The church of Christ on McDermott Road is a faithful, loving, and growing church in Plano, Texas.

McDermott Road

Not unlike today, there were plenty of people in the First Century who used religion as a way of trying to become wealthy. Paul condemned the pursuit of material wealth and commended a life of contentment. He said that a life of “godliness with contentment” was the truly wealthy life. What would it look like for us to take seriously Paul’s warnings about desiring to be rich and the love of money? What would it look like to truly be content with “food and clothing”? What might be the consequence of disregarding this admonition? 
 
SPEAKER: 
Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister (https://www.ccmcdermott.org/people/wes-mcadams) 
 
ABOUT MCDERMOTT ROAD: 
The church of Christ on McDermott Road is located at 3600 McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we would love to connect with you. Visit our website to learn more (https://www.ccmcdermott.org). 
 
PRIMARY TEXT FOR THIS MESSAGE: 
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and[a] we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:6-19, ESV)

Not unlike today, there were plenty of people in the First Century who used religion as a way of trying to become wealthy. Paul condemned the pursuit of material wealth and commended a life of contentment. He said that a life of “godliness with contentment” was the truly wealthy life. What would it look like for us to take seriously Paul’s warnings about desiring to be rich and the love of money? What would it look like to truly be content with “food and clothing”? What might be the consequence of disregarding this admonition?

SPEAKER:
Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister (https://www.ccmcdermott.org/people/wes-mcadams)

ABOUT MCDERMOTT ROAD:
The church of Christ on McDermott Road is located at 3600 McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we would love to connect with you. Visit our website to learn more (https://www.ccmcdermott.org).

PRIMARY TEXT FOR THIS MESSAGE:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and[

Godliness with Contentment (Sermon from 1 Timothy 6:6-10)

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was in prison. To help him in during this difficult time, the Christians in Philippi sent him a gift. He thanked them for the gift, but also used the opportunity to explain that he had “learned in whatever situation…to be content.” If Paul was starving in a lonely prison cell, he was content. If Paul was eating a bountiful meal in the home of dear friends, he was content. Paul can teach us this “secret” for being content in every situation, because the same Christ who gave him strength, gives us strength as well. 
 
SPEAKER: 
Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister (https://www.ccmcdermott.org/people/wes-mcadams) 
 
ABOUT MCDERMOTT ROAD: 
The church of Christ on McDermott Road is located at 3600 McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we would love to connect with you. Visit our website to learn more (https://www.ccmcdermott.org). 
 
PRIMARY TEXT FOR THIS MESSAGE: 
"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:10-13, ESV)

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was in prison. To help him in during this difficult time, the Christians in Philippi sent him a gift. He thanked them for the gift, but also used the opportunity to explain that he had “learned in whatever situation…to be content.” If Paul was starving in a lonely prison cell, he was content. If Paul was eating a bountiful meal in the home of dear friends, he was content. Paul can teach us this “secret” for being content in every situation, because the same Christ who gave him strength, gives us strength as well.

SPEAKER:
Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister (https://www.ccmcdermott.org/people/wes-mcadams)

ABOUT MCDERMOTT ROAD:
The church of Christ on McDermott Road is located at 3600 McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we would love to connect with you. Visit our website to learn more (https://www.ccmcdermott.org).

PRIMARY TEXT FOR THIS MESSAGE:
"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have 

Content in Every Situation (Sermon from Philippians 4:10-13)

Paul was plagued with many hardships, including what he called, “a thorn…in the flesh.” There is much debate about what this “thorn” was. Whatever it was, Paul desperately pleaded for its removal. In spite of his prayers, the “thorn” persisted. However, Paul gained something even greater than relief from his pain, contentment. Paul’s struggle can help us find contentment when we are struggling with difficult circumstances. From his struggle, we can learn that the grace of Jesus is sufficient for us as well.

My Grace is Sufficient for You (Sermon from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

When humanity ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were immediately filled with shame and regret. When God appeared, his judgement was swift and difficult to bear. Humanity was exiled from Eden, cut off from the tree of life and the presence of God. But even in his judgement, there was mercy and hope. What does humanity’s exile from Eden teach us about sin? about God’s judgement? about redemption? about humanity’s future return to Eden?

The Exile (Sermon from Genesis 3:22-24)

When Adam and Eve ate the "forbidden fruit" it affected more than their relationship with God. Their sin affected their relationship with one another as well. Their once harmonious and loving union became filled with shame, blame, and competing interests. Those relationship problems have been passed down not only to married couples but to every human relationship. All of our relationships have has been corrupted by the sin of our flesh. Thankfully, Jesus is working, in the Spirit, to restore the unity and harmony we had in Eden.

The Fall (Sermon from Genesis 3:8-16)

There was a “crafty” and deceitful creature in Eden, the serpent. The serpent tempted Eve to eat “the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” He directly contradicted God, saying Eve would not die by eating the fruit, but would become “like God, knowing good and evil.” What does this story teach us about temptation? about sin? about lies? about our deceitful adversary?

The Serpent (Sermon from Genesis 3:1-7)

In Eden, God graciously provided humanity (his image-bearer) with many tress. These trees were “pleasant to the sight and good for food.” Two of those trees were of particular importance: the “tree of life” and “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” The second tree was the only tree from which humanity was not to eat. What does this opening scene teach us about God? about humanity? and about the primary choice we face?

