Worship Services and Sermons
Sharing the good news in Jesus is a privilege and a joy.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
Sharing the good news in Jesus is a privilege and a joy.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
For centuries, Israel offered sacrifices to God for sin. Over and over, a substitute shed its blood to earn forgiveness. Then Jesus appeared, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
Identity Revealed. “Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries.
The Festival of Epiphany is sometimes known as the Christmas of the Gentiles. Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is a gift for all people, Gentiles and Jews. Christ is the Savior of the world.
The sinfulness of the world cannot rob us of the peace God intends to bring through his Son. Christ the Savior is born, and through his life, God brings us into the family. He gives us the right of redeemed sons and daughters, the privileges of eternal inheritance.
Imminent Arrival. The Messiah is an important person. “Messiah” is the same word as “Christ” or “Anointed One.” He is someone who has been anticipated for a long time. Now we look at the time when his arrival is imminent.
You might be quite nervous to face a judge. John invites people to turn nervousness into repentance. He says that the arrival of the Judge is imminent, and the kingdom of heaven is near! You are invited to hear John, repent, and believe the good news of the coming Savior, Jesus.
The events of Palm Sunday serve as a microcosm for all Jesus’ work, proving the King of the universe was willing to humble himself and endure anything for our salvation. That is why we anticipate his imminent arrival not with worry but with joy.
How can there be joy when we live in a world with so many problems? This question highlights our illogical existence as sinful human beings. But we are continually loved and blessed by and ever gracious God who connects with us through his Word.
We have peace, knowing that every wrong will eventually be righted by the one righteous Judge.
Everyone carries guilt about something. Worse, our efforts to deal with guilt—minimizing our mistakes, making excuses for our sin—don’t help, but only makes us feel worse. What alleviates the burden of guilt? God’s gift of grace. Christ’s love is undeserved and unconditional. He pardons every sin. This was his mission—to give the gift of grace! When we receive that gift, our guilt melts. Left in its place is the joy of our salvation.
God grants the title “saint” (which means ”holy one”) to every believer. Soon enough we shall join all the saints in the glorious heavenly city. That gives us amazing stamina to face the challenges of this world with strength Christ gives to all his saints.
Many believe that freedom means being able to do whatever you want. Jesus teaches us that is false. “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31,32). Living however you want does not make you free. That attitude makes you a slave. You will only be free - spiritually, emotionally, eternally - “If you hold to my teaching” and therefore “know the truth.” Truth is the cause that effects freedom.
We are nearing the end of the Church Year. This past year, we have reviewed Jesus’ life and teaching. The Scripture readings in these final weeks recall some of the major themes that are woven throughout the Church Year. In this final series we will be looking at those themes with the understanding that “every why hath a wherefore.” We conclude the year by talking about the cause and effect in God’s Kingdom.
Deservedness: How deserving are we of his blessing? What does God owe us? Generosity: What has God done for us? What blessings has he given us now? What blessings has he promised us in eternity? As we answer those questions, we are stunned by God’s generosity. The effect? We overflow with gratitude.
Just as Christ’s service brought him great joy, so does our service to others.
Jesus speaks some sharp words, warning that those who live with hearts filled with love for money and void of love for God will receive the only eternity that money can buy — one void of God filled with torment. Money seems helpful, but it fails in death.
When we serve God, money is put in its proper place. Instead of it being a master to serve, it becomes a tool in our service of our true master.
Through two parables, Jesus rebukes those who consider themselves already found and not in need of repentance. Jesus doesn’t leave us alone in our lostness. Instead he relentlessly seeks us. He even involves the rest of the Christian community in seeking the lost and rejoicing over the found.
Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to all we gain through him.
Jesus promises that those who leave their exaltation to God will receive honor and glory far greater than any that can be awarded in this life.
Jesus urges us to “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.”