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.