The Trees of Eden (Sermon from Genesis 2:5-9)

Like many of us, the Pharisees were concerned about titles and status. They wanted to receive the honor they felt they were due. But status and title are traps laid for us by the evil one. Jesus uses the Pharisees’ desire for honor as an introduction to seven “woes” that he pronounces upon them. Jesus was warning that their desire for greatness would lead to their ruin and destruction. So, if we want to avoid the fate of the Pharisees, we must allow Jesus to reshape the way we think about greatness.

The Greatest Among You (Sermon from Matthew 23:1-11)

Zebedee’s wife, the mother of James and John, wanted what nearly every mother wants, the success of her children. She wanted her children to have good seats at an important table. So, she boldly asked Jesus for her sons to have the seats of honor in his kingdom. But the seats of honor in Jesus’ kingdom look radically different than the seats of honor in the world. Do we really know what we’re asking for when we ask the Lord to make us great?

Whoever Would be Great (Sermon from Matthew 20:20-28)

Jesus’ disciples (not unlike us) were very concerned with the question, “Who is the greatest?” In nearly every area of life, we try to determine and assign greatness. Consequently, it makes sense to ask, “What actually makes a person great? Is is skill, ability, wisdom, spirituality, or self-discipline?” Jesus’ answer to these questions—and the person he exalts as an example of greatness—is still shocking 2,000 years later.

The Greatest in the Kingdom (Sermon from Matthew 18:1-6)

Sadly, a lot of the religious world is under the impression that if a person merely confesses Christ, or prays a sinner’s prayer, they are saved. It is easy to come to that conclusion when verses like Romans 10:10 are read in isolation, but the context paints quite a different picture. When Paul speaks of confessing Christ, he doesn’t mean a one-time confession. Romans 10 will challenge and encourage even longtime disciples.

If You Confess, You Will be Saved (Sermon from Romans 10:8-13)

The phrase, “Everything happens for a reason” is not actually found in the Bible. It is somewhat similar to what Paul’s words, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even though Paul’s point in Romans 8 is quite different than “everything happens for a reason,” his actual meaning is even more encouraging than this oft-repeated phrase.

Everything Happens for a Reason (Sermon from Romans 8:26-30)

When Christians cannot reach an agreement on a particular issue, someone will often say, “We each have to work out our own salvation,” as if to say we all have to figure issues out for ourselves. Not only is this a misunderstanding of Philippians 2:12, it actually contradicts Paul’s overall message. None of us are supposed to blaze our own spiritual path, but rather live together as a church family in a way that is in keeping with our salvation.

Work Out Your Own Salvation (Sermon from Philippians 2:12-13)

There is no doubt Christians should assemble with one another to learn, edify, and worship. However, we are probably too quick to accuse our brothers and sisters of “forsaking the assembly” for missing a Bible study or worship service. There is much we can learn from Hebrews about what actually constitutes forsaking the assembly and how to encourage and motivate Christians to assemble with their church family.

Don’t Forsake the Assembly (Sermon from Hebrews 10:19-25)

One of the biggest mistakes we make when we read Scripture is reading it through an individualistic lens. We want to believe God has our individual lives all planned out, complete with health and prosperity. However, Jeremiah 29:11 was about God’s plans for future generations of Jews (the immediate generation to whom Jeremiah was writing would die in exile). But there is still an incredibly encouraging message for us in the plans God has for his people.

I Know the Plans I Have for You (Sermon from Jeremiah 29:10-14)

The unbelieving world defines the person reclining at table as greater than the one serving him. However, Jesus turns everything upside down and reverses everyone’s status. Jesus associates himself not with the person who is sitting in a seat of honor, but the one serving the needs of others. Do we ever find ourselves, like the disciples, arguing over who is “to be regarded as the greatest”? How does spending time at Jesus’ table help us see the world as Jesus sees it?

The Table as a Reversal of Status (Sermon from Luke 22:24-30)

Jesus and the disciples share a Passover meal with one another. This meal was an annual reminder of God’s covenant love for them and their covenant responsibilities. However, Jesus used this occasion to redefine the meal and center it on a new covenant God was making with his people. When you share the bread and cup with the church, do you reflect on God’s covenant love and your covenant responsibilities? Do we take seriously enough the significance of sharing this bread and cup?

The Table as a Remembrance of Covenant (Sermon from Luke 22:14-20)

In Last week’s text, we saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and being scolded by Pharisees. But this week we find Jesus reclining at table with Pharisees and experts in the Law. Jesus used this dinner party as an occasion to challenge and rebuke their misplaced priorities. What can we learn from Jesus’ teaching in this text? How might we use our own table to prioritize love and justice?

The Table as a Rebuke of Misplaced Priorities (Sermon from Luke 11:37-44)

We can scarcely comprehend how despised tax collectors were in first century Israel. So, when religious leaders saw Jesus “reclining at table” with a “large company of tax collectors,” the 
were upset and questioned him. Where do we find ourselves in this story? What can we learn from Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees? What would it look like for us to model Jesus’ behavior in this story?