Posts by SGCL Staff

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Test of Prosperity, given on July 29, 2018. King David knew prosperity. He had a powerful military, an honorable reputation, and tremendous wealth. Unfortunately, these rich blessings became a cause for turning David's heart away from the Lord. God mercifully brought David out of this dreadful state of pride, but not with...

"The Lord makes his presence known in many places, but where the people of God assemble to worship his presence may be more keenly felt." Allen Ross "Rather, they make it aplace of springs, which is a classic statement of the faith which dares to dig blessings out of hardships. But God may choose to send rain, which comes through nobody's enterprise and can bring a whol...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Soundless Word and the Saving Word,given on July 8, 2018. This past Sunday, Pastor CJ taught us from Psalm 19 about the revelation and celebration available to us in both God's creation and in His written Word. Life can be busy. We live distracted not even pausing to lift our eyes up for a moment to behold the overwhelmin...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Presence of Wonder,given on July 1, 2018. "Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them" (Psalm 111:2). Take a minute and talk about some of God's marvelous works and how they made you feel when you experienced them. Notice that when we behold God's great works, we feel a deep sense of wonder. Wond...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Salvation Belongs to the Lord,given on June 24, 2018. What is your favorite song? What words would you use to describe that song? Well, would it surprise you that of the songs in the book of Psalms, about 1/3rd of them are songs of "lament"? The ESV study bible states that the primary goal of these psalms are to "lay a troubl...

This post is based on Brian Chesemore's sermon, Truly God Is Good,given on June 17, 2018. We had a great opportunity on Sunday to hear Pastor Brian teach us from Psalm 73 about an all-too-common temptation we face the temptation to be jealous of the world. We saw on Sunday Asaph's struggle with looking at all the apparent fun and easiness of life from the world (everyo...

This post is based on C.J. Mahahey's sermon, Hope Realized,given on June 10, 2018. Over the last 5 weeks, Pastor CJ has been faithfully teaching us through the book of Ruth and we have observed God's hidden hand at work in the lives of each character in the book. Pastor CJ was keen to remind us that the book of Ruth is meant to convince us of God's kindness. He taught u...

Two weeks ago was a bittersweet gathering for Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville as we said goodbye to the 2018 Sovereign Grace Pastors College students. These 10 men have become a part of our church family over the past 10 months and although we are excited excited to see how the Lord will use them for His glory, we are also saddened that they will be leaving Louisville...

This post is based on C.J. Mahahey's sermon, Hope Deferred,given on May 27, 2018. Over the past few 2 weeks we've been tracing the hidden hand of God in the story of Ruth. This week our story takes a suspenseful turn as Ruth and Naomi execute a plan to get Boaz's attention and hopefully his proposal. Let's read Ruth 3 together, keeping our eyes peeled for both God's hid...

This post is based on C.J. Mahahey's sermon, Dark Days,given on May 13, 2018. This past Sunday, we heard Pastor CJ open God's Word to us from the Book of Ruth. In this "most beautiful short story ever written," we see God's hand of grace in the midst of judgement, grief, and suffering. One of the ways that this book is a gift to us is that for all who are familiar with ...

On Sunday, we had the priviledge of hearing a testmiony from Jon and Hannah Underhill honoring Sarah for Mother's Day. Mother's Day Testimony 2018 | Jon and Hannah Underhill from SGCLouisville on Vimeo....

This post is based on Riley Spring's sermon, Do You Measure Up?,given on May 6, 2018. Pastors College student Riley Spring preached a messageon Sundayfrom Luke 18. In this passage, Luke records a parable of Jesus' that highlights and contrasts two men and the posture of their hearts before God. The Phariseewho Jesus' audience would view as the good man in this storyprayed...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, The Divisive Person,given on April 22, 2018. Can you think of a time when your parents warned you not to do something? What did they warn you not to do and why did they warn you not to do it? Parents are not the only ones who give warnings; if you look closely on items in our house, you will see that many things have warning la...

This post is based on Joel Bain's sermon, A Symphony of Christ's Blessings,given on April 15, 2018. This pastSundaywe heard from our friend and brother in Christ, Joel Bain. Joel shared with us of his love for his first experience hearing a live orchestra and his even greater love for the gospel. Illustrating for us the wonder of how up to 100 skilled musicians can all ...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, A Timely Remidner,given on March 25, 2018. What type of reminders do your parents often give you about how to behave? Whenever my wife takes my children to the library she always reminds them of two things; she does this by asking them the question: "Ok guys, what are the 2 W's?" Our kids respond in chorus, "Walk, and Whisper"....

