Sermons

Even as Your Father is Merciful

The Father has been incomprehensibly merciful to us in that, while we were yet his enemies, Christ died for all. And Christ commands us to “be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” We are not to measure others self righteously, but to love mercy, granting it to others out of gratitude for the mercy shown to us.

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!

Go with the Wise Men.

It is already 2025. Life goes by quickly, and the question is ever more urgent: “where are we going?” We would do well to follow the pattern of the Wise Men. First, let God lead, and be willing to leave the comfortable and familiar behind. Second, go with purpose: to find, to know, and to worship the king. Third, return to serve him with new courage and a different attitude.

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”)