique interactions, Elisha brings a blessing upon Jericho and then a curse upon Bethel. Jericho sought God's favor and Elisha purified the water. Bethel's boys mocked God's prophet and likely lost their lives. The narrative depicts two choices. Do we honor God, His Word, and His prophet or do we scorn them? In the balance is God's favor or judgment. Message preached on Sunday, March 17, 2024 as part ten in the "Peaks & Valleys" sermon series.

Some people make an impression when they walk in a room AND some people make a greater impression when they exit. In this case, Elijah's ending is far more memorable than his beginning. In this ninth message from the "Peaks & Valleys" series, Pastor Joey looks at 2 Kings 2 and the "Pyromaniac Prophet's" unusual last day. This text highlights a test that Elijah gives to Elisha that emphasizes the strategic and persistent discipleship process. Also, Elisha's request to his predecessor/mentor emphases the importance of the Holy Spirit's empowering to accomplish the gospel purposes in life. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower us to faithful ministry. We witness a beautiful relationship between two faithful witnesses as the mantle is passed in ministry. Let the church today learn from this example of relational discipleship and ministry! Message preached on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at ParkerDC.

Elijah is the "pyromaniac prophet", or so it seems. An an encore to Mt. Carmel's showdown, we find our prophet confronting Ahab's son, Ahaziah, in 2 Kings 1. After having fallen out a window, the new king of Israel is injured. Instead of inquiring of God about the condition, however, Ahaziah chases another god (Baal-zebub), a local derivative of Baal worship. God is not pleased, and it ultimately cost Ahaziah his life. In the midst of these interactions, Elijah calls down fire AGAIN and consumes two separate garrison's of troops. In this text we discover gospel glimpses of humility vs arrogance, God's mercy and kindness, as well as his harsh judgment on the wicked. We also are confronted with our tendency to seek other things instead of God. Message preached on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at ParkerDC as part eight in the "Peaks & Valleys" series.

Greed is a nasty sin. It reveals our dissatisfaction with God and His provision and our tendency to chase idols. In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys Series", Pastor Joey takes us to 1 Kings 21 as we look at story of greed, injustice, and confrontation. We see again how God uses Elijah to confront the wickedness of Ahab. We also witness God's patience and kindness even amidst Ahab's incomplete repentance. The purpose of God's confrontation with evil is to bring conviction, leading to repentance (not just sorrow), and ultimately reconciliation. Ahab demonstrates signs of sorrow, but not full repentance. Message preached on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

There is an unfortunate stigma around depression in the church. For some proud reason, we pretend that we don't struggle with mental and emotional health, for it might make our faith look weak. In this message from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series", Pastor Joey looks at Elijah's run from Jezebel, and subsequently his ministry. As a result of unrealized expectations, the prophet spirals into despair and pity. But all the while, God lovingly nurtures him, challenges, and restores him. This is what the Gospel does in the lives of believers today. Christians aren't immune to despair, anxiety, fear, etc., but have access to the Gospel for their HOPE. Message preached on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Sometimes prayer is a quick thing, but most often it is a persistent thing. In this text from the "Peaks & Valleys Sermon Series", Pastor Joey looks at the post Mt. Carmel showdown moment when Elijah hears the sound of rain in the distance and then fervently prays for the rain to come. The situation in Israel was dire due to a three and a half year drought (God's discipline due to Israel's idolatry). But now Israel has seen the truth of the power of God. Rain is promised, expected, and needed! Elijah's prayer life embodies laboring in prayer until God answers. Message preached on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at ParkerDC.

1 Kings 18 is easily one of the most iconic moments in Israel's history. Atop Mount Carmel there is an epic showdown between Elijah and Ahab, God and Baal. If you like a little sarcasm, it's present here. If you enjoy decisive moments that altar the cultural landscape (if for just a moment), you will find it here too. There are times when we all need to make reject indifference and make a decision to follow God, whole-heartedly without reservation. Idolatry (all sin) stems from a dissatisfaction with God. But God has been faithful and He is worthy of our full devotion. Message preached on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at ParkerDC as part three in the "Peaks And Valleys Series".