This post is based on Josh Payne's sermon, One Thing Is Necessary,given on March 18, 2018. Have you ever been so excited about a job your parents have asked you to do or a project at school and then slowly lost your joy and began disliking what you were doing? When I was 8-years-old and my dad was throwing a top-secret surprise birthday party for my mom I got asked to ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Look Both Ways,given on March 11, 2018. Imagine a street here in Louisville that your family frequently drives on, and then imagine having to cross that street on foot as a child alone with cars zooming by. Could be dangerous, right? This past Sunday, Pastor CJ shared with us a story from his childhood where he did just that. W...

At our old house we had a number of large trees that hadn't been taken care of and had become over-ridden with vines. At first, I didn't think too much of it. The vines had green leaves, so they kind of blended in. But as time went on, I took a close look at the trees. The vines were starting to weigh the tree down, and it became clear that they would kill the tree eventua...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Self-Control: An Unappreciated Virtue,given on Feburary 18, 2018. Everyone's heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect." So what do you practice a lot to be good at? Maybe it's basketball or ballet. Perhaps it's guitar or drums. Whatever it is, the reason you work so hard at becoming better is because you love doing it and be...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Difference Doctrine Makes,given on Feburary 11, 2018. This past Sunday Pastor CJ shared a wonderful story of a woman named Della. Della delighted in serving her customers with excellence and with a joyful spirit at the hospital cafeteria where CJ was waiting for a friend. Through Della's kindness and desire to serve other...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Deadly Danger of False Teaching,given on Feburary 4, 2018. Think about a time when you felt scared, but then someone took care of you and kept you safe. Maybe you woke up during a thunder storm and saw lightning flash outside your window. Maybe your mom or dad came to check on you and reassure you that everything was going...

Last Sunday we had the privilege to honor and hear from Michael and Kenean Granger as they prepared to leave for Ethiopia. It was a bitter-sweet Sunday, as we said goodbye to our dear friends, but also sent them out with great anticipation of all the Lord will do in and through them. "It is with cheerfulness that we dismiss our twelves, our twenties, our fifties, to form ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Supporting Those We Send,given on January 28, 2017. This pastSunday, pastor CJ showed us that the most meaningful way we can serve our missionaries and church planting teams is by regularly praying that God would honor their proclamation of the Gospel. This high regard for consistent prayer does not cheapen other ways of supp...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Leaders Who Commend the Gospel,given on January 14, 2017. This past Sunday, Pastor CJ spoke of a special kind of leadership role in our church called an Overseer or Elder. He shared with us from God's Word that Paul had entrusted Titus with a very important assignment in a place called Crete where the early Church was in seri...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Zealous: Living to Commend the Gospel,given on January 7, 2017. Think about the last time you got really angry. Maybe you were mad at your brother or sister for taking something you were playing with. Maybe your friend said he (or she) didn't want to play with you. It's normal for all of us to feel angry for various reasons. ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Simeon's Song,given on December 17, 2017. Have you ever met a police officer before? They are here to help protect people and to be sure that you and the people around you follow the law and obey the laws that are set in place. Did you know that the city of Louisville or the state of Kentucky or the United States of America a...

This post is based on Rich Richardson's sermon, A Global Mission,given on December 3, 2017. It's a statistical fact that more parties are thrown in the U.S. during the month of December than any other month. I especially like church parties because I know my closest friends will be there. In Revelation 19:6-9, John records a celebration that he witnessed in his propheti...

This post is based on Michael Granger's sermon, The Revelation of God in Adoption,given on November 26, 2017. Who are some people in your life who love you SO much? How do you know that they love you? Do they show you in specific ways that they love you? I'd guess you probably say that your mommy and your daddy or maybe your sister or your brother love you so much and ...

This post is based on Brian Chesemore's sermon, Rehearsing Mercies,given on November 19, 2017. What is your favorite musical instrument? Have you ever tried to learn to play an instrument yourself? Have you ever heard someone learning how to play an instrument? It may not sound so good. If you have ever tried to play an instrument yourself, you know that it takes hours,...

