Sermons by “Pastor Jesse Brubaker”

Planted by the River

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord – whose trust IS the Lord. We who are rooted in Christ are as trees planted by a stream. Through all circumstance, in and out of season, we are sustained. Having been transplanted from the desert of the world into the rich soil of the Kingdom, we are nourished by Living Water under his watchful care.

A Catcher of Men

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
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But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken. ….And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Authority

…they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority…And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

The Lord’s Favor

In Luke 4:18-19 we are told of Jesus reading at synagogue, and then proclaiming that the promises of God spoken through Isaiah had been that day fulfilled in the hearing of all those in attendance. Though the people had been at first amazed and excited, they were now confused, and finally enraged at the claims they realized Jesus made. If only they could have known that standing right in front of them was the Word of God speaking the word of God, showing them that the promises of God were true, and trustworthy, and fulfilled!
Thank God it is still the “year” of the Lord’s favor. It is His Jubilee. Our great debt has been settled. Everywhere the word of God is preached, He brings liberty to captives and sets free the oppressed. Let us share this blessed hope, the joy of our salvation.

The Finest of Wine

As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so Jesus Christ rejoices over us. He delights in us. He tells us “you are mine.” In his first public miracle, Jesus transformed water intended for ceremonial purification into the finest of wine, a symbol of his most precious blood, which would soon be shed to purify us from all unrighteousness, completely and forever. It was the Father’s will to purify us in this way, and to put faith in our hearts that we might know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

With you I am well pleased.

When Jesus had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Because we belong to the Son, we also are beloved of the Father. Because we are cleansed of all unrighteousness, so with us also the Father is well pleased. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

The Very Light of God

The Very Light of God has come to this fallen world, the light which darkness cannot overcome. This is why we celebrate Christmas!

Receive Him with Joy

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” – (Simeon’s song)

“And our eyes at last shall see him through his own redeeming love, for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in Heaven above. And he leads his children on to the place where he has gone.” – (from “Once in Royal David’s City”)

Magnificat

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Even in darkness, we can rejoice.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice… The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.