Are you a troublemaker? We likely can identify with that title at some point in our life. In this second message from the "Peaks & Valleys" series, Pastor Joey steps into the beginning of one of the most dramatic moments in Israel's history. The preparation of Ezekiel in 1 Kings 17 has positioned the prophet for boldness and faith in 1 Kings 18 and the infamous showdown on Mount Carmel. Elijah comes out of hiding to confront evil Ahab. Ahab attempts to redefine good and evil, blaming Elijah for the current drought and famine. However, the prophet makes it clear that sin and rebellion are the culprit. Message preached on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at ParkerDC. Join us this Sunday as we press on in this timely series.

Elijah was just a common man like us (James 5:17), but God worked in and through this prophet in enormous ways. As we begin the "Peaks & Valleys Series" in 1/2 Kings, we discover an obscure prophet called by God, emboldened by His Spirit, and.... in training. We see how God hides Elijah away for a season of waiting, of preparation that is vital to his character development and faith. Oftentimes we fight against the times of waiting, thinking it is a waste of time. But oftentimes this season equips us for the greater work. This is why PATIENCE and PRAYER is vital in the waiting. Message preached on Sunday, January 14, 2024 by Pastor Joey. Join us this Sunday as we continue on in this series.

Christ loves the Church! Think about that. And if Jesus loves the Church, we are to LOVE the church and actively be part of it! In this beginning message of 2024, Pastor Joey discusses the launch of the Church at Pentecost and how Acts 1:8 fits into the expansion of the Church. The Gospel and The Church are intricately linked. At the conclusion of this message, we talk about the future of ParkerDC as we expand missions, small groups, and explore the building of a Community Park to outreach more to this community. Message preached on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

In this final message from the "Christmas Lights" series, Pastor Joey looks at the eternal rule and reign of Christ as predicated in Isaiah 9 and declared to Mary in Luke 1. Peace is only temporary without Christ. The human condition demands real and lasting peace that is only found in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our Peace! We need peace with God. We need to be forgiven! Christmas is about the redemptive plan of God. The Advent declares this story to the world. Message preached on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023 at ParkerDC.

Joy is a funny word. Most people think it has something to do with emotions and happiness. But joy is independent of happiness and emotions. It is a conscious decision that is anchored in an unwavering faith in Christ, regardless of circumstances around you. On that Judean hillside, the angel announces "good news of great joy", the gospel proclamation, to some unexpectant temple shepherds. This joy was not just for these favored few, but for all who would place their faith in this baby boy for their eternal salvation. Joy is a distinctly Christian decision. This Christmas, may your heart, mind, and soul be FULL of the joy of the LORD. Message preached on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at part three in the advent series, "Christmas Lights" by Pastor Joey.

Matthew and Luke aren't the only Christmas narratives. If you look deeper, John's prologue (John 1) gives us a deep insight into the incarnation (God becoming flesh). One of the most profound elements of this arrival is the MOTIVE for which Jesus comes. The second week of Advent highlights this. Love is what drives God to give. In this second message from the "Christmas Lights Series", Pastor Joey looks at the profound nuances of God's love toward humanity. It's a love that is unrivaled by anything we could imagine. And it's not because we are so lovable or worthy. It's because God is so good! Message preached on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

The deepest darkness can often be found right before the light. As we begin the "Christmas Lights" sermon series, Pastor Joey looks at the gloom and anguish of Israel in the 8th century BC as the glory years have faded and both Israel and Judah (soon) would be in exile. Darkness leaves little room for hope. But God is not finished yet. The prophet Isaiah records this powerful birth announcement, giving light and HOPE to a people who needed something to look forward to. Today, we need this same hope. It's not found in material things, politics, sports, or human relationships. Hope is a Person. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is Jesus! Messaged preached on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

In this finale of the "Standing Firm Series" in 1/2 Thessalonians, Pastor Joey looks at Paul's admonishment to WORK. Work is a gift from God, part of His purpose for humanity. As believer's we are to set the example for our culture in our work ethic. Idleness, laziness, the attitude of entitlement, and a victim's mentality does not reflect the Ephesians 2:10 picture of the believer as one who is "God's workmanship" and set apart "for good work". Work is a fruit of God's grace in our life. Message preached on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at ParkerDC.