A few weeks ago we had the joy of welcoming 44 new members at SGCL! One of them, Reid Williamson, shared his testimony with the church. We are so grateful for God's work in Reid's life! Reid Williamson Testimony from SGCLouisville on Vimeo....

This post is based on Jeff Purswell's sermon, Singing In Sorrow,given on November 12, 2017. With the "most wonderful time of the year" right around the corner, many are preparing to travel near and far to gather with their loved ones. Whether by plane or by car, traveling over the holidays has its challenges; and if your family has ever traveled as mine has during this ...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, The Joyful Journey,given on November 5, 2017. Lots of kids get excited when they think about the start of a new school year. Then, they begin to look forward to their summer vacation. Take a minute and think about the things you find yourself looking forward to. What comes to mind that you're excited about? David was going to ...

This post is based on Jared Torrence's sermon, Thriving In Trouble,given on October 29, 2017. It is officially November which means that there are a lot of sweet treats right around the corner! Thanksgiving comes with family gatherings, turkey, football, and pie (my favorite!) and then soon after is Christmas with lights and ornaments, singing and presents! I think that m...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Sovereign Grace,given on October 22, 2017. Hey kids, did you know that God has been thinking about you for a long time? In fact, His thoughts about you go back before He created the world and everything in it. One of the sweetest doctrines, or teachings, gathered from the New Testament writings is that of divine election beca...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Postscript,given on October 15, 2017. As Peter closes his first letter, he shifts to a divinely inspired "postscript" that presents both a personal recommendation and his final pastoral instruction. Here, Peter takes time to highlight the care he has received from two brothers who have served him well. Silvanus has willingly ...

A few weeks ago we had th joy of celebrating our 5th anniversary as a church! Here's a glimpse of our anniversary Sunday together. 5 yr anniversary from SGCLouisville on Vimeo....

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Unexpected Delight,given on October 8, 2017. Grace was one of Peter's favorite words. He wanted to make sure that his readers knew that the gracious disposition of God toward sinners was the ultimate mystery in the Bible. The implications of this reality are enormous as we consider the fact that our sin deserves nothing less ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Resist Your Adversary,given on September 24, 2017. Have you ever faced a bully? You know, someone who tries to intimidate you? When you think of facing a bully, how do you feel (sad, angry, depressed, frightened)? How should our perspective change knowing that Jesus has already beaten the most ferocious bully we could ever fa...

Here's a look back at the joyful 4th anniversary picnic we enjoyed last year. Join us as we gather on Sunday to celebrate God's faithfulness once again! iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/185656959" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen/iframepa href="https://vimeo.com/185656959"4th Anniversary Picnic/a f...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Because He Cares for You,given on September 17, 2017. Part of the Christian life is learning to like what God likes and want what God wants. One of the things God loves is humility. He smiles on His people when their lives are characterized by humility. Our culture doesn't understand this. Because they refuse to glorify God, ...

Here's yet another glimpse of God's faithfulness over the past 5 years... Don't forget to join us this Sunday for our 5th Anniversary Picnic! Celebrating 2 Years of God's Faithfulness from SGCLouisville on Vimeo....

On September 24th, we will be gathering to celebrate 5 years of God's immense faithfulness to Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. As we look forward to that celebration, we also want to look back and remember what He has done. About 5 years ago on September 30th, 2012, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville met for its first official Sunday Morning Service. September 3...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, A Theology of Suffering,given on September 3, 2017. This week, CJ started his sermon with a question. Asking what we are afraid of leads to many answers, however the difficulties associated with suffering for the name of Jesus Christ rarely crosses the lips of a believer in our part of the world. But Peter reminds us that the...

This post is based on Brian Chesemore's sermon, Gifted to Serve,given on August 27, 2017. Everybody has one. Whether you've been a Christian for a week or many years, the Holy Spirit has given you a gift. When we receive a gift, we can think that gift is just for us. But God's gifts are different. When God gives us a gift it's meant to be used to care for others. It may...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The End of the World,given on August 20, 2017. When people think of the end coming, they tend to get a little scared actually, they can get freaked out. But in this passage, Peter's goal wasn't to make us afraid. In fact, Peter was giving hope to people who were facing death every day by encouraging them to continue living i...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Prepared to Suffer,given on August 13, 2017. The Scriptures are not shy on the topic of suffering. Jesus was clear that troubling circumstances are part of life for us. But why should we suffer? And how are we to assess our suffering? Is there any reason to suffer instead of trying to get our own way? As CJ pastored us this wee...

