
Michael Durham
- Sermons
- Bio
The Justice of God
1.7K54:46Justice Of GodJER 12:1MAT 6:33ROM 1:17ROM 3:21In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges his limited understanding of God and his desire to have a clearer vision of Him. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's presence in order to have a deeper sense of Him. The preacher also highlights the vastness of God and the inability of human beings to fully comprehend Him. The main focus of the sermon is on God's justice and righteousness, which the preacher sees as the standard by which humanity will be judged.
The Spiritual Declension of the Soul
1.2K1:07:17DeclensionPSA 119:67HEB 5:8REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a Biblically balanced knowledge of God. He explains that we need to know God as He has revealed Himself and not overemphasize one truth about Him over another. The speaker also highlights the need for a personal reality of knowing God, citing Hebrews 5:14 which talks about discerning good and evil through the exercise of our senses. The sermon then shifts to discussing the priesthood of Jesus Christ and how He is our high priest after the order of Melchizedek. However, the speaker notes that further explanation is difficult because the audience has become dull of hearing, indicating a decline in their love for God. The sermon concludes with a call for revival and the importance of constantly practicing and cultivating a deeper understanding of our own hearts and spiritual patterns.
Why God Wounds His People
5391:07:00WoundsGEN 32:24PRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 12:24ROM 8:28HEB 12:6JAS 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dying to oneself in order to experience true spiritual growth. He uses the example of a woman named Karen who had been hearing the same truth for 16 years but only truly understood it when God touched her heart. The preacher emphasizes that it is not our abilities or efforts that bring about transformation, but rather our willingness to depend on God. He also highlights the story of Jacob, who was physically wounded by God to prevent him from running away, and how this marked him as a champion walking with the mark of God in his life.
Authentic Christianity
52552:39This sermon emphasizes the stark contrast between authentic Christianity and the worldly culture, highlighting the need for believers to be counter-cultural and not conform to the wisdom of this age. It stresses that true Christianity will be despised by the world, as seen in the message of the cross being considered foolishness. The sermon underscores that salvation is not by human efforts but by the power of God alone, and that holiness, suffering, and surrender are key aspects of thriving in the Christian faith.
Idolatry, Unbelief and Repentance
5151:02:29IdolatryGEN 50:20MAT 6:33ROM 1:25ROM 3:23ROM 8:28EPH 2:81JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believing lies about God and how it leads to sin. He uses the example of marital disharmony to illustrate this point. The preacher emphasizes that the root of sin is believing the lie that we can control and direct our own lives for happiness and satisfaction. He highlights that throughout history, humans have proven that they cannot anticipate or overcome every hardship on their own. Instead, the preacher encourages listeners to come under the leadership of Jesus and experience the glory of living life with Him.
Pressing in to Touch God
51452:52Experiencing GodPSA 34:18PRO 3:5JER 29:13MAT 6:33MRK 5:25JHN 15:5ROM 8:28In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. The sermon explores the theme of pressing in to touch God and emphasizes the power and transformation that comes from encountering Him. The preacher highlights the importance of faith and persistence in seeking God, drawing examples from the biblical text. The sermon also draws parallels between the woman's plight and the state of a church that has lost its vitality, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal.
Undeserved Love
46648:48LoveROM 1:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's love for us is not based on our current state, but despite it. However, this love does not leave us unchanged. The message of the text is that Jesus died for us so that we no longer live for ourselves, but for Him. The preacher highlights the importance of not remaining self-centered, but instead living for the one who died and rose again for us. The sermon also addresses the concept of God's love in relation to sin, emphasizing that God does not love sin or those who continually practice it. The preacher encourages the audience to stick with the text and preach the Word without embellishment or protection. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the unfathomable love of God, who gave His Son for undeserving sinners like us.
The Meekness of Christ
46554:02MeeknessJOB 1:8MAT 6:33MAT 11:29LUK 22:31JHN 3:16JHN 19:10In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a woman who had a conflict with a customs agent at the airport. The woman's pride was wounded when the agent accused her of lying, causing her to miss her flight. The preacher then discusses the revelation of God's power and the importance of going through difficult situations to witness miracles. The sermon concludes with the message that Jesus teaches us to be meek and lowly, and that we should learn from him to be like him.
The Highest Purpose of Prayer
40655:16PrayerMAT 17:20MRK 9:17LUK 9:37In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the highest purpose of prayer, using the Gospel of Mark chapter 9 verses 17-29 as the basis for his message. He begins by discussing a story in which a man brings his son with a dumb spirit to Jesus' disciples for healing, but they are unable to help. Jesus then rebukes the faithless generation and emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting for this kind of situation. The speaker also references Matthew 6 verses 5-6, where Jesus teaches that the reason for prayer is love for God. He emphasizes the need for a deep relationship with God through prayer and spending time with Him in order to truly know and trust Him.