In this simple text, Pastor Joey looks at Paul's encouragement of the church in Thessalonica that can be viewed through three sets of doubles. Paul gives two prayer requests, followed by two reasons for confidence, and finally two blessings. And believe it or not, Pastor Joey finally preaches a shorter message (probably because there is Thanksgiving food involved afterwards). Message preached on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at part twelve in the "Standing Firm" series.

A finite mind cannot conceive an infinite God. He is other than us, mysterious in His ways, and beyond comprehension. This truth is important, particularly as we attempt to understand the biblical Doctrine of Election. In this message, Pastor Joey tackles the hard, but biblical words like foreknowledge, choice, predestination, and election from this text in 2 Thessalonians. The only way to reconcile these challenging words is the Sovereignty of God that works in and through the process of an individual's salvation. Salvation is fully the work of God, a gift from Him alone. But a gift MUST be received. This is where faith, the choice to repent and believe, comes into this moment. These truths shouldn't leave us afraid of these hard words, but actually give us great comfort that the God who accomplished our eternal salvation is both powerful enough and faithful enough to keep that salvation! Paul tells us to stand firm in this blessed assurance! Message preached on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at ParkerDC as part eleven in the "Standing Firm" series.

The only way to live in truth is to love the truth! In this message from 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Pastor Joey looks at the vital importance of TRUTH in an ever-increasingly deceptive world that is manipulated by Satan. The text speaks of the Return of Christ, the Rapture, and the "Man of Lawlessness" (the Anti-Christ), but it also emphasizes the importance the absolute truths of God, God's Word, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For believers, we need to be discerning and wise to filter truth from lies. The days are here where people love falsehoods more than truth. Message preached on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at ParkerDC as part ten in the "Standing Firm" series.

Suffering is often viewed ONLY as a negative thing. But for faithful believers, suffering should be viewed through a greater redemptive lens. In this message, Pastor Joey looks again at Paul's teaching on suffering as presented in 2 Thessalonians 1. The apostle praises the church in Thessalonica for their endurance and faith in the midst of challenges and pressures resulting from that faith. Paul describes this suffering as benevolent, sharing in the sufferings of Christ. This is such an important truth to understand as we experience persecution and suffering. Message preached on Sunday, October 29, 2023 as part of the "Standing Firm" sermon series.

Which is greater, church growth or church health? What does a healthy church look even look like? In this message (podcast), Pastor Joey looks at 14 "rules" that apply to the Church (the Bride of Christ) as it anticipates her wedding to Christ at His Return. These statements depict for us what a healthy local church should look like. Only Christ can build His church (Matthew 16:18), but we can help nurture church health personally and corporately. Message preached on Sunday, October 22nd as part of the "Standing Firm" series and rerecorded on October 23, 2023 in podcast format.

Fear is a motivator, albeit not always a healthy one! Much like anxiety over a final exam, it can be overwhelming to consider End Times events as pictured in Revelation specifically, and in text like 1 Thessalonians 4-5 as well. There is so much we don't know YET. In this text, Paul highlights another event in this topic after his discussion of the Return Of Christ (the "rapture") in 1 Thessalonians 4. In chapter five, Paul speaks of the "Day Of The Lord", or the day of God's wrath upon unbelief and rebellion. As you read the specifics that the Bible clearly states, it will be a "day" (or season of days) full of punishment, discipline, tribulation, and ultimately final judgment. For believers, however, this day is a day of promises fulfilled and even joy. That joy isn't a result of other's pain, but because God is both righteous AND just. Evil will not win this Day! Message preached on Sunday, October 15, 2023 by Pastor Joey as part seven in the "Standing Firm" series.