In a few weeks, our church will have the privilege of sending 4 men to the Sovereign Grace Pastors College. This past Sunday, Seth Mick shared about why he is excited to attend the PC this Fall. Please join us in praying for Seth and Charity Mick, Josh and Sabrina Pannell, Brian and Belle Yang, and Ben Shaw as they prepare and fundraise for this opportunity. Seth Mick |...

Over the past few weeks, our church has served refugee families in our community by organizing an informal VBS in a local park. The past Sunday, Bekah Scrufari shared about all the ways that the Lord has been working through these events. Bekah Scrufari Testimony | 2017 Refugee Outreach from SGCLouisville on Vimeo. ...

This post is based on Rick Gamache's sermon, The Empowered Will to Obey,given on July 30, 2017. This week, Rick Gamache served us by helping us consider the balancing inherent in the Christian's sanctification. He focused on both the work we are to be doing and the work God is accomplishing in us. In thinking about this with the picture of a high wire act, Rick gave us ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, An Underappreciated Passage,given on July 23, 2017. As a Christian, how do you respond to your suffering? Trials come in various forms, but is there ever any trial Christians face that is peculiar to them simply becuase they are Christians?If so, how should we prepare to respond? This week, CJ reminded us that, in one of the mo...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, In the Presence of Your Enemies,given on July 16, 2017. Suffering persecution came with the calling of Christian in the early church. In today's culture, we are no less confronted with persecution than our brothers and sisters of previous centuries. So what comes to your mind when you think of ways we should retaliate? How an...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Face to Face,given on July 9, 2017. In a world with so many substitutes, where do you find yourself seeking community? With the word "community" being so loosely defined, it is easy to settle for an online alternative. Even as I write this, I am sitting in a coffee shop watching those around me experience what they would sugges...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, A Humble Husband,given on July 2, 2017. This week CJ drew out two commands from this verse for the Christian husband, a verse that is "dense in content and comprehensive in application". He encouraged us to live with our wives with a continual desire to know them and to understand them. Also, we were commanded to show them hono...

This post is based on Mack Stiles' sermon, Going Deeper,given on June 18, 2017. When reading the gospel narratives, it is natural to wonder what it must have been like to be one of the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him. When Jesus walked along a shoreline and boarded a certain boat, we can be confident that Peter had no idea how different his life would be afte...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, A Savior Like No Other, given on June 11, 2017. As Christians living in a world marked by sin, we may suffer at the hands of those in authority who seek to take advantage of us through their position. This can occur through circumstances at our work place or in dealing with the civil authorities. But the gospel gives us hope....

This post is based on Jeff Purswell's sermon, A People for God's Possession, given on May14, 2017. We live in a culture that increasingly, not just rejects, but despises what we believe. In these times the wisdom of God, given to us through Peter, also writing to a people living in a hostile world, is more needed than ever. Peter reminds us that standing strong in a god...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Take Up and Read to Feel, given on April 30, 2017. As we continue our study of 1 Peter, we encounter something that is a surprise. God does not command us to read and study His word only out of sheer obedience. Instead, He exhorts us to engage our emotions to crave His word like an infant craving his mother's milk. Read Psa...

This post is based on Bill Berry's sermon, The Peace That Empowers Mission, given on April 23, 2017. The disciples were huddled in the Upper Room. Fear had overcome them. Even though they had seen their Risen Lord, persecution from the religious authorities dominated their minds. Suddenly Jesus stood in their midst and gave them the words they most needed to hear Read ...

Last Sunday we had the privilege of hearing a testimony from Betty Laswell. Betty has been attending our church for over 6 months and will become a member in a few weeks. We are so grateful for the gift that she is to SGCL! Betty Laswell Testimony from SGCLouisville on Vimeo....

