Jesus is offensive. He is offensive to every culture in every part of the world and in every period of time. The Gospel message that all our accomplishments are worthless and that we must rely on Jesus alone for salvation offends us to the core. In the Gospels, no one ever “liked” Jesus or responded to Him moderately. They either tried to kill Jesus or they worshipped Him and gave up everything to follow Him.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Luke 2:29-35; John 14:6; Matthew 15:12; 2 Kings 5; Numbers 22:28-30.

People often speak as if faith and reason are implacable enemies. In this sermon, Tim Keller argues the contrary--that the more we think, the deeper our faith grows. He contrasts the explanatory power of Christianity and atheism, and argues that it is only through Christianity that we can truly make sense of the world we experience.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 8:26; Mark 1:11.

The message of Christmas is foolishness to this world. We expect to find wisdom in the palaces of the elite, not the squalor of a manger. Throughout history, what has been considered “wise” has varied from age to age but the truths of Christianity have stood and will stand forever.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21; Romans 1.

At Christmas time, we sing about peace on earth, but does religion actually lead us there? It seems that religion more regularly leads to division and marginalization. What if anything, does the Christian message offer that can turn our skepticism into a living, breathing movement toward peace on earth?

Genesis 1 was written more to answer the “why” questions of creation; it’s meaning and significance, and not so much the “how” questions, e.g., how long did it take or how did it transpire? The account is presented as a song. This sermon considers the implications.

Doubt is a problem that all of us will face before we can come to grips with faith. To deal with our doubts, recognize that they are based on faith assumptions; examine the object of your faith and whether it is trustworthy; and let Jesus' love for you become your reason to have hope.

Some people claim that they can't trust in the Bible because it is historically unreliable and culturally regressive. But do we have cultural blinders on? Dr. Keller discusses solid reasons that we can trust the Bible historically, culturally, and personally.

The Christian understanding of hell gives us insight into the danger of our own hearts. It also gives us resources to live in peace in the world, and to know the love of God who suffered hell for us.

Historically, the gospel has been particularly empowering and compelling to the poor and the oppressed. Seeing what Jesus did for us, no matter what our socioeconomic position, frees us from being controlled by what is on the surface and teaches us to love and identify with the poor.

In today's society, absolute truth is thought of to be the enemy of freedom. But truth is more important than you think, freedom is a lot more complex than you think, and Jesus is a lot more liberating than you think. Surrendering to God's absolute truth gives you a deeper, richer freedom in every area, without oppression.