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it spark your next "yes" to Him. In this last session on October 11, 2023, revivalist Steve Canfield takes us to Psalm 34 and this beautiful praise to God written by David in a cave (see 1 Samuel 21-22 for context). David gives us a shining example to follow as he pursues God intentionally and relentlessly, fully believing in God's deliverance. David has a HUGE view of God. This is the key to saying "yes" to God. We must see God for Who He is if we want to fully obey Him in where He leads.

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it spark your next "yes" to Him. In this fifth session on October 10, 2023, revivalist Steve Canfield talks about God's Will in relation to His Ways. This is an important distinction. You will never embrace the Will of God until you understand the Ways of God. Message looks at Isaiah 40, Hebrews 12:26-28, and John 12:24.

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it spark your next "yes" to Him. In this fourth session on October 9, 2023, Steve Canfield takes us to Ephesians 4:25-32 as we look at right relationships and the effects of bitterness upon relationships. Bitterness is compared to a spiritual atomic bomb with catastrophic collateral damage. The gospel calls us to forgiveness and love!

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it to spark your next "yes" to Him. In this third session on October 8, 2023, Steve Canfield speaks on the dangers of idolatry in light of faithful worship to God. Idolatry is "anything we value or worship more than we value and worship God". We can fill our lives with so many good things, passions, and love that we subconsciously move them above our love for Christ. If Jesus is enough, then everything else is secondary!

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it to spark your next "yes" to Him. In this second session on October 8, 2023, Steve Canfield makes this profound statement, "The best, the safest, and the most productive place to be is in the fog, the flood, and the fire of the Father." Using the examples of Job, Noah, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Canfield speaks about trusting God in the hard, unfamiliar, and challenging parts of life because God is teaching us something in it and doing something through it.

The Thirst Conference is a four day event focused on spiritual renewal and revival. Whereas man cannot fabricate revival, God can use intentional moments to spark revival in His church and The Church. This is the hope of the Thirst Conference, that God would use it to spark your next "yes" to Him. In this first session on October 8, 2023, Steve Canfield speaks on identifying one's spiritual needs by the examples of Isaiah 6, Job, and the Apostle Paul. Then the message focuses on Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52.

Grief is normal to the human experience as an expression of deep loss and even deeper love. In Thessalonica, the church was experiencing grief over the death of some saints, likely from Christian persecution. However, their ignorance of God's plan for the Return of Christ left them confused in their faith. When is Jesus coming back? What about those who have already died? Paul addresses this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and highlights the Christian hope and the promises of God for ALL who have believed in Christ. This truth should encourage the church to live distinctly different in light of all circumstances, even by the very threat of death itself. Death is not the final chapter, but the doorway to the next and eternal one. In many ways, this life is the preface to REAL LIFE for believers. Message preached on Sunday, October 1, 2023 by Pastor Joey at ParkerDC as part six in the "Standing Firm" series.

Have you ever wondered, "What is God's will for my life?" If you have, then it probably was framed in sense of personal decisions like careers, school, marriage, etc. And we should desire to know God's personal will for our life! However, there is a key to knowing and understanding that will. God's Personal Will is revealed as His Moral Will is obeyed. In other words, God won't bring discernment about those personal decisions if we are unwilling to live out His clear standards as presented in the Bible. In this text, Paul exhorts the church in Thessalonica to live a life of holiness... "This is the will of God for you, your sanctification" (4:3). Sanctification is the process of being set apart and maturing in Christ, living by God's righteous standards as a result of His grace. Sanctification is the pursuit of holiness. When we walk in holiness, specifically in purity and not sexual immorality, we declare the LORDSHIP of Christ in our lives. The text highlights the dangers of allowing sexuality to run amuck. The Church should live different from the culture in this matter. We are to be self-controlled. Message preached on Sunday, September 24, 2023 by Pastor Joey as part five of the "Standing Firm" series.