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, The Surprise of Their Lives, given on April 16, 2017. As two disciples gloomily walked the road to Emmaus three days after the crucifixion, they had no idea that they were in for the surprise of their lives. They were soon greeted by a man they didn't think they knew asking why they were so dejected. They were amazed at his s...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Our Marching Order, given on March 26, 2017. Because of the glory of what has been given to us in the gospel, Peter continues with a simple, familiar command. Echoing the words he personally heard our Savior say, he reminds us that just as God loved us, we are to love one another. Read 1 Peter 1:22-25 The call to love one ...

This post is based on Nathan Smith's sermon, A Song of Forgiveness, given on March 19, 2017. The Psalms of Ascent are songs that the Israelites sang traveling from their homes to the Temple in Jerusalem. The songs were meant to fill their hearts with anticipation and wonder for all God had done for them. As a Psalm that reminds us of our own sin and the magnificent grac...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, Something Strange and Wonderful, given on March 12, 2017. Having just celebrated the magnificent saving work performed on our behalf by God Himself, Peter now transitions. Verse 13 begins with a "therefore." In light of the unthinkable magnitude of all that God has done, this is how we, as His children, should respond. Specific...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, Your Unusual Story, given on March 5, 2017. As Peter continues to minister to his readers, he reminds them of the wonder of their salvation. Though times might be tough, there is reason for ultimate rejoicing because of what God has wrought in their lives. Peter reminds his readers, and us, that we should never lose sight of th...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, Painful Yet Purposeful, given on February 26, 2017. Suffering is a theme that is woven throughout the fabric of Peter's letter to those under his pastoral care. They were in pain. They were poor, grieving, and exiled from their native land. Ever the pastor, Peter, writes to remind them that their suffering is not in vain; it ha...

This post is based on Jeff Purswell's sermon, What Hath God Wrought, given on February 19, 2017. The recipients of Peter's letter were suffering. Many had lost their homes and friends and were forced to live in poverty in a foreign land. What a difficult time for these Christians! Peter begins his book by calling these suffering saints to remember what God has wrought, ...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, Meet the Readers, given on February 12, 2017. As we prepare to study 1 Peter, CJ took this Sunday to introduce us to the original readers of the letter. The recipients were "elect exiles." When they came to know Christ, they became citizens of a different world. As such they were rejected and even persecuted by the citizens of ...

This post is based on CJ Mahaney's sermon, Meet the Author, given on Februrary 5, 2017. As we prepare to be ministered to by the apostle Peter, CJ began our series by introducing us to the author of the book. Getting to know the author peaks our interest and whets our appetite for what God is going to teach us through his words. Let's spend a few moments considering the...

This post is based on Brian Chesemore's sermon, Praying the Word, given on January 29, 2017. In these amazing verses Jesus is asked to teach His disciples how to pray. His response is not just a prayer that we should recite word for word, but a model, teaching us the fundamentals of prayer. Through Jesus words, we learn that we should pray prayers sound in their biblical ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Why Preaching?, given on January 22, 2017. In the first verse of 2 Timothy 4, Paul gives one of the most solemn charges in all Scripture: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word." Indeed, preaching is the priority in our worship ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, A New Year's Expectation, given on January 8, 2016. The second half of Psalm 27 reminds us that even for those who seek after God there are times of difficulty and darkness. David feels fear and even worries that God might abandon Him. But in the end, he remembers God's love for him and resolves to wait on the Lord's provision ...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, A New Year's Resolution, given on January 1, 2016. During this time of New Year's resolutions, Sunday's sermon reminded us that there is "one thing" that we should set our hearts on accomplishing this year: to gaze upon the beauty and majesty of God. Read Psalm 27:1-6. In verse 3, David says, "Though an army encamp against me...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Jesus' Birth, given on December 25, 2016. Christmas is a time where we often grow sentimental. We hear the story of Jesus' birth and think thoughts shaped by years of tradition. Our stories and songs put in our minds images of a silent peaceful night, stoic shepherds, and a helpless babe in a manger. It is time to rethink our...

This post is based on C.J. Mahaney's sermon, Mary's Song, given on December 18, 2016. It was a show-stopper. Right in the middle of the flurry of events in the Christmas narrative, Mary stops to sing. It's a song of astonishment, praising God for the stunning things He has done for her. It's a song reminding us not to let our familiarity with the story diminish our sens...

"Thursdays Thoughts for Parents" use scriptures, discussion questions, and reflections from the sermon each week to help parents engage their kids and delve further into application. We pray that these posts will serve parents as they train their children in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord"...