Reformed and Free is how we like to see ourselves. When Jesus spoke to God’s Old Testament people some two thousand years ago not all of them liked what Jesus had to say.
Focused on Freedom
This past week our nation was focused on freedom. The celebration of the 4th of July is filled with fun traditions! Parades showcasing our society, the rockets red glare from a firework display, and a BBQ cookout. We love freedom. Why would anyone throw that away. This is what the Apostle Paul was faced with in the early Christian church of Galatia.
Christ Sends Ministers
Christ has not only given us his powerful Word. In his grace, he gives us ministers who proclaim that Word to us in whatever ways we need at the time: words of comfort, words of instruction, or even words of rebuke. Those who are entrusted with the care of Jesus’ flock are expected to shepherd that flock just as Jesus would.
Shrimp for Dinner
Can we eat shrimp? What about lobster? There are many laws in the Old Testament that Christians don’t follow. Why is that? The most obvious one is the Sabbath Day. We’ll see that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath.
Unclean
A common misconception is that Christians don’t get depressed … or at least they shouldn’t get depressed. Saying depressions shouldn’t happen only serves to make God’s people – who already feel guilty and weak – even more guilty and weak. Christians do suffer from depression. The Lord has a message for you in your depression. The Lord removes your guilt. This Sunday marks the start of the Advent season, a time of preparation before our Christmas celebration.
Mythbusters
In this sermon Jesus takes on common misunderstood areas of God’s law (myths) and busts them! He uses the phrases “you have heard it said…” “but I tell you…” repeatedly going through the law clarifying what was really meant.