Sermon Reflections from Awaiting Hope | Alex Hardt | December 3, 2023

What does hope mean to you?  Is it in some person, thing or event? Or is it the biblical hope Paul speaks of in Romans 5:3-5 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”   The hope Paul describes comes from God and comes with persevering in Him. The Psalms have much to say about hope.  Psalm 25:5  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”   33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”  52:9 “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” David saw God as the source of His hope no matter what the circumstances.

Pastor Alex spoke about the darkness that surrounds us just like it surrounded Paul, David and Mary.  Each one of them looked to God as the source of their hope.  Mary was in a difficult position with an unplanned pregnancy by a young unwed mother.  However, Mary’s focus on God and His provision for her far outweighs the darkness and obstacles she faced.  God in His mercy sent an angel to speak to Joseph so he was told of the coming child.  He was told to not be afraid to marry his betrothed Mary and that much blessing would come to him through this expected child. Mary’s response to the angel’s message was one filled with questions about how she could be with child, but her questions were not filled with doubt.  She knew the power of God and believed in Him.  She knew of the prophets, the Messiah that was to come, the miracles God had performed in her nation’s history and the power of God over life and death.  Her response in Luke 1:38  “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  and later in her song known as the Magnificat shows her humility and the acknowledgement of God’s power at work in her.  Luke 1:46-49 “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me--
    holy is his name.

Mary allowed her hope in God, His power, might, love and knowledge of His compassion to sustain her through the difficult times ahead.  She had many obstacles to overcome but God was with her.  
I’ll ask again, Where do you place your hope? Can you access the hope you have in God through your past experiences?  Paul had many harrowing experiences as he walked with Jesus. 2 Corinthians 11:24-26  “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”  Even in all this Paul’s testimony remained strong as he testified in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’  Like Mary’s faith in God, Paul’s personal knowledge of Christ and faith brought him through very tough times.  David likewise faced great difficulties in his life and clung to his love and knowledge of God. His hope was placed in God as he fought battles, faced giants, was persecuted, hunted by Saul and plagued with family difficulties.  As the Psalms attest David knew God as his shield, guide, teacher, savior and hope.

God promises to be with us in every circumstance.  I love Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  All of us have thems in our lives. Our giants, persecutors, hardships and family difficulties are different but we can claim God’s protection as we belong to Him.  We can trust Him like Mary, Paul and David.  They knew He would never leave them or forsake them!  He will not abandon you either.  God is our hope in the midst of darkness, He is our LIGHT! 

Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Sharing the Abundance | Alex Hardt | November 26, 2023
 
I was caught this week by Pastor Alex’s closing remarks.  He said, “Any generosity we show is just a reflection of what God has given us.”  As I reflected upon these words I reviewed the sermon in my mind. 

First, we saw the rulers and religious leaders in Luke 3:1-3.  They were a powerful bunch both politically and religiously.  Herod, his brother Phillip, the high priests Annas and Caliphas were leaders that definitely knew of God.  They were blessed with great power and material goods.  How did they use God’s generosity towards them?  They held onto their power and sought to use it against their fellow Jews. They disregarded God’s laws and Herod did much evil including marrying his brother’s wife. Pilate, the Roman governor, was a pagan who sought to please Caesar and keeping the peace was essential for his career.  All of them had been blessed with position and wealth, but they chose not acknowledge God’s generosity towards them.   Hence, they did not reflect God in their lives.   Herod, the High Priests and Pharisees all sought to kill Jesus as they did not believe He was who He said He was and they were threatened by the power He seemed to have with the people.  Pilate did not turn to God and do what was right as he too was threatened by the religious leaders and the crowds as he needed to keep the peace at all cost. 

Next, Pastor Alex looked at John the Baptist in Luke 3:4-18.  He was an itinerate preacher wandering in the desert.  People came to him and wanted to hear his message from God and be baptized.  They considered him a prophet with a true message from God.  John was given a special message to deliver prior to Jesus’ coming.  He faithfully and humbly delivered his message regardless of the cost to himself personally.  He saw many repent and turn to God. He had little in the way of material wealth but was rich spiritually.  He generously used his time and talents to lead, persuade and baptize leading many to repentance.  He reflected in a mighty way what God had given to him. In turn, John exhorted others to give of what they had, be generous and to live rightly.  He did not take glory for himself but pointed others to Jesus.  He lifted what he had and knew towards God and was blessed.

