Christ Presbyterian Church | Preachers Kyle Wells

Blessed to Bless

Bible Text: Genesis 12:1–4; Hebrews 11:8 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: For the Life of the World

Because God has blessed us in Santa Barbara, we must be a blessing to Santa Barbara.

Genesis 12:1–4 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

An Exile’s Alternative Lifestyle

Bible Text: 1 Peter 4:1–11 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because God has set us apart as holy, we must be distinct from the world around us.
1 Peter 4:1-11 – Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

An Exile’s Witness

Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:8–18 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because Jesus suffered to bring us to God, we must suffer as he did to bear witness to his person and work.
1 Peter 3:8–18 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

An Exile’s Freedom

Bible Text: 1 Peter 2:13–3:7 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because God has set us free, we must live as servants to all.
Part 1 of service has no video feed, but can be seen here https://youtu.be/4i5jMq1629c

An Exile’s Worth

Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:13–21 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because God purchased you with the blood of his Son, you must live as though your life has value.

An Exile’s Hope

Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:3–9 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because God has secured an incomparable salvation for us, we must praise God in all circumstances.

An Exile’s Anchor

Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:1–2 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Living as Exiles

Because God sovereignly places his beloved people where he wants them, we can rest in his sovereignty.

Who am I … and What is My People?

Bible Text: 1 Chronicles 29:14 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Stewardship Sunday

Because God graciously enables us to give, we must embrace the gift of generosity.

Provision

Bible Text: Matthew 1:18-25 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Christmas in Matthew

The church father Saint Augustine famously prayed: “God command what you will, but grant what you command.” Sometimes it feels as though God’s demands are impossible. Sometimes he calls people to extraordinary service. I think this is no where more evident than in the Christmas story. But even there, we so how God provides for us in precisely the places where he calls us to go. Do you feel like God is calling you to something beyond your capacities right now? Come this week and hear about and learn to rest in his provision.

God’s Lineage

Bible Text: Matthew 1:1–17 | Preacher: Kyle Wells | Series: Christmas in Matthew

The gifts have been opened, the egg nog has been drunk, the cookies have been eaten, and the families have been visited—or at least Zoomed. But in the midst of all the festivities, did you catch the beauty and mystery of Christmas? Did you consider who that baby in the manger would be and what he would do? God’s power in the world often comes in surprising and hidden ways, but it always comes to flawed and broken people. Join us this Sunday as we worship the King who came to be with his people.