Strong and healthy Christians and churches are predicated on some common threads. In this text, Paul communicates three of these truths that are foundational for established believers and churches. Faith and love go hand-in-hand together. Thessalonica is proving themselves a church that is committed to growing mature faith and nurturing a loving community. As a result, the apostle encourages them to continue their pursuit of holiness as well. These threads... faith, love, and holiness... are essential to spiritual health. The same is true today. We need deeper spiritual roots, a gospel community, and a real and relentless pursuit of holiness! Message preached on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at ParkerDC as part four in the "Standing Firm" series in 1/2 Thessalonians.

In this third message from the "Standing Firm" series, Pastor Joey looks at Paul's love for the church as demonstrated in Thessalonica. His love is rooted in people and a deep concern for the souls of believers there. In spite of the trials and hardships, Paul exhorts the church to persevere. Trials are apart of God's plan to initiate and/or grow faith. He understands that the mark of effective ministry is not in how many people attend but in how many lives are being transformed by the gospel. The modern church often loses sight of this truth. In a culture that drives entertainment, crowd size, and social media followers, it is easy to forget that people are what ministry is about. Message preached on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

The Gospel is the gospel of suffering! In this second message from the "Standing Firm" series in Thessalonians, Pastor Joey looks at the integrity of the gospel as preached and modeled by those who planted the church in Thessalonica. The gospel didn't come in flattery or eloquence. Instead the Good News came with conviction and the power of the Holy Spirit often in spite of the trials, persecution, and less than impressive presentation. The modern church needs to be cautious to never allow entertainment to be the priority! We should pursue excellence, but also leave room for God to do whatever He chooses. Message preached on Sunday, September 3, 2023.

In this pilot message from the new "Standing Firm" series, Pastor Joey looks at 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Acts 17:1-10 as we trace the gospel relationship between Paul and the church in Thessalonica. Founded by Paul in AD 49-51, this church experienced constant struggles from persecution to doubts. Paul's letters to this church highlight the GOSPEL HOPE and the coming Kingdom of King Jesus. In the midst of uncertainties, we can trust that God is still in control and will not abandon His people. God keeps His promises. Thankfully, the church in Thessalonica had a reputation of faith even in spite of the turmoil she experienced. The gospel came with POWER and caused life change in this church! Message preached on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at ParkerDC.

In this finale of the "The Big Ten Sermon Series", Pastor Joey looks at a Deja vu moment in Exodus 34 where Moses is sent back up the mountain to get a second copy of the Law. Of course, the first set was destroyed in a moment of rage when Moses found Israel worshipping an idol back in the camp. This time, the text highlights GOD'S CHARACTER as paramount above everything else. This is helpful as it frames the Law within both the love of God and the justice of God. Even as we pursue obedience to God's Word, we will fall short. It is there that His character of mercy and grace is so critical! Message preached on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at ParkerDC.

Where do we find our satisfaction? In this message, Pastor Joey looks at Exodus 33 and this pivotal moment for Israel following their catastrophic sin of idolatry. God communicates to Moses that Israel will move forward to the Promised Land.... but without His near and personal Presence with them. At first thought, the idea of the Promised Land is inviting. It sure beats this wilderness! But without God's Presence, the Promised Land isn't as sweet. The people reflect and come to the conclusion that their relationship with God is their IDENTITY! As a result, there is a cry for grace. Identity is a hot word today. Where do we find identity? Relationships? Career? Sexuality? Social Causes? Our identity is to be found IN CHRIST! It's His Presence that makes us distinct in this life AND in the next! Message preached on Sunday, August 13th at part fourteen of the "Big Ten Sermon Series".

Exodus 32 is frustrating. In this story the new nation of Israel is being given it's "Constitution" (the Ten Commandments / the Law) by God and at the very same time begins to question God and attempt to redefine God. It's like amnesia sets in and yields impatience and idolatry. The consequences are horrific! In this familiar story, we see the inclination of the human heart toward sin. And it's ugly and ABSURD. Message preached by Pastor Joey on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at part thirteen of the "Big Ten Sermon Series" from Exodus.

