Archive for category: Sermons

Creation as Blessing

In the beginning God created… and saw that it was good. (Genesis 1: 29…24)

The Universe, and all life within it, is fundamentally a blessing, fundamentally good, and created to flourish–including us. This doesn’t prevent hardship and difficulties, but it does strengthen us as we go through tough times. It allows us to deepen in faith and spirituality without fear. Life in all its joys and struggles is a blessing–which means, it is something worth sharing. How might moving through our days with an eye for recognizing goodness and blessing transform our experience of life?

What if…we have everything we need because we seek God first?

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9: 7-9)

Understanding the principles of Proactive Generosity and Tithing guides us in the way we give.  Looking at what it’s not (a tax, the leftovers, a bribe, a fundraiser for the Church, an option) and looking at what it is (the first tenth, God’s plan of provision for God’s people, given freely, regular, Worship, a test, a way that God blesses us) we become more aware of God’s role in our giving.

The Rest of the Story – September 23, 2018

But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)

Luke reported, in vivid stories like these, that the Holy Spirit worked through Peter and John to offer Jesus’ healing to anyone who needed it. Peter made the healing of the crippled man another occasion to preach Jesus’ power. His subsequent encounters with Cornelius, Paul, Tabitha and more showed that he remained faithful, yet flawed, as he simply proclaimed and followed the Savior he served. He wasn’t perfect, but he never stopped trying!

“I Will Not Deny You”

Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else stumbles, I won’t.” But Jesus said to him, “I assure you that on this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But Peter insisted, “If I must die alongside you, I won’t deny you.” And they all said the same thing. (Mark 14:29-31)

With a time of emotional crisis just ahead, one might expect Jesus to give his disciples a “pep talk,” boosting their spirits and telling them how much confidence he had in their ability to handle what lay ahead. Might they have handled things any better if he had given them a pep talk rather than this somber warning? Spiritually, which is more important—to believe you’ve got the strength to handle anything, or to be aware that you need to rely on God’s power, which is greater than yours?

Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus said, “Come.”Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” (Matthew 14:27-31)

Peter spoke up. He showed that mix of faith and doubt most of us wrestle with at times: “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” Next thing

he knew, he was striding across the water! It worked until he lost his focus on Jesus. The strong wind distracted him and his fear took over. “As he began to sink, he shouted, ‘Lord, rescue me!’” And Jesus did. Jesus continues to rescue us when we begin to sink.