Sermons from Oviedo City Church
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Prayer seems to be a universal religious practice. It also is something that few people feel as if they do well or often enough. In this weeks message we will look at some of what Jesus taught about prayer. In His words we find both encouragement and challenges that give us the tools for a deeper and more rewarding prayer life as well as answer som…
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Have you ever heard a recording of your voice and found it jarring? It sounds so different from the sound in your head. To hear your own voice accurately, you need to listen closely. The same applies to our faults. We often criticize others while ignoring our own shortcomings. Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged." He calls us to examine …
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Ever notice the constant stream of notifications we receive every day? Imagine if we received weekly worry notifications, showing us how many hours we spent fretting—about the past, the future, and things that never happen. Jesus tells us there's nothing to worry about because it's not our kingdom, it's God's. The best part? We follow the lead of t…
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Have you ever gone swimming in the ocean, only to realize you’ve drifted far from where you started? It happens in an instant, often without our notice. As followers of Jesus, we often find ourselves caught in the strong currents of material wealth and distractions, losing sight of our true treasure. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there y…
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What was the last great meal you had? Do you remember how it tasted? The aroma? The people you shared it with? Eating is essential to being human (because, well, we need food), so why does Jesus talk about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount? Why does Jesus, himself, fast? Fasting is an ancient tradition, but it is so easily interpreted as "not eati…
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We are thrilled to welcome Dela Adadevoh as our guest preacher this Sunday! Since 1980, Dela has authored several books and worked with Cru in the U.S., holding various leadership roles, including National Director of his home country of Ghana. He currently serves as the Vice President of Global Leadership. With a passion for seeing the gospel tran…
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We love movies! There's nothing like a talented actor to make you laugh, scream, or cry. While these performers are perfect for the screen, Jesus has a different view of those who put on an act for Him. He calls them hypocrites. Jesus seeks authenticity in our lives, not acting. Join us this Sunday as we learn how Jesus fights for our hearts and ca…
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G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people." So, who is your enemy? Is it the neighbor, coworker, or family member with different ideologies, or the one who mocks Christianity? We might all answer this question differently. But regardless o…
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Flourish | Kingdom Words for a Lying World
33:38
33:38
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Jesus is relentless. He confronts us on our anger, lust, and now, our words. Each of us grapples with broken promises, white lies, or hurting others. This unveils our need for healing in both our hearts and speech. Amidst a sea of untruths, Jesus calls us, as Kingdom people, to speak Kingdom words—buoys of grace and truth.…
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Flourish | Lust: Fire Outside the Fireplace
42:42
42:42
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Fire can be life-giving, providing comfort and warmth in a fireplace, but it can also cause great destruction when it spreads beyond its boundaries. Sex is much like fire. In the next section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus confronts the powerful force of human sexuality and the destructive power of lust in our hearts. However, the gospel brings …
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Flourish | The Angry Heart and Its Remedy...Maybe
28:20
28:20
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By Dr. Steve Brown
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What comes to mind when you hear "the law"? Order, restrictions, or breaking the rules? Probably not “flourishing” or “thriving.” Yet that's precisely why God gave us His law—so that we might live in right relationship with Him and others. There's only one problem: none of us can keep it! Enter Jesus, who came not to abolish the law but to fulfill …
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Are you salty? Not in terms of your attitude, but in terms of your life? If you're a Christian, the answer is most certainly "yes." Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13). Following Jesus frees us to accept this new identity. Your life brings the flavor of the Kingdom into a world that desperately needs it. Take a listen as we con…
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Flourish | Welcome to the Kingdom (Part 2)
32:44
32:44
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This Sunday, we'll pick up where we left off last week, exploring some of Jesus' most profound and puzzling words—the Beatitudes. Consider, for instance, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Is this a tit-for-tat situation? Does it imply that if we show mercy, we'll receive God's mercy in return? How does this align with the go…
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Flourish | Welcome to the Kingdom (Part 1)
39:24
39:24
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Have you ever pondered what it truly means to flourish? Amidst the clash of conflicting ideas in today's world, Jesus offers a clear path for thriving in his Kingdom. Discover how Jesus not only imparts radical wisdom on flourishing but also ignites the power within us to live it out through His gospel of radical grace. Take a listen as we explore …
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Pastor Pete's Installation | For the Sake of the Gospel
43:19
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It is unusual these days to see a smooth leadership transition in a church. It is also unusual, but not unheard of, that the outgoing leader stays on and takes a supportive role in the church. Yet, in the early church, the nature of mentoring/discipleship relationships, meant that it was more the norm than not. Paul's relationship with the young pa…
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Ever been on a road trip with family or friends, arguing over which playlist to put on the speakers? Sometimes life with Jesus feels like listening to two competing melodies: radical grace vs. radical discipleship. Which wins? The amazing grace of the gospel or the call to obey? Find out how Jesus' final "I am” statement invites us to play both tun…