It's a strange thing. In the Scriptures, we are taught to both FEAR GOD and yet, to not be afraid of anything. Immediately after the listing of the Ten Commandments is a unique text that highlights the peoples fear of God's wrath and yet a command to obey and to fear God for His mercy. It's a calling into relationship highlighted by a contrast. Do we fear the wrath of God or do we fear God in reverence and awe of His mercy? Message preached by Pastor Joey on Sunday, July 30, 2023 as part thirteen of the "Big Ten Sermon Series".

The tenth commandment is intricately connected to the eight commandment. Whereas stealing is the action, covetousness is the attitude that leads to the action. In this message, Pastor Joey looks at the path of comparison that leads to jealousy and ends in covetousness. The scriptures teach the disastrous nature of coveting, as it steers our hearts toward something or someone else other than God Himself. Covetousness is IDOLATRY! Message preached on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at ParkerDC as part eleven in the "Big Ten Sermon Series".

Truth matters. Why? Because the GOSPEL is the GOSPEL OF TRUTH! When we fudge the truth in any scenario, we compromise and undermine the gospel by our testimony, out witness. The Ninth Commandment deals with not just lying, but specifically bearing false testimony or slandering a neighbor. Jesus defines our neighbor as anyone and everyone we come into contact with. There is never a good reason to withhold truth. Furthermore, even partial truth becomes an untruth as it erodes trust. Truth SHOULD BE an obvious mark of the disciple. Message preached by Pastor Joey on Sunday, July 16, 2023 as part ten in the "Big Ten Sermon Series" in Exodus 20.

Do not steal. That sounds simple enough.... until you begin to look at all the ways that one can manipulate people and things for financial gain. The 8th Commandment isn't just dealing with petty larceny, but fraud, lying by omission to the IRS, shady business practices, and even withholding a tithe to the LORD (see Malachi 3). Essentially, this command exposes our greed and self-centeredness. And, like all of the other commandments, we find ourselves guilty and in need of Jesus Christ! Message preached on Sunday, July 9, 2023 as part nine in the "Big Ten Sermon Series" in Exodus 20.

What a great week of INTO THE JUNGLE VBS EXPERIENCE at ParkerDC? Listen now to the this Family Day mini message from Pastor Joey as he asks, "Why should we trust God?" This year's theme spoke into trusting God when life is hard, changing, and scary. It also highlighted how we should trust God for salvation in Jesus Christ. Join us this weekend as we continue on in the "Big Ten Sermon Series" from Exodus 20.

Missions is a BIG DEAL! We welcome Kris Mobbs, one of our Four Corners' Missionaries in Uganda, to speak for us. This message from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 will challenge you to be watchful, stand firm in strong, be strong and mature, and demonstrate love. Message preached on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Don't murder. Okay, that's clear. Let's move on to the next one, right!?!?!? Well, at a second glance this command is a little more extensive. Despite the command only being two words in Hebrew, this prohibition reaches to a number of areas ranging from suicide to abortion, from euthanasia to premeditated murder. And if that isn't enough, Jesus takes it in the Sermon on the Mount and ascribes anger that leads to hatred as the heart equivalent of murder. Ouch! The sixth commandment again focuses us on the Imago Deo and the value of every human life. Life is sacred and this demands respect AND love for life. Message is part seven in the "Big Ten Sermon Series" from Exodus 20.

Honor is a weird and foreign in our modern culture. It's almost archaic or nostalgic, like a relic from a more formal day. Yet, the Scriptures clearly teach that God's children should demonstrate honor and show honor. The fifth commandment speaks to this. Specifically, the command is toward honoring parents, but generally it can be understood beyond that. As the fundamental institution of our society, the home is the incubator for teaching honor (respect, obedience, and gratitude). If a home nurtures these attitudes and behaviors, then the community and culture will be transformed by it as well. Message preached on Sunday, June 4, 2023 as part six in the "Big Ten Sermon Series" in Exodus 20.