“I have needs too, you know.” These are words that punctuate an argument. You say them with tears streaming down your face. Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Did he say it with tears of exhaustion? Was he telling the world and his Father that he would take no more? Suffer no more? Was he demanding at least a tiny bit of relief? Let’s find out. This Sunday we study John 19:28, the fifth word that Jesus spoke from the cross. He spoke a word of need.
How many exasperated parents haven’t scolded their teenager, “I hope someday your kids will treat you the same way you’re treating me!” How many of us, now grown-ups, look back and shudder at things we said and did to our parents while we were growing up? If so, we need to spend a few moments looking again at our Savior and his cross.
Have you ever heard a promise that is too good to be true? You know the ones. These come in the mail and claim that you’ve already won a million dollars. We all know that the fine print doesn’t really bear that out. There are many who see God’s promises exactly the same way. We continue our sermon series Seven Times He Spoke this Sunday with a word of promise. Even though this promise might sound to good to be true, we can take it heart and believe it is true. God never breaks a promise.
For there to be ashes at all – something has to burn. Schmearing ashes onto a person’s forehead might seem a little strange, at first, but it is a powerful reminder of what we will be one day – dust and ashes. What will you do when you must stand before your God? Thankfully we don’t need to wonder. Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey to the cross of Calvary where we find Jesus offering himself for us. We are forgiven in Jesus.
How do you never forget something? There is a science to memory. God created us so that it is possible to burn images, feelings, and events into our minds. Transfiguration was one of those events. For the Apostles who witnessed Jesus glory on this side of the grave they were never the same. This week we behold Jesus in all his glory before starting our journey to the cross during the season of Lent.
Happy Valentine’s Day! It might seem a little odd to have a day set aside for love. Should’ve we love everyone all the time? Well, let’s go with it. I am married to a beautiful woman – and I wrote her a card expressing my love. That really wasn’t that hard. But what I’m not sure about is what to get for the neighbor who is mean to me? What do I get for the guy who just cut me off on the interstate? How about that guy at work who’s spreading rumors about your work performance? Maybe this isn’t so easy after all. This Sunday we’re back in the Gospel of Matthew watching Jesus redirect our thoughts – this time on the topic of love.
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.
We spend a lot of time talking about the differences and divisions that can arise in the church and in the home, but I wanted to take a little time to talk about how our church body seeks out like-minded Christians. This comes into the area of fellowship.
“Grace and peace to you!” I’ve said these words so many times in my life that when I’m testing a mic they replace – “testing, one, two, three, testing.” I start every sermon with these words too. When the Apostle Paul wrote “Grace and peace!” to the Christians in Corinth, was he just offering a cordial greeting? Or was he laying the stage for a powerful letter to God’s people full of God’s love and the new reality God’s people enjoy because of that love?
When Jesus came to the Jordan River he was baptized by John the Baptist. John didn’t want to baptize him because he understood that this was God. John was the one who need to be washed by Jesus! In Jesus’ baptism God the Father thundered from heaven the approval of his Son. Jesus was anointed by the Spirit who descended in the form of a dove. It is in this way that Jesus was revealed to the world as the Messiah at the start of his public ministry. Watch as we study what Jesus’ baptism means for you!
Did you see all the TV’s marked down on Monday for the holiday? I didn’t either! Isn’t it great! There is no commercial aspect to Epiphany. I suppose you are wondering what exactly is Epiphany. This Greek word means reveal. During the Epiphany season of the church year we look at how the world found out and still finds out that Jesus is God …that Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Do you have a plan for the New Year? God does! This Sunday come and see God’s plan for you. He’s been working on this since the creation of the world – and – I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
In the prophesy God sees his people as a small child that he would do anything for. No matter what, God’s people strayed away from him. In his last effort he sends his son to call his people home. This Christmas hear God’s call to you, “Come home!”