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What do we do when life's unexpected punches leave us flat on the mat? How do we rise again? Where do we turn? These questions echo the experience of one family who faced the loss of their brother, Lazarus. As we journey through Jesus' "I am” statements, we encounter a story brimming with hope. This week, we are confronted with the profound truth o…
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How many times have you stumbled around in the dark looking for something, or stubbed your toe on the leg of the bed in the middle of the night? Stubbing your toe in the dark is one thing. Crashing into a spiritual or emotional wall in the darkness of life is quite another. Jesus promises to be the light in such darkness. But what does that mean in…
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How do we try to attain freedom in life? Usually through rebellion or religion. But Jesus tells us there is only one path to true freedom: relationship. As we explore the "I Am" statements of Jesus, we’ll see how He emphasizes that He is the doorway to this vital connection. He is the gateway to genuine freedom, where abundant life awaits! Take a l…
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When you reflect on your life's journey, how do you define yourself? Is it by your job, your circumstances, or the voices within? Amidst the clamor, we often hear: "I am unsatisfied, alone, anxious, afraid. I am empty, lost, disconnected." Yet there is a stronger, eternally secure "I Am" for which we were made, which is the center of reality. The G…
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Have you ever tried people watching? Jesus did. In Mark 12, we encounter a poignant story where Jesus observed a poor widow sacrificially offering two coins at the temple. He not only acknowledged her generosity but also praised her dependence on God to his disciples. Two thousand years later, this small act of radical generosity continues to inspi…
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The very idea of evangelism gives some people heartburn. The thought of talking to people about deeply personal religious convictions is out of bounds for many of us. Having seen over-zealous people make a complete mess of sharing Jesus only adds to the anxiety most of us feel when it comes to telling others about Jesus. But what if it didn't have …
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When it comes to studying the Bible, we often fall into two camps: feeling discouraged because we can’t find the time, or feeling proud because we do. Are those really our only two options? This week, we’ll look at Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee renowned for his profound grasp of Scripture. In this story, Jesus offers a new motivation …
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In this week’s Scripture, Jesus sneaks up, incognito, on two discouraged disciples. He asks some seemingly patronizing questions, calls them slow of heart, then delivers a compelling sermon about how all of Scripture revolves around him. Suddenly, the disciples find their “slow hearts” transformed into “burning hearts” and they gather the believers…
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Jesus makes it clear that He came in order to serve, and He ultimately served us by giving His life in ransom for our eternal life. He calls His followers to be servants as well. The world outside the church has learned that serving is key, servant leadership is all the rage, and a service economy drives our nation. Service in the name of Christ th…
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Of all the things Jesus’ disciples could ask for, one of their most pressing requests was: "Lord, teach us to pray." It wasn’t "Teach us to heal like you" or "Teach us to preach like you" but "Teach us to pray." After walking with Jesus, they observed that the power behind all he did was prayer—Kingdom-shaking prayer. It was intimacy with the Fathe…
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What would happen if you were dying of thirst, and all that was available was saltwater? Well...you'd still be dying of thirst. Spiritually speaking, this is often our predicament. We attempt to quench our souls with things that do not satisfy, such as comfort, control, and the approval of others. We drink from broken wells, revealing our broken wo…
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Every year on the first Sunday, we look at what lies ahead for OCC, anticipating what God will do. This year is no different, except we think God is going to do even more amazing things than in the past. You won't want to miss getting the inside scoop as we look into the future so we can dream about, pray for and celebrate what we believe God is do…
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What are you afraid of? The future? Failure? Rejection? Beneath all of those fears lies a deeper question: Is God for me? Will God love me? This Christmas Eve, let's reconsider the shepherds who were filled with great fear when they encountered an angelic army shining with God's glory. Their fear was cast out by the angel’s announcement: “For unto …
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Have you ever tried to figure out what God was doing in a situation and just could not wrap your mind around it? Have you ever had times when the nature of God was bewildering and didn't make sense? Have you ever been in the position of trying to figure out what God wanted you to do and couldn't? There are lots of times when the things of God are c…
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When was the last time you belly-laughed? Laughed so hard that it hurt so good? There's nothing quite like it. That's because we were made for joy – and made for the Author of joy! Join us this week as we come to the part of the Christmas story when Elizabeth's baby leaps for joy as pregnant Mary arrives on the scene. Like the child in Elizabeth’s …
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You've heard of Doubting Thomas. What about Doubting Zechariah? In this week's Advent message, we’ll witness doubts emerging in the Christmas story. After decades of disappointment, Zechariah is told that his prayer will finally be answered in his old age. Skepticism fills him. Yet even in his doubt, God is with him. This is good news for the doubt…
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What is guaranteed in life? Some might cynically say "death and taxes," but as human beings, we know there are many other certainties: fear and joy, confusion and doubt, and countless times of waiting. However, the greatest assurance is the reminder that Christmas brings: God is with us. Join us this Advent season as we reflect on the profound stor…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | A New Creation Is Coming
