Skycrest Community Church Podcast By Skycrest Community Church cover art

Skycrest Community Church

Skycrest Community Church

By: Skycrest Community Church
Listen for free

Sermons Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • TWL - Teach Us to Pray - S7E4

    TWL - Teach Us to Pray - S7E4
    Mar 26 2026
    Hallowed Be Thy Name: Understanding the Call to Reverence In a recent sermon titled "TWL - S7E4," the focus was on the profound request in the Lord's Prayer: Hallowed be Thy name. This phrase is more than a mere line; it is a call to align our lives with God's holiness and purpose. The Meaning of "Hallowed" The term "hallowed" means to make holy or to consecrate. It signifies something that is set apart to be revered. This is not just a future promise but a present duty for believers. As Christians, we are called to elevate God's name in our everyday lives, demonstrating His holiness to the world. The Third Commandment The sermon highlighted the connection to the Third Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." This commandment is often misunderstood as merely avoiding profanity. However, it extends to how we live as bearers of God's name. To "take" God's name is to adopt it as our own, signifying our identity as His children. Vain can mean two things: Prideful: Bearing God's name with arrogance or self-importance. Worthless: Failing to contribute to God's mission. By understanding these meanings, we see that taking God's name in vain involves both pride in our spiritual identity and neglecting our responsibilities as His children. Our Role as God's Children Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that "we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." This verse underscores our purpose: to contribute meaningfully to God's kingdom. Our prayers should reflect a desire to fulfill this purpose, beginning with reverencing God's name. Aligning Prayers with God's Will When Jesus taught us to pray, "Hallowed be Thy name," He instructed us to start our prayers not with our needs but with a focus on God's holiness. This alignment ensures our prayers are effective, rooted in the right priorities. Practical Applications In Marriage: Pray for God's name to be honored in your relationship. In Work: Seek to reflect His holiness through your actions and decisions. In Parenting: Model reverence for God's name to your children. In Worship: Center your worship on God's holiness rather than personal preferences. In Leisure and Finances: Use your resources and time to honor God. Conclusion Beginning our prayers with "Hallowed be Thy name" transforms our focus from self-centered desires to a God-centered mission. This approach not only strengthens our spiritual walk but also draws others to God's goodness and grace. As we strive to live up to the family name, we fulfill our role in God's kingdom, embodying the truth worth living. May this teaching inspire you to start each day with a prayer that honors God's name, seeking His power to fulfill the good works He has prepared for you. Let us be mindful of our role in the divine family and the privilege it is to bear His name.
    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • Simon Says wk11

    Simon Says wk11
    Mar 24 2026
    Simon Says: Be Bold In this eleventh week of the "Simon Says" series, we delve into the transformation of Simon Peter, focusing on his journey from fear to boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is beautifully illustrated in Acts 4 where Peter, once a man who denied Jesus, stands courageously before the religious leaders who had condemned Jesus. Transformation Through Redemption The journey of Simon Peter is a testament to the redemptive power of Jesus. Initially, Simon was a disciple who often stumbled in his faith. However, through Jesus’ acts of redemption, such as reversing Simon’s denials with affirmations of love, Simon was transformed into Peter, the rock upon which the church was built. This transformation highlights the theme that redemption is not about earning forgiveness but about releasing the burden of past failures to live joyfully in forgiveness. Boldness Through the Holy Spirit The crux of Peter’s transformation is the empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised the disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, providing Peter with the boldness and the words he needed to stand firm in his faith. Acts 4:1-22 In Acts 4, Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus and healing a man born paralyzed. This act of healing, performed in Jesus' name, stirred the authorities, leading to Peter and John being brought before the same council that condemned Jesus. Despite the threat of punishment, Peter boldly declares that it is by the name of Jesus Christ that the man was healed, emphasizing that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). Lessons in Boldness Peter’s boldness in the courtroom contrasts sharply with his earlier cowardice in the courtyard, showcasing a significant shift due to the Holy Spirit’s presence. This story teaches us several lessons about boldness: Fear of God Over Fear of Man: Boldness stems from a fear of God rather than a fear of man. Peter’s courage in the courtroom was due to his reverence for God, allowing him to speak truth to power. Personal Transformation Stories: The undeniable change in the healed man’s life served as a powerful testament to God’s power. Similarly, our personal stories of transformation through Christ can embolden us to share our faith. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit grants believers the boldness needed to testify about Jesus. As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Call to Action Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own boldness in faith. Are we living in the courtyard, denying Christ out of fear, or in the courtroom, boldly proclaiming His truth? The sermon calls on us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, sharing our stories and inviting others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. As Easter approaches, consider inviting someone to church to hear the good news of Jesus. Let’s exercise the boldness God has placed in our hearts through the Holy Spirit and trust Him to do the rest.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • Simon Says wk 10

    Simon Says wk 10
    Mar 17 2026
    The Power of Faith: Lessons from Acts 3 In our ongoing series, Simon Says, we explore the transformative journey of Simon Peter, focusing on his faith and leadership in the early church. This week's sermon delves into Acts 3, where Peter and John heal a lame beggar at the temple gate called Beautiful. This miraculous event underscores the power of faith and its role in the life of believers. Pentecost and the Birth of the Church The sermon begins by revisiting Pentecost, a pivotal moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to continue Jesus' work. Peter, once brash and flawed, became a bold preacher, leading 3,000 people to faith in a single day. This transformation highlights the potential within each believer when filled with the Spirit. The Early Church's Commitment Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early church's dedication: Teaching and Fellowship: They devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and community life. Breaking of Bread and Prayer: Regularly sharing meals and praying together. Generosity and Unity: Selling possessions to support those in need. Worship and Growth: Meeting in the temple courts and homes, they praised God and experienced daily growth. These practices were foundational to their spiritual vitality, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and prayer. The Miracle at the Beautiful Gate In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate. Instead of offering money, Peter gives him something far greater: healing in the name of Jesus. The man, healed and leaping with joy, enters the temple courts for the first time, praising God. This miracle illustrates several key points: Faith's Role: Peter's faith, not the man's, was instrumental in the healing. This challenges the notion that only the recipient's faith matters. Compassion and Involvement: Peter and John’s eye contact and engagement with the beggar demonstrate true compassion, breaking down barriers and opening hearts. The Power of Jesus' Name: The miracle was performed in Jesus' name, showcasing the authority and power believers have through faith in Him. Lessons on Faith The sermon emphasizes that faith is crucial in unlocking God's power: Faith Pleases God: Without faith, pleasing God is impossible. Faith Moves Mountains: Even a mustard-seed-sized faith can facilitate God's work. Faith in Action: Believers are called to act on their faith, offering it to others in need. The story of the paralytic man and his friends in Mark 2:1-12 reinforces that sometimes it's the faith of others that brings healing and transformation. Application for Today Believers are encouraged to: Cultivate Personal Faith: Trust in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Activate Faith in Community: Engage in loving, serving, and praying for others. Be Conduits of God's Power: Allow God to work through their faith to impact others. In conclusion, the sermon calls for humility and openness to God's work in our lives. By placing faith in Jesus, believers can witness His transformative power and be instruments of His grace in the world. For further reflection, consider reading Acts 3 and Mark 2:1-12 to see how faith played a pivotal role in these biblical narratives. Let us strive to be people of faith, ready to share what we have with those in need.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
No reviews yet