In our last portion of scripture from Luke 3:19-20, we see Herod using his power to enact revenge upon John.  John called Herod up short on his sin of marrying his brother’s wife.  He had had enough and used his power to silence John by putting him in prison for speaking the unpopular truth.  Later we see his wife Herodias getting her daughter to ask for John’s head and Herod granting this wish. (Matthew 14:1-12)  Herod was brave enough to put John in prison but he did not want to kill him as he feared him as a prophet.  Herodias wanted him dead.  Herod and Herodias had much to be thankful for and showed generosity towards the kingdom in the lavish parties and many building projects, but their generosity was aimed at making themselves look better and more powerful.  They had no interest in showing thanks for the goodness of God. 

The question for all of us is “How do we reflect God’s goodness to us in our generosity?”   Do we share our time, talents, joys, and money with others? Do we consider all that we have as God’s?  If we do, then our hearts should be open and reflecting His goodness, His richness, His kindness, His patience and His love for others.   Am I more like humble John who was willing and able to share constantly and boldly and courageously shared the truth about God?  Or am I more like Herod holding on to my gifts and seeking to use them to make my way better?  Am I more like the religious and political rulers who were threatened, hostile and openly resistant to God’s leading?  Do I have blinders on and refuse to see what God has given to me?  Am I claiming those things as belonging to me and not God?

I pray this message touched you and causes you to think about your own generosity. Where does it come from and how are you using it?  Seek God in prayer and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you and mold your generosity so that it reflects God in all you say and do.
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from The Communion Table | Sara Wade | November 19, 2023

On Sunday, Sara Wade from Hands and Feet east bay, shared a message from 1 Corinthians 11 about the communion table and how it represents Embracing All as Jesus Did.  In the Gospel narratives, one of the remarkable qualities of Jesus was His inclusive nature, particularly evident in His interactions with those considered outcasts or marginalized by society. This inclusivity extended to His invitations to share meals, reflecting a profound message of love, acceptance, and grace. The communion table, as a symbol of fellowship and remembrance, mirrors this open-hearted invitation extended by Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Embracing the Outcasts
Throughout His life, Jesus consistently broke societal norms by reaching out to those labeled as outcasts—tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the broken, the lost and the marginalized. He dined with them, offering them not just physical food but acceptance and love that transcended social barriers...  Can you imagine opening your house or eating with strangers you just met?  Well, that's exactly what Jesus did.   

The Symbolism of Meals in Jesus' Ministry
The significance of meals in Jesus' ministry can’t be overstated. His actions challenged the prevailing cultural norms, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of fellowship. Sharing a meal with someone, in that context, signified deep acceptance and belonging...  What would it be like to move to another country, not speak the same language, not know the cultural norms, and have no family or friends around? 

The Communion Table: Reflecting Christ's Inclusivity
When instituting the Last Supper, Jesus extended an invitation to His disciples, setting a precedent for the communal act of remembrance through bread and wine. This act wasn’t exclusive; it was a gesture of inclusivity, representing the sacrificial love He embodied...  Whom might God be asking you to invite to your dinner table? 

Open to All: Breaking Barriers
The essence of the communion table lies in its openness. Just as Jesus welcomed all to dine with Him, the communion table is a symbol of unreserved acceptance. It's a place where all are invited—regardless of background, social status, race, gender, sins, or past mistakes... Whom do you limit your table to?

Relevance Today
In contemporary times, the message of an inclusive communion table remains vital. The table symbolizes unity, breaking barriers that divide us. It stands as a reminder of Christ's all-encompassing love and the call for His followers to extend that love to everyone, without exception...  What is Jesus saying to you? 

Conclusion
The communion table isn’t a place for exclusivity or judgment; it’s a sacred space embodying the all-embracing love of Christ. Just as Jesus welcomed and dined with the outcasts, the communion table invites all, irrespective of their journey or background. It’s a profound reminder of the radical inclusivity found in Christ’s ministry—a call for us to extend that same love and acceptance to everyone, making the table a symbol of unity, grace, mercy and love.