33:55
33:55
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What will heaven be like? It is a question that is asked often. The answer has been depicted in movies, books, paintings, poems and even cartoons. A vast majority of the time the answers are completely wrong. The Apostle Paul gives us a picture of heaven in our final message from 1 Corinthians this week as we explore chapter 15 and what the Resurre…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | Loving People is Hard Work
39:37
39:37
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We've all witnessed a child’s tantrum. Whether it's our child or someone else's, we feel helpless when nothing seems to calm them down. Yet we know “this too shall pass” because children grow up and mature. But what happens when adults have tantrums and haven't grown up? That’s the issue Paul addresses in the well-known “love passage” of 1 Corinthi…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | You are Gifted
46:27
46:27
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he sensation of having your home light up when the power returns after a blackout is glorious. Suddenly, all the lifeless appliances and electronics pulse with energy, illuminating our everyday lives. That power pales in comparison to what happens when the Spirit of the Living God enlivens our hearts, bringing us His spiritual gifts. As we continue…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | True Freedom
38:11
38:11
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What is true freedom? What is self-control? Would it surprise you that the answers to those two questions are connected? As we continue in 1 Corinthians this Sunday, we will learn that only the gospel of Jesus gives genuine freedom—a freedom that empowers us to control the desires that once controlled us. This gospel liberates us to run life's race…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | Not Everything is a Hill to Die On
31:58
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Have you ever noticed how much arguing takes place over little things? Why do we get so worked up over things that are of secondary importance at best and miss the big important things? As we have seen all along in our study of 1 Corinthians, things have really not changed in 2,000 years. The Corinthians argued over things that were not nearly as i…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | The Same Gospel For All
42:06
42:06
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As part of our OCC Institute Forum weekend, we're so thrilled to have Sara Stevenson join us as our Guest Speaker on Sunday. Sara is a member of the speaking team for The Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics (OCCA). She has an Education Degree in Religious Studies from Queens University, a Master's Degree in Philosophy of Science and Religion fr…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | Engaging A Broken World
43:04
43:04
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Paul writes, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food…” Does that sound weird to you? It appears Paul is echoing a familiar catchphrase that the Corinthians were using to rationalize their highly sexualized lifestyle. Their mindset was: if you have an appetite, indulge it. Paul challenges this attitude with a countercultural biblical vision f…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | Christian Humility
38:35
38:35
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Have you ever had a bad sunburn? It hurts like anything! You're so sensitive that even the slightest touch can send you writhing in pain. Within each and every heart there is another excessive sensitivity – our ego. It's why we bristle at criticism and feel snubbed when things don't go our way. And it's why the church in Corinth was filled with so …
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | Unity In Christ
40:59
40:59
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We live in a time when society is polarized as never before. People divide into camps over nearly every issue that comes up in conversation, be it political, ethical, cultural, or a host of other issues, people are divided and angry and show very little grace to one another. The church in Corinth, which should have been united in Christ and His mis…
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Real Problems Gospel Solutions | True Wisdom
39:06
39:06
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They were a new church, new to Jesus, and they were… a hot mess. The Corinthian Church was divisive, prideful, lustful and looked more like their city than Jesus. They struggled with serious problems, just like us. And yet, as we'll see together, the Good News of Jesus brought real solutions to their problems. Take a listen as we explore 1 Corinthi…
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"Put out into the deep... for a catch." When Jesus spoke those words to Peter, you can only imagine Peter's gut reaction: "I'm the fisherman; you're the carpenter – stay in your lane." However, scripture tells us that Peter simply said, "Master, we toiled all night and caught nothing! But at your word, I'll go." Peter would go on to make the bigges…
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Disciple making can sound like a daunting task best left to the theological experts and ministry professionals. Yet Jesus made it clear that making disciples is what every follower of Christ is called to do, no matter their theological sophistication or their occupation. So how can something that seems so daunting become a joy-filled, life-giving e…
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Have you ever built a Lego set? There’s something satisfying about snapping those bricks together—so satisfying that Lego is the most valuable toy brand in the world, worth $7.4 billion! People love Legos because they're made to connect. Perhaps we also love them because we know we were made for the same purpose. Each of us is made to connect in re…
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Have you ever heard your favorite song played badly? It can be downright painful! When we follow Jesus, we join in his melody of loving and serving others. But unless we tune our hearts to the truth of the gospel, our lives can sound like bad karaoke! It’s crucial to remember that "the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his …
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We can all think of the leaders in our lives. Whether they are bosses, teachers, coaches, pastors... you can think of some authority figure that impacts you. But how often do we think of ourselves? As Christians, we have ALL been given the authority to lead through serving God and others. One of the 7 Strands of DNA that binds together Oviedo City …
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