Sermons

We suffer consequences

We know that we suffer the consequences of our actions.  What we sometimes realize is that others suffer from the consequences of our actions as well.  Certainly married couples suffer from their spouse’s actions.  In NASCAR we see the wrecks that occur when one drive makes a mistake and several cars are wrecked.

In Genesis 3:14 and following we learn of the consequences of that first sin, as Adam and Eve are removed from the Garden.  Did you ever consider that our actions also were the cause of the suffering of Jesus.  The cross is about Jesus bearing the consequences so that from this day forward we might bear the consequences not of our actions but of his as he lived righteously.

Christmas is about God sending Jesus to bear our consequences and freeing us to live in relationship with God.  See you Sunday.

We Hide From God

This 2nd Sunday in Advent we will look at Adam and Eve hiding from God in the garden after having eaten the forbidden fruit.  We will also look at the rest of the story as down through the remainder of history God seeks after humanity.  In Matthew God finally comes to Joseph letting him know that through Jesus God and humanity would finally meet again and God will have provided the way for their relationship to be forever restored.  Did you ever realize that for each sin and separation found in that first story in Genesis, God corrects our relationship through the person of Jesus Christ?

1st Sunday in Advent

Advent consists of the four Sunday leading up to Christmas.  It was intended by the church to help us spiritually prepare for the birth of Jesus.  In light of that, we are going to consider the story and the rest of the story.  Humanity did and became some things that required more than we could do for ourselves, it took God’s intervention to right our relationship with God.  So for the time leading up to Christmas we will look both at what happened to humanity and what God has done through the coming of Jesus to bring us back into relationship with God.

Consider Genesis 3:1-6 where we learn about humanities first sin and separation from God.  In the virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35), in the life of the one who would be both human and God we find an answer to the corruption that has overshadowed our lives.  God took up residence with us so that our lives might be transformed by his son Jesus.  The sickness of human sin finds its antidote in God who chooses to dwell in our lives.  And all of this made possible by one who is both God and human.

2 Visions of Money

Mark 14:3-11 – tells the story of a lady pouring precious ointment on Jesus for anointing.  She obviously has one sense of value for the cost of the ointment.  She values money in one fashion.  The disciples have another idea of what might have been better to do with the money.  And Judas has his own ideas about money.  Money is such a central part of our thinking, have you ever considered that you may have some pretty solid ideas on how to use your money or that God might have some ideas about your use of money?  Have you ever realized that resources, wealth, money is talked abut continually in scripture, more than heaven, even more than salvation through Jesus?

The Love of Money

Heb 13:5-6 talks about the love of money but it also talks about where we find security.  Maybe I could love money less if I was more secure in other areas of my life.  As long as security comes from money, the more I have, the more I will feel secure.  What does that passage really say to you?

Poor Use of Money

Acts 8 tells the story of a man named Simon who has some very good ideas about how to use money and since he has done so well using money in this fashion he also thinks in seeing the disciples minister to peoples needs that the Spirit of God can be used in the same way.

How do you think about using money?  How about your relationship with the Spirit of God?

God loves a cheerful giver

The scripture for this Sundays sermon is 2 Cor 9:6-8.  When you give does your decision cause you to feel better about you or do you sometimes enter with a divided mind?

Laity Sunday – October 23rd

This Sunday is very special as the Laity, that is everyone but the preacher, has a day dedicated to them.  Bob Peterson our lay leader has put together with the help of numerous members two moving services for us this week.  Music, prayers, announcements, offering, even the sermon will all be done by our fellow members.

If you can it make this Sunday to worship you will find yourself truly blessed by those who usually sit in the pew beside you.  See you there.