Sermons by Rod Bunton (Page 2)
Are Apostles and Prophets Still Here? What the Bible Actually Says
Ephesians 4:11 This message explains how God established apostles and prophets to lay the church’s foundation and to deliver authoritative teaching and revelation. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that this foundational revelation is complete, calling believers to rely on the apostles’ teaching in Scripture rather than seeking new revelation today.
Miraculous Gifts
Ephesians 4:11 Spiritual gifts are given by God’s grace so believers can serve one another and strengthen unity in the local church. Pastor Rod Bunton teaches that while God still works miraculously, the specific miraculous gifts tied to apostles and prophets have ceased, and Christ gives ongoing gifts like pastors and teachers to build up the church.
Unity is Not Uniformity
Ephesians 4:7-10 The passage explains how a healthy church maintains unity while functioning with diverse spiritual gifts given by Christ for the good of the whole body. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that unity is not uniformity, that Christ distributes gifts by grace for mutual service, and that Christ’s victory in the descent and ascension is the basis for those gifts.
One God and Father of All
Ephesians 4:6 God unites Jewish and Gentile believers through the Spirit, guiding how they handle disagreements and “gray areas” with faith and love. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that there is one God and Father of the redeemed who is sovereign over all, works through believers, and dwells in them.
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Ephesians 4:5 Paul teaches the unity and exclusive allegiance that marks Christians: one Lord, one shared faith, and one baptism. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that Jesus Christ alone is Lord, that “the faith” is the common doctrine of salvation, and that baptism signifies belonging to Christ and calls believers to obedience.
The Basis for Unity
Ephesians 4:4 Paul tells us that Christian unity is grounded in the shared realities believers have in Christ: one body, one Spirit, and one certain hope. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasized how this oneness centers on the Trinity and is lived out through the worldwide church as one body, the Spirit’s uniting work in salvation and sanctification, and confidence in Christ’s return.
The First Christian Sermon
Acts 2:22-41 Acts 2:22–41 records Peter’s Pentecost sermon, proclaiming Jesus’ death and resurrection as God’s promised plan and calling hearers to repent and believe. Pastor Rod Bunton highlighted how Peter grounds the message in fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, and Jesus’ exaltation as Lord and Christ, then presses the response of repentance that led to about three thousand being saved.
Attitudes for Unity
Ephesians 4:2-3 Ephesians 4:2–3 calls the church to maintain the unity of the Spirit through humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. In this sermon, Pastor Rod Bunton emphasized that unity is not something Christians create but something they must actively maintain and make visible by cultivating those attitudes together.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Ephesians 4:2 The apostle Paul instructs believers to live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love as they preserve the unity of the Spirit within the body of Christ. Pastor Rod Bunton emphasizes that true unity in the church requires the right disposition and virtues, warning that pride is the greatest enemy of this unity and that believers must adopt a humble attitude that puts others above themselves.
Walk in a Manner Worthy of the Calling
Ephesians 4:1 Paul urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” marking a transition from doctrinal teaching to practical application in the Christian life. Pastor Rod Bunton explores how this verse serves as a topic sentence for the entire section, emphasizing that the worthy walk is a process of sanctification rooted in right doctrine and requires steady, purposeful action that reflects our effectual calling to holiness.
Filled with All the Fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19b-21 Paul concludes his prayer for the Ephesian believers by asking that they may be filled with all the fullness of God, followed by a doxology praising God’s infinite power and glory. Pastor Rod Bunton explores this prayer about sanctification, examining how believers are called to gradually become more like Christ by imitating God’s attributes and being transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power at work within them.
Comprehending the Love of Christ
Ephesians 3:17b-19a In Ephesians 3:17b-19a, Paul prays that believers would be rooted and grounded in love, having the strength to comprehend the immeasurable dimensions of Christ’s love alongside all the saints. Pastor Rod Bunton focuses on understanding agapē love—a willful, intentional love from Christ that surpasses intellectual knowledge and calls believers to pursue endless growth in comprehending how deeply they are loved.