Sermons

Let us pray.

In this time of turmoil, confusion and polarization, we must remember to pray for others, including those with whom we disagree, We know that God desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth. Let us therefore make supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings on behalf if all, including those in authority over us.

Joy in Heaven

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I – I myself will search for my sheep…I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak…And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David…

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…

There is joy before the angels of God over even one sinner who repents!

The Salt of Our Salvation

Consider carefully: if we are to be disciples, the Lord must take priority over all we have – possessions, family, our very lives. To lose sight of this is to lose the salt of our salvation, and with it our effectiveness as His witnesses.

Miraculous, Not Mundane

We must not allow familiarity with the things of Christ to render the miraculous mundane in our sight. Let us read the scriptures, especially the gospels, with fresh eyes – meditating on their time, place and circumstance; taking the viewpoint of his enemies, not just his friends, that we may better understand how intentionally surprising, shocking and sometimes offensive was Jesus Christ to those who heard Him.

Strive!

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

Not Peace But Division

The peace Christ brought to the earth was peace between man and God. With his birth the angels declared “Peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased,” which means those who trust in Christ as the Son of God, and so are covered by his righteousness.

By contrast there is no peace among the peoples of the earth, but division. From the worldly wise to the pagan hedonist, to the hypocritical religious, all are in conflict with the Christian believer.

Let us reach across the divide, speaking the truth in love to all we encounter, (even family!). God grant us the courage to share the gospel, regardless of the discomfort we may feel.

Do not be anxious.

Knowing that God so cared for our eternal well being that he died for us, we must believe that he cares for the smallest of our daily needs. Therefore we pray “Give us this day our daily bread,” and look for His hand in every circumstance, eager to discover all that we have to be grateful for (even sometimes fleas?). In all situations, we can trust Him. This is a profound truth – good news to be shared far and wide. When we feel anxious, let us pray with boldness in Jesus name, trusting ourselves and others to the God who is faithful.

Rich Toward God

Life without God is meaningless. The grandest accomplishment is ultimately as futile as chasing the wind. To the one who pleases Him however, he gives wisdom, and knowledge, and joy. We are sinners, but we who confess Jesus as Savior and seek to follow him, are hidden with Him, and so are pleasing to God. Therefore God will surely grant *us* wisdom, knowledge, and joy in our eternal lives with Him.

Let us be rich toward the God who gave everything for us.

The Wisdom of God

We who trust in God should lay hold of His wisdom with confidence. As we have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, so should we also walk in him.
In one ear the world speaks so as to take us captive by philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition and “elemental spirits”.
In the other ear religious rulers and authorities speak judgment against us, even though God disarmed and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in Christ long ago.
Ignoring both voices, let us seek God through Christ, that He may give to us the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Mary and Martha

Many things clamor for our attention, even things that are commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise; but only one thing is necessary: to sit at the feet of the Master – to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. This deserves priority over everything else, even loving service.