This thanksgiving maybe we save a place for one more at our table.  Maybe God is asking us to open our hearts and doors to an unexpected guest.  Damon Hopkins shared a beautiful prayer on Sunday.  He said, "Lord...Just give me 1 more!" "Just 1 More!" May our prayer be for 1 more this Thanksgiving.  

Blessings,
Pastor Alex

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Sermon Reflections from Feasting on God's Word | Dean Honnette | November 12, 2023

This week Pastor Dean Honnette, shared from the passages of John 6:26-49 about feasting on God's word.  Crossroads not only feasted on God's word but on food as we indulge in a potluck after worship.  In the Gospel of John, particularly in chapters 6:26-35, 47-49, we encounter a powerful metaphor that Jesus uses to convey profound spiritual truths—the metaphor of feasting on the Bread of Life. This imagery not only resonates with the physical act of eating but goes beyond, inviting believers to partake in the sustenance that transcends the physical realm—the Word of God.

To appreciate the significance of Jesus' words, it's essential to understand the context. In the preceding verses, Jesus miraculously feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish, showcasing His divine power. The crowd, amazed by this sign, seeks Jesus not for the eternal truths He embodies but for more physical sustenance.

Jesus responds by redirecting their focus from temporal needs to the everlasting nourishment He offers. He declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35, ESV). This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of feasting on the Word of God.

Feasting on the Bread of Life:
Spiritual Sustenance:
Jesus challenges the crowd—and by extension, every believer—to recognize that physical sustenance is fleeting. The Bread of Life, however, provides spiritual nourishment that endures beyond the constraints of time and circumstance. Just as we eat daily to sustain our physical bodies, we are called to partake in the Word of God regularly for the well-being of our souls.

Deepening Relationship with Christ:
Feasting on the Word of God is not a passive act but an active engagement with Christ. In verse 47, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." Believing in Christ involves more than intellectual assent; it is a relational commitment. The act of feasting on His Word deepens our understanding of who Christ is and strengthens our connection with Him.

Transformative Power:
The Bread of Life has transformative power. Just as physical food sustains and energizes our bodies, the Word of God has the capacity to renew our minds and transform our lives. As we internalize the truths found in Scripture, we become more Christ-like, experiencing the renewing of our hearts and minds.

Eternal Promise:
Jesus emphasizes the eternal dimension of feasting on the Bread of Life. In verses 48-49, He says, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat of it and not die." Unlike the manna in the wilderness that sustained temporarily, the Bread of Life ensures eternal life for those who partake in it.

Feasting on the Bread of Life is an invitation to a continuous, intentional engagement with the Word of God. It goes beyond a casual reading; it involves a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. As we feast on the Word, we find sustenance for our souls, deepen our connection with Christ, experience transformation, and embrace the promise of eternal life. May we approach the Word of God with a hunger and thirst that can only be satisfied by the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Pastor Alex

MESSAGE LINK
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​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

 Sermon Reflections from Sustenance From Heaven | Alex Hardt | November 5, 2023

After a very difficult week physically, Pastor Alex shared with us his journey that led him to focus more clearly on what is important and why God’s love transcends all pain and supports us in ways nothing else on earth can.  Sometimes the greatest lessons come through our pain and suffering as we learn to focus on Him and what He provides 24/7.  His support will never fade or diminish and is always available.

The passage Pastor Alex had chosen to focus on is one that answers our needs and points us to Christ.  As I read through the passage, I was almost knocked over by all the promises contained in those few verses in John 6:35-40.  They are eternal promises from our good God who sees to our every need.  Many times we focus on our wants and think that is what we need, but God knows and provides exactly what we need.  Pastor Alex needed his focus to be rebooted and his priorities realigned.  I too needed that and took the pain filled lessons to Pastor Alex into my life.  God was trying to get Alex’s attention to realign his life and priorities, He has done that to me also. Thanks Alex for your heartfelt sharing.

Now to the eternal promises in this passage.  I pray that they will dive deep into your heart and help you to adjust yourself anew to His kingdom work and life.  These verses come after Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000 and walked on water to join the disciples during a storm.  The crowd was surprised as they saw the disciples leave in a boat to go to the other side but did not see Jesus with them.  Later they saw him on the other side. They questioned him about how he got there and were looking for him to perform more miracles.  Jesus knew what they needed was spiritual food-sustenance from heaven! 

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  Jesus promises that belief in Him will provide heavenly food and drink that will satisfy our souls.  We do not need to look anywhere else as all is found in Jesus.
36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”   This promise is comforting as when we come to Jesus in faith, He will NEVER send us away.  We belong to Him and will never be cast aside as worthless or useless.  We are precious in His sight and are loved by Him.  This promise sends my thoughts to John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”  Praise God!!
38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 

These 2 verses have 2 precious promises.  1- Those who put their faith in Jesus will never be lost by Him and 2- He will raise us up to be with him eternally if we die before He returns.  Our salvation is an eternal promise from Jesus to be kept for, with and by Him for all time.

40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”  Here Jesus repeats His promise to raise us up to be with Him eternally and that belief in Him gives us eternal life.  Jesus has repeatedly told us in John that belief in Him secures eternal life for the believer.  John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 5:24 ““Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”  John 17:34“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Which of these precious promises did you need to hear today?  Take it to heart, thank Him for His promises and life changing Word. Claim His promises in your life this week and experience a realignment yourself as you refocus on Jesus, the one who sustains and holds us close.

Linda

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Sermon Reflections from God and Evil | Alex Hardt | October 29, 2023
 
Pastor Alex exercised a bit of free speaker’s license in his sermon this week.  He went through the scriptures of 1 John 5, and then added his own personal reflections.  I will attempt to do the same with my reflections.

In 1 John 5:1-5, John speaks to us plainly about the results of believing in Jesus and loving God.  Believing Jesus means we are born of God.  That means we have His Holy Spirit indwelling us when we step out in faith.  Loving God means we love Jesus. We can’t do one without the other as Jesus said in John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”  This knowing and believing empowers us to follow His commands and love others.  That may sound like a burden, no one likes to follow rules constantly.  But God promises His commands are not burdensome and will help us achieve victory in overcoming the world.  John takes it a step further in verse 5 “ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”  He is saying that the only way to be an overcomer is through faith in Jesus.  Jesus has the power and faith in Him links us to that power enabling us to face and overcome evil.

In verses 6-12, John speaks about testimonies.  By Jewish law one must have 2 witnesses to be proven true and here John presents 3 witnesses.  First he mentions the water and the blood.  The water would refer to Jesus’ baptism which was seen by many and John the Baptist.  John 1:32-34 “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”  The blood referred to the crucifixion of Christ and his atoning blood. John saw him die on the cross, saw the risen Christ and was present at his ascension.  The last witness John offers is the Spirit of God who convicts, reveals and affirms all truth about God. John is adamant that unbelief about Jesus and who He is, is like saying God is a liar.  If one does not believe this truth, then John says you will be missing out on eternal life and will in essence have no life.  John 5:11-12 “ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

John concludes his letter with powerful reminders and affirmations.  1 John 5:13 “ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  We can be assured of our eternal life in Jesus!  Praise God!

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”  John reaffirms that God does indeed hear our prayers.  He cautions us to pray according to God’s will not our own, then ask away.  God hears!
16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.”  John wants to clarify that sin is wrong but when you are a believer you need only ask forgiveness to be made right with God again.  One does not need to feel despair but seek forgiveness.  The sin that leads to death is rebellion against God, unbelief.  Not believing in Jesus is a grievous error with eternal consequences.

18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”    John wants us to know that knowing Jesus doesn’t mean we will never sin but we won’t sin habitually, on purpose, and willfully.  We need to cling to Jesus as the world is ruled by evil desires and purposes that are in direct opposition to God the Father and God the Son.  We are to always keep an eternal perspective on life.

21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”  John adds this little bit at the end to remind us that the world is full of enticing idols and we are to keep ourselves away from them.  Idols can be subtle like entertainment, education, power, the love of money, or not so subtle like other religions seeking to draw us away from Jesus. 
May our reflections cause you to read the scripture and do your own reflecting.  There is much to ponder and consider.  God’s Word is deep and requires we dive deeply with our minds into it.
Have a great week. 

​Linda
 
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Sermon Reflections from God's Love and Worldly Love | Alex Hardt | October 22, 2023

Pastor Alex began his message with examples of statements that are untrue but are commonly accepted as truth or possible truth.  Now we have Google and can check things almost instantly when one is in doubt.  The Apostle John was concerned about believers being led astray and deceived by conflicting messages.  He wanted the believers then and now to be able to discern truth from falsehood in regard to God.  

He tells us in verse 1 to test the messages and messengers, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. “   He wanted believers informed and not swayed by false messages and messengers.  He had a fool proof method of detection. 
Verses 2-3  “ This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 

Putting it in today’s language one needs to ask, Does the message or messenger acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior?  Is their message all about Jesus and his work on the cross or something else?  Do they say Jesus rose from the dead?  Do they say Jesus redeemed us through his blood and restored our relationship with God or is something else involved we have to work for?  If their answers do not center of Jesus and his work on the cross and resurrection from the dead, they are not from or of God.  We have to know the source of our truth.  We need to know about God and his plan of salvation through Jesus.  Our faith needs to be placed in Jesus and his redemptive work on the cross and resurrection from the dead alone. 

Knowing that God is our source of love and truth, will lead us. We can speak from God’s perspective when we focus on Him and trust unswervingly in His omniscience.  God knows all and has it covered. 

Verse 4 should help us solidify our godly perspective “ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”   We don’t need to worry about the world’s opinions.  Our focus and listening ear should be towards God knowing for certain He hears, loves and cares for us!  Listening to God, we will be able to hear His truth and know what is right.    Someone may ask, how do you know?  I love Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”  As a believer, when I say that I believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwelling within me affirms that it is truth.  If I tried to say that as an unbeliever, there would be no confirmation within my soul as it would be a lie.

Knowing we belong to Jesus, leads us to love others.  Without Jesus, we would not have that desire. 1 John 4:7-8 “ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  Knowing God lead us to love others- to demonstrate His love to the world.  What kind of love is this?  John tells us of the sacrificial love of God in verses 9-10 “9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  In verse 11, God calls us to a higher level of love for each other, “ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”   Where is God calling you to love sacrificially?  Who is He asking you to love even though you don’t really want to?  I can’t imagine God wanted to send Jesus to his death for our sins, but He did it because he loved us so much.

John 3:16 states this perfectly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   God wants us to be with him eternally!  God wants us filled with His love and loving others!

John adds in an additional caveat for loving God. In verse 16b-18 “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”   If we have God’s love within us and act in love towards others, we can live in confidence and eternal hope.  We do not need to fear the future or be anxious about our sins and punishment.  In God’s love there is no fear as He has washed our sins away and covered us with His love.  We will be held accountable for our actions and words but there is no death penalty as faith in Jesus had rendered us ‘not guilty’.  Take these verses to heart. 

Romans 10:9-10 “ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” 

And Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—“  

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” 

Colossians 1:13-14“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  

The Bible is filled with the truth of God’s love towards us and the forgiveness, restoration and redemption for all eternity.  Read it and claim it for yourself. 

Have a blessed week walking in His love.

Linda

MESSAGE LINK
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Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Sin and Righteousness | Alex Hardt | October 15, 2023
 
What do you know about righteousness?  Biblically, it is right standing with God that comes through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.  The contrast between the righteousness we have through Christ and living a life where we are stuck in the rut of habitual sinning is the topic of 1 John 3. 

Pastor Alex began is sermon this Sunday with a look at our own counterfeit behaviors.   It is important to know a counterfeit when you see one.  Are we willing to acknowledge them and turn them over to God?   In 1 John 3, John says that continual sinning on our part is not how true believers will act.  Those who are pretending to be believers or who are just going through the motions of being ‘Christian’ are not of God.  These are sobering thoughts that cause us to evaluate our own walk with Jesus.  How do others see me? As a sincere believing Christian who tries to follow Jesus in word and deed or as a phony, a pretender, who says they are Christian but does not speak or act as one who follows Jesus?

John wants us to know that by belonging, or following Jesus, we are children of God.  We bear His name, His Spirit and are created in His image.  As God’s children we are loved equally, cared for, protected, and taught how to be more like His Son, Jesus.  He has truly adopted us fully into His family and we are HIS!  I love 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  God proclaims that we are His children.  The reason He gives for us not ‘fitting in’ to the world is that the world does not know Him and we belong to Him. However, we fit perfectly into His kingdom because we do know Him as our heavenly Father.  What a great assurance for each of us that our value and worth comes from the Father’s love and belonging to Him.

How does one recognize a counterfeit?  With money, the bills can looks so perfect that they are not recognizable except by an expert.  God is the expert and knows our hearts so no one can ‘get past’ God, so to speak. Our job is not to waste time trying to root out the counterfeit Christians but to live our lives proclaiming Jesus.  We are to put on His righteousness daily and seek to show Him to those around us.  What does that look like?  It is different for each of us but evidence of our faith and the working out of our salvation will be evident in the fruits of the Spirit that are found in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-24  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”   Are you seeing more of these fruits in your life?   Do you see a decrease in your passion for worldly things and an increase in your desire to please and serve God? It does not happen overnight but is a lifelong process as we put on His Righteousness daily and seek to Put Off worldly standards and actions.

Pastor Alex also wanted us to realize that pursuing God in our lives is a destiny making proposition.  If we pursue God fully with a heart committed to Jesus and we will be mightily used by God in His kingdom.  If we are ‘stuck’ in the world, driven by earthly desires, pleasures and goals, it will lead us to make poor decisions and not be kingdom effective.  We have to choose- follow the world and with its goals and rewards or follow God and receive His purpose for our lives and His eternal rewards.  The choices we make today affect our tomorrow.  Choose wisely.  Choose life in Jesus or death.

I pray you will join me in saying, I choose life in Jesus.  Joshua put it this way when presenting this same question to the Israelites in Joshua 24:15    “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Love and Hatred | Alex Hardt | October 8, 2023
 
Pastor Alex spoke candidly about the world’s pressures upon us to choose its ways over God’s.  Our sin nature predisposes us towards that, but our Spiritual nature from God moves us towards Him in spite of our propensity to sin.  We are reminded of Jesus’ words of promise in 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  We are comforted by this truth for we know that we will be victorious in Him. 

Our text for today was 1 John 2 and begins with obedience in the face of sin.  John acknowledges that we all sin and comforts us with the truth of Jesus’ forgiveness.  “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”   John hopes that by leaning into Jesus we can avoid sin, but he assures us that we bear Jesus’ righteousness though faith.  This truth can and does comfort us.   John then tells us how to focus on being obedient to God in the face of all the adversity in which we live daily.  

*If we have come to know Jesus, we’ll work to keep his commandments (3)
*Obedience to God’s word brings God’s love to completion in us (5)
*Knowing Jesus gives us the desire to live and be more like Him(6)
*Living in Jesus’ light means setting aside hatred for others, exchanging darkness for light (9)
*Hatred for others, or yourself, creates a darkness which will surround you and cause you to be blind to Jesus and what He desires for your life. (11)

By being Obedient to God’s Ways and Word, we show our love for God.  The proof of our love is in how we act and speak.   How does this challenge you to better align your actions to God’s Word?   Do you see a need to know more about His ways so you can better show Jesus to those around you?  Join a home group- a bible study and dive into His Word with fellow believers.   See the Church Website for groups and when they meet.

In 1 John 2:15-17, John specifically talks about avoiding the world’s influence in our lives.   “ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 

John warns us not to put our love efforts into loving the world.  Because if we do, we are committing ourselves to many undesirable things that are opposed to God and His ways.  He names pride, lust, fleshly pursuits which would include craving physical pleasures, power, greed, advancement, achievements for self-gain, etc.    Many of these can start out harmless enough but when fueled with pride, greed, lust and envy they become perverted.  We do need to work hard and take pride in our work and achievements, but not be filled with boasting, self-love and entitlement.  John also reminds us that the worldly things are just that, worldly and will only endure for the here and now.  They are temporal and NOT eternal.  Only things done for God will stand for all time.

Lastly, John warns us of opposition we will face from without.  Before the opposition has been within our own character.  This opposition in the form of antichrists which are very real and powerful.  Verse 22-23 “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”  Each one of us faces antichrists in our lives.  John classifies anyone who denies Jesus is an anti-(against) Christ.  We need to be watchful and aware of those in our lives that oppose us because we love Jesus and desire to live like Him. Jesus prayed for us as He knew we would face opposition. 

John 17:20-21 “ My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  Paul warned of spiritual opposition in Ephesian 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  James encourages us in James 4:7-8 “ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.”  

Pastor Alex concluded with the fact that Satan with all his worldly enticements opposes Jesus with His love assurance, protection, eternal life, hope and guidance and are competing for our love.  The choice is up to us. God created us with free will and we have to choose.  Not choosing is denial.  There is no fence sitting.  Why wait?  Walk with Jesus and taste of His eternal love, commitment, guidance, protection through His indwelling Holy Spirit.  Be assured that those God who answer God’s call He will equip and empower to follow His Son!

Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from Light and Darkness | Alex Hardt | October 1, 2023
It is not surprising that the apostle John began his letter reminding the reader of Jesus’ preexistence and that he was speaking as one who had seen and heard Jesus himself. John 1:1 “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “  John 21:24 “ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.”  1 John 1:1 “ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”   John’s gospel was written so that those who read the book would believe.  John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”   Scholars write that this first letter of John was written to believers.  It would seem John wants to build up and increase our faith and wants us to know Jesus is the Christ.  Knowing this, it is not surprising John begins his letter with the contrast of light and dark.  This was a reoccurring theme in his gospel.

Pastor Alex began his sermon with our overwhelming need for light and how darkness is something we often fear or avoid.  Why is that?  God created us for light and to be like him.  We were made in his image and He is light!  We can be assured that in God there is no darkness.  Pastor Alex wanted us to see that darkness pervades, leads to pathways without light or very little light, and grows darker the farther we get from the light source.  John equates darkness to a walk without Jesus, lightless and lifeless.  He also equates darkness with sin.  Verse 6 “ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”  A life lived in darkness is without truth and not grounded in the truth of God.  We know that sin is inherent in our nature.  However, John realizes this fact and encourages us to come to Jesus and confess, verse 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  I love this verse as it has a promise we can cling to.  Confession brings forgiveness always!  God is faithful to forgive our sins when we come to him repentant and desirous of change.  Being an unrepentant sinner leads to death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Pastor Alex summed it up as A World of Darkness leads to death.

John wants us to see that Jesus brings light into our lives and reassures us that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all!  If we can live in the light, why don’t we do it all the time?  It is hard and as a believer, we try to walk with Jesus in His light daily.  This means acknowledging our sins frequently and focus on Jesus’ light.  John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  How does one go about walking in His light?  Here are a couple of thoughts: read your bible daily, pray daily, seek out other believers for fellowship, focus on doing good with the hours and days God gives you, focus on using your talents and resources for serving God, participate in worship with your whole heart, give generously, talk about Jesus as you relate to others and let your words and thoughts dwell on Jesus.  Pastor Alex summed it up with the truth, A World of light leads to life!

Lastly, how can you find joy in life? 1 John 1:4 “ We write this to make our joy complete.”   John wants us to know that telling others, writing his gospel, letters and Revelation brought him joy!  He wants to be about the Father’s business of telling others about the good news of Christ.  Jesus commissioned the disciples, and us too, in Matthew 28:18-20 “ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Jesus wants us to tell others about Him!  John is saying that one of the benefits of telling others about Jesus is joy, complete joy.   What is this good news we are to tell others about?  The early Christians spoke of it in Acts  5:42  “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”  They were proclaiming Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, had come!  Life and forgiveness in Him was now available.  In Jesus we can have a life that would lead to eternal life John describes in 1 John 5:20 “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”   Who do you need to tell about Jesus this week?  It will make your spirit joyous in Him.
Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.