Cultivating the Presence of God
39048:40Experiencing GodCultivating God's PresencePresence of GodMichael Durham emphasizes the importance of cultivating the presence of God in our lives, drawing from Psalm 16:8 where David expresses his commitment to always set the Lord before him. He highlights that knowing God is not just about doctrine but about experiencing a personal relationship with Him, which is essential for overcoming fear, materialism, and spiritual dryness. Durham encourages believers to actively seek God's presence through determined will, method, routine, and focus, asserting that this practice leads to an unshakable spirit and a deeper intimacy with God. He concludes by urging the congregation to recognize God's desire for a relationship and to cultivate it daily, ensuring that they are aware of His abiding presence.
The Savior From Sin
34354:41SinMAT 1:21MAT 6:33LUK 15:7JHN 1:12ACT 4:12ROM 3:232CO 5:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the word of God. He warns that those who reject God and his son will face the consequences of their sin. The preacher highlights the incredible love of God, who sent his own son to save the world. He urges the audience to accept this sacrifice and not to revise or redefine sin. The sermon emphasizes the need for everyone, whether saved or lost, to recognize their need for a Savior and to prepare for the day of judgment.
God's Love for Himself
33652:41GodDEU 7:6PSA 135:6ISA 46:10ISA 48:11JHN 4:7JHN 17:24EPH 1:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of God's love, specifically referencing John's first epistle chapter 4, verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes the importance of loving one another, as love is of God and those who love are born of God and know Him. The sermon highlights a personal experience of the preacher and other believers feeling the love of God during a prayer meeting, leading them to embrace and express love for one another. The sermon concludes by explaining that God's nature is invested in believers, and as a result, they should love both God and one another.
The Ultimate Prize of Christianity
33148:01ChristianityMAT 6:33ROM 5:1ROM 5:5ROM 5:9ROM 5:11JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly loving God and having a genuine relationship with Him. He highlights that many people in Christianity today go through the motions of church without truly loving God. The preacher explains that our hope of fellowship with God comes through Jesus, who reveals God's heart for us. He also discusses the concept of justification by faith, emphasizing that breaking even one of God's commandments breaks the whole chain leading to heaven. The sermon concludes with the preacher emphasizing the need for spiritual rebirth and the impossibility of earning salvation through keeping the law.
The Blessedness of the Hungry and the Thirsty
24754:32BlessedPSA 23:1PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 5:6LUK 15:17JHN 6:35REV 7:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. He encourages listeners to return to the Father's table and seek spiritual nourishment instead of being satisfied with worldly pleasures. The preacher quotes Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, who reflects on his 40 years of missionary work and the valuable lesson he learned. The sermon concludes with the assurance that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, as promised by Jesus Christ.
The Gospel That Makes a Gospel Community, Part 2
0PSA 51:12ROM 1:16ROM 1:21ROM 1:261CO 10:131JN 5:20Michael Durham preaches on the power of the Gospel to bring salvation to all who believe, revealing the righteousness of God and the consequences of ungodliness and idolatry. He emphasizes the need for believers to deepen their understanding of the Gospel to experience its full richness and to grow in sharing it with others. The sermon delves into the stages of salvation, highlighting the first stage as deliverance from sin's penalty, which is the wrath of God on those who do not believe, leading to a distance from God. Durham explains that salvation not only saves from the negative aspects but also for a relationship with God.
How Should the Church Respond to the Homosexual?
0ROM 1:21Michael Durham preaches on the importance of courageously speaking the truth in love, addressing the confusion and moral decline in society. He emphasizes the need to stand firm on biblical principles despite societal pressures and the normalization of sinful behaviors like homosexuality. Durham highlights the consequences of rejecting God's truth, leading to idolatry, unnatural behaviors, and a debased mind. He urges believers to respond with love, acceptance, and respect towards sinners while not compromising on the truth of God's Word.
The Struggle of Faith
0MAT 17:20Michael Durham preaches on the journey of faith using the example of Abraham's struggle to believe in God's promise of a son. He emphasizes the stages of faith from little faith to mature faith, highlighting the importance of choosing to trust God over doubts and logic. The sermon encourages believers to overcome the struggle of faith by doubting their doubts and believing in God's promises, leading to a peace that surpasses understanding.
