Sermons

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.

Persistence

We reap what we sow. Therefore let us busy ourselves with the things of the Spirit, which are the things that matter, not growing weary in well doing, but sowing in hopefulness. In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart, so let us do good to all – especially those of the household of faith.

Let us reflect our salvation

St. Augustine said that the “double love” commandment (love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself) is the essence of the Gospel.

The reason the laws and commandments were given is to serve the purpose of love – to give structure to and provide direction for the love that we are to show others.

Our obedience to God’s laws and commands does not bring about or effect our salvation. It *reflects* our salvation.

Let us keep in step with the Spirit

Once Jesus put his hand to the plow, the furrow he made was perfectly straight. He did not look back, nor away from the task, but set his face to go to Jerusalem and the Cross.
We who follow the Lord are exhorted to focus on him, for he is the way. Sinners though we be, as we are found in Him, so we are become fit for the Kingdom of Heaven. By his Spirit we live, so let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

At the feet of Jesus we have nothing to fear.

Just before sailing to the country of the Gerasenes Jesus had calmed the wind and waves, and the disciples were suddenly fearful.
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The legion of demons possessing the Gerasene man were certainly terrified of Jesus.
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The people who came out to see the man who had been delivered were afraid of Jesus.
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When word spread to the surrounding country, everyone was seized with great fear of Jesus, asking him to leave.
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Only one individual was unafraid – the man sitting, clothed and in his right mind, at the feet of Jesus.

Praise be to the Trinity

Though our minds can never truly comprehend the true nature of God in Three Persons, our hearts rejoice that the great I AM loves us! And so…
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We bind unto ourselves the name, the strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three,
Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word;
Praise to the God of our salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord!