Sermon Reflections from Palm Sunday- The Triumphal Entry | Sara Wade | March 24,2024
It was nice to have Sara Wade back to speak this Sunday. She is passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others, and it certainly comes through as she speaks. This being Palm Sunday, she wanted to see the events of Palm Sunday through the lens of 1 John. The Palm Sunday events reveal a willing Christ who humbly entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This showed humility as He was the Son of Almighty God and deserved a chariot and crown if not more! Yet, he did not demand recognition or the things that go along with being a king. The people willingly praised Him and shouted Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The city was teeming with those coming for Passover and many in the crowds had heard of the great miracles Jesus had performed and took control of the scene. They waved palm branches and sang praises to God. The proclaimed Jesus as Messiah. His disciples were confused at by all the happenings and did not fully understand them until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Sara spoke about John’s words of love, proclaiming God is love from 1 John. The people who praised Jesus were doing so to show their love and devotion foe who He was and who they thought He was. John knew later in his ministry that this love, selfless praise, can only come from God. Love originates with God. The mission to come to earth and be the sacrificial Lamb of God to die for our sins was accomplished by Jesus on the cross. He knew where he was headed that day as he went down the steep road into Jerusalem. I’m sure the human part of Jesus soaked in those brief moments of praise and love the crowd provided. Jesus knew their ‘love’ was going to be fleeting and He would end up at the cross. Sara questioned each one of us to think about our commitment to God’s love. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” The love we have for one another comes from God himself. He brought love into the world and showed us the ultimate in love by sending Jesus. To be able to truly love one another and be unified in faith we must love God. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, He fills us with the power to love others in a way we cannot humanly love. How can you love strangers? How can you love those who would do you wrong? It is only possible with God because God is love and He will give us the love we need for one another. She gave a powerful challenge that forced us to realize a new that love must be done in community. We have to be united in love to give out the gospel message of love and hope. A church divided will not move forward. I am reminded that Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers in John 17:22-23 “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” Jesus wanted us to know and feel the love He has for the Father so that we will feel 1 with Him. He even shares some of His glory with us so that we can know we belong to Him. This is the love Sarah is talking about that we need to access and apply to our Christian walk. May your feet feel lighter as you walked the Palm Sunday road today with Jesus. Knowing his feelings of love and devotion for you can uplift and move us forward to love one another in a more profound and genuine way. He deliberately went down that Palm Sunday pathway for you and me! (PHOTOS BELOW) Palm Sunday & Eastern Gate The road ends at the eastern gate through which Jesus entered the city. It is now closed. In later times the gate was blocked to keep Messiah from entering, not realizing that Jesus had already come that Palm Sunday so long ago. 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 Turning Anger into Love | Damon Hopkins | March 17,2024
I love to hear Damon speak as he always speaks from experience and a heart in tune with God. Like Pastor Alex when he began this series, he began with an experience of anger and its consequences. Damon’s experience was an anger or dislike of a person based on something he could not readily identify. The dislike or hatred grew each time he was with this person. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit within him, his spirit was agitated as his feelings did not line up with what he felt a Christian should feel. Damon turned to God and asked him to reveal the source of this dislike and turn it to good. Over time, Damon learned to love and appreciate this individual because God led and he listened. The Holy Spirit can and will do a mighty work within us moving, changing, refining, and molding our character so that we can better reflect our Lord Jesus. Damon has gleaned 3 principles about anger that he shared with us.