United in Justification
0ROM 1:3ROM 4:25ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:341TI 3:16HEB 4:16Michael Durham preaches on the profound impact of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Through our identification with Jesus, we have died to sin and are no longer enslaved by its power. Just as we are united in His death, we are also united in His resurrection, experiencing newness of life. The resurrection of Jesus is not only His justification but also ours, as God declared Him righteous and now extends that righteousness to us. This truth liberates us from guilt, shame, self-righteousness, judgmentalism, and the need to earn salvation through our own efforts, as we now have the resurrected Jesus living in us, guiding us in sanctification.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Trial
0ISA 50:10MAT 13:21ROM 5:3ROM 8:282CO 12:9HEB 12:11JAS 1:2JAS 4:71PE 1:6Michael Durham preaches on the transformative power of tribulations in our lives, emphasizing that God uses suffering and pain to develop perseverance, character, and hope in us. He explains that the purpose of trials is to expose our weaknesses and selfishness, leading us to rely on God rather than ourselves. Durham highlights the importance of transferring our hope from self-reliance to complete trust in God, allowing Him to shape us for His glory both in this life and the next.
A New Identity
0ISA 9:6ROM 6:62CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:1EPH 2:4Michael Durham preaches on Romans 6:1-14, emphasizing the profound truth that believers have died with Christ and have been raised to newness of life. He explains the significance of being baptized into Christ's death and burial, highlighting the freedom from sin and the old self that comes through this union with Jesus. Durham delves into the fact that believers have died to sin itself, emphasizing the separation from the old sinful nature and the new identity found in Christ. He encourages believers to focus on the victory over sin that has already been achieved through Christ's death and resurrection, leading to a life lived for God's glory.
The Two Resurrections of the Christian
0ROM 6:1EPH 2:1Michael Durham preaches on the profound significance of the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing how it sets Christianity apart from other religions and brings new life to believers. He delves into Romans 6:5, highlighting the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection, emphasizing the transformation and freedom from sin that comes with this union. Durham explains that through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are spiritually baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, experiencing a radical change in their relationship to sin and a new life in Christ. He concludes with a touching story illustrating the power of Christ's resurrection to bring new life and freedom even in the face of death.
Discipleship Defined
0MAT 4:19MAT 28:19LUK 6:40LUK 14:26LUK 14:33JHN 14:15ACT 11:26ROM 12:12CO 3:18Michael Durham preaches about the importance of being a true disciple of Christ, emphasizing the need to follow Jesus, worship Him, obey His commands, and submit to His workmanship. He highlights that being a disciple means sacrificing one's life to be like Jesus and that the ultimate goal of salvation is to become like Him. Durham challenges the congregation to be fascinated with Jesus and to prioritize following Him above all else, as true disciples are those who are willing to lay down everything to pursue and learn from Him.
How to Approach a Holy God
0DEU 18:15JHN 1:141TI 3:161TI 6:16HEB 4:16HEB 10:19Michael Durham preaches about the unapproachable holiness of God and the necessity of a mediator to bridge the gap between humanity and God. He emphasizes the danger of disregarding God's holiness, as seen in the consequences faced by Ananias, Sapphira, and others in the Bible. Durham highlights the importance of approaching God through Jesus Christ, the Prophet and Mediator, who makes God approachable and knowable to humanity, providing a way for sinners to come boldly before the throne of grace and find mercy and grace in their time of need.
Cultivating the Fear of the Lord
0PRO 9:10Michael Durham preaches on the importance of learning to fear the Lord as the beginning of wisdom and success. He emphasizes the need for individuals, like the kings of Israel, to cultivate a healthy fear of God to engender obedience and honor towards Him. Durham challenges the audience to consider their own fear of the Lord, highlighting the significance of instilling the fear of God in children and the necessity of actively pursuing a deeper understanding and reverence for God through His Word and contemplation of Christ.
An Introduction to Holiness
0EXO 15:11PSA 99:9PRO 9:10ISA 6:1ISA 64:6MAT 5:8ROM 6:23HEB 12:28JAS 4:81PE 1:15Michael Durham preaches on the importance of understanding and revering the holiness of God, emphasizing the need to be in awe of His justice as well as His mercy. He challenges the common misconception that God's holiness has been diminished by the death of Jesus, highlighting the danger of becoming too familiar with God and taking His grace for granted. Through the story of Uzziah and Isaiah's encounter with God's holiness, Durham urges listeners to embrace a healthy fear of God and pursue holiness, recognizing that even the smallest sin is repulsive in the presence of God's purity.