It was truly a pleasure to have Damon back to speak to us. He is a walking miracle and brings God’s light whenever and wherever he speaks. Thanks Damon for your heartfelt words of wisdom from Gods’ Word. 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 Righteous Anger | Alex Hardt | March 10,2024
Anger is an emotion that can easily go from God serving to self-serving in a flash. When you get angry or use your anger, you need to look at what motivated the anger. Were you upset over a slight or injustice to yourself, a friend or relative or were you upset by an affront to God’s honor and name. Was a godly principle called into question, God’s Word maligned or was the slander pointed towards God? God can certainly defend himself but we also can be upset to anger over injustice. God desires that we love justice and mercy. Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” When angry is used, it is essential to maintain godly character and ‘right’ motives. Unlike the emotions of love and happiness, anger can turn good reasons to bad in a heartbeat. As Pastor Alex reminded us, we need to be sure that our reasons for seeking justice are in line with God’s character and purpose. (Just for clarification we need to be sure that we know what the character of God is. Psalm 86:15 describes God “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.’ 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Leviticus 11:44 “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” Search the scriptures for the attributes of God so you can better emulate His character. As a believer you are in the process of ‘sanctification’ from the time you receive Jesus as your Savior until you breathe your last breath. The Christian life is a process of the Holy Spirit indwelling us and molding our character to be more and more like Jesus. It is important to know the character of God, study His Word and pray so that you can recognize missteps and ask His help for day by day living. If you’d like a devotion about the attributes of God, my book Strategic Living looks into godly character. I have copies or it is available on Amazon.) Therefore, it takes godly character to keep anger in check and godly character to recognize when situations need a righteous anger response which is always tempered with grace. I love the verse in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” When talking with someone about the Lord Jesus, we are to give an answer but do it with grace and respect. Responding with righteous anger seems to me to be a time when a similar response is needed. I have a story I want to relate that reminds me of Pastor Alex’s response to the racial slurs concerning his friend. Pastor Alex was quick to admit that his anger was righteous but his responding words were not filled with grace. Similarly, Moses was righteously angry about the Israelites worshiping a golden calf but he broke the tablets in anger. Exodus 34:1-2 records what the consequences were for Moses breaking the tablets God had given him. “The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai.” Moses broke the tablets in anger and he had to carve out a new set himself. His anger was justified but not the breaking of the tablets. My story is of a young college man who was attending a Christian college in Southern California. There was an assembly with a guest speaker addressing the crowd. As the person spoke the young man was consumed with righteous anger over the blatant lies the speaker was saying about principles in God’s Word that were totally untrue or against scripture. He got up and went forward, took the microphone away from the speaker and confronted him for his lies. Needless to say, the young man was expelled from the school. A Christian attorney helped him navigate any repercussions. Later he enrolled in a different Christian college that was more biblically aligned. His stand for God’s Word is commendable but not without consequences. I would imagine that as this young man grows his love for God’s Word will increase and he will remember the stand he took in support of God’s truth as written in scripture. Learning how to use our anger in defense of the gospel is necessary to see change but it needs to be filled with prayer, study, and a healthy dose of grace all around. 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 Stumbling Over Anger | Alex Hardt | March 4,2024
Pastor Alex took time this week to instruct us on the makeup, use and disposition of anger in our lives. It is an emotion all of us have from time to time and the intensity of our anger varies. Often times we are angry without knowing the root cause of our anger and as in the case of an iceberg it is often very deeply hidden. In Ephesians 4 Paul speaks of this root as sin in 26-27 “ Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. “ Misuse of anger leads to sin. James is very plain in James 1:20 “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Knowing that anger needs to be ‘handled’ so as to not to lead us to sin, we need to take it seriously and seek God’s help in controlling, recognizing and dealing with it. Pastor Alex said the recognizing the source urges us to uncover our emotions leads towards healing instead of destruction. How can we do that? Scripture gives us ways to see anger for what it is. Ephesians 4:26 would imply that anger can be continued day to day. It can fester and grow. By not letting the sun go down on our anger we are containing and addressing it right away. Letting it fester produces bitterness, more anger and strife. We do not want to let our anger grow. James 1:20 tells us “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” The anger of man for man’s sake or reasons is sin, it is not anger expressed righteously for something done against God. Man’s anger is self-driven and does not produce the righteousness of God. That anger causes us to sin and sinning does not work towards God but away from Him. 1 Corinthians 13:5 is speaking of love but also teaches us about anger. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Anger helps us keep a record of wrongs done to us for which we may want to seek revenge. Back to the question, how do we get rid of anger or overcome it? Scripture gives us advice on this in Ephesians 4:30-31 we are given a reason to be rid of it as well as what it includes. “ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Our sinful anger grieves the Holy Spirit, it saddens Him as it is not from God and of God. Paul advises us to get rid of it. Put it out of your life, leave it behind, make be inaccessible in your mind through the power of God. Pray, study, confess and ask God for His help. “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil’. Is the advice of the psalmist in Psalm 37:8 Proverbs 15:8 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” As you can see, scripture has much to teach us about anger. If this is an issue for you, pray and search scripture for comfort and strength to help with your anger issues. Pastor Alex wanted us to realize too that Satan is pleased with anger and as we have said it does not lead to God’s righteousness or right behavior. Satan wishes to destroy our witness and lead us away from God. He cannot take our salvation but he can destroy our witness, make us unhappy and lead us farther away, bringing grief to the Holy Spirit within us. I love the verses in 1 Peter 5:8-9 that Pastor referenced. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” Overcoming Satan’s power to draw us into anger requires resisting, standing firm, being aware of this pitfall and taking him seriously. He is not a threat to God but is to us if we are not rooted, grounded and firmly focused on God. That’s why Peter, who experienced this first hand, tells us to be on guard- watchful and serious. Remember 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.” Take Heart in Jesus! What does one conclude about anger and dealing with it in a godly way? Lean on Jesus, seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit to root out the causes of your anger. Be alert and seek to not give in to Satan’s schemes and devices to lure you into sinning with anger. God’s plan is for you to live righteously and glorify Him in your words and deeds. Ponder James 4:17 “ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Be strong in Jesus! 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 Embracing Grace | Alex Hardt | February 25,2024
Pastor Alex addressed the last rhythm for staying close to God which is service. When you draw close to God with prayer, study and reading the Word, try to cultivate Love for others sincerely, seek to witness to the transforming power of Christ, it leads you to service. What do you do with your faith? Now that you know God, desire to commune with Him, are practicing His love when with others and telling others about Jesus, you may ask what more do I need to do? All of these things leads you to love God more deeply, have a genuine love for others and desire to see them with you in the kingdom of God. But, not everyone is ready and willing to listen. Service is a way of showing others the love of God in a tangible way- no words required – just smiles and an open hand. Reaching out to others in love with food, a kind email, cookies, a welcoming smile and words of greeting are ways of showing God’s love. Nothing is expected in return. You aren’t doing the kind deed to ‘get’ something, only to give. This something very foreign to the world’s system of getting, doing and working for gain. How does this happen? Paul tells us in Colossians 2:6-7 “ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Our actions are a direct result of Christ being in our lives, indwelling and motivating us to love the world as He did. Pastor Alex had many scriptures of Jesus’ actions as He modeled this while here on Earth. Being rooted in Christ leads us to reflect God’s goodness to the world. Are you overflowing with grace and love because of your faith in Christ? Are you rooted and grounded in our faith? This is not something you get quickly but it grows over time as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. The sanctification process of becoming more and more like Jesus begins at the moment of belief in Jesus and continues growing throughout your life. It is truly a life changing process made possible only in Christ. Christ alone is the reason for our change. Without Christ, good deeds are just good deeds and have no eternal value. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can be rooted and grounded in Christ producing a life that is abundant and filled to overflowing with thanksgiving, hope and love. A life motivated by Jesus is one that loves to serve others and express His love for them. Deeds are done out of love and gratitude. It is the process of giving out the love of God. As you made the bags with goodies to give to someone in need, you were motivated by the desire to help someone else and show them a bit of God’s love. Lianna got the blessing of leading and helping others to do something nice, possibly creating an opportunity for someone to talk of Jesus and His love, and showed others a tangible way they could act. Lianna also got the joy of giving and being able to participate in God’s kingdom. You get the blessing of participating, giving out and possibly talking to someone about Jesus. You also get joy in giving out and participating in God’s kingdom. A win-win with blessings and joy for all in service to our King. Thanks Lianna for this great lesson in tangible love. 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 Commissioned for Transformation | Damon Hopkins & Alex Hardt | February 18,2024
What a surprise and a privilege to see Damon via video and hear his words of encouragement. The message this Sunday sought to help us see that we are all to be about telling others about Jesus, his name, his power, his transformation. We are his ambassadors. Here is a blog I wrote some years ago about being Christ’s ambassador. I think it gets to the heart of what Damon and Pastor Alex want us to realize about our witness, our lives and the hope we can share. Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am an ambassador for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” What does being Christ's ambassador mean to you? I looked up the word ambassador and it is the highest ranking diplomatic representative appointed by a government to represent them in another country, a special representative. Paul is referring to us as ambassadors as we represent Christ and His kingdom to the world. The indwelt believer is indeed God's mouthpiece, model and witness to a world that is desperately in need of a Savior. As Christ's ambassador we proclaim Jesus to the world and implore them to become right with God by claiming faith in Jesus. We are the highest ranking person in God's kingdom here on earth entrusted with this sacred duty. When you consider your job or work in the kingdom, you can see that you, the believer, are the heart of His ministry to reach the lost world around us. We are God's Plan A! We are the ones that non-believers see and view Christ though. It is sobering to know that they judge God by what they see in our words, deeds and actions. The way we live is important to our witness for Him. Hebrews 13:18 reminds us that we need prayer to stand firm in Him. "Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things." We need to pray for one another that our lives would reflect Jesus in all we say and do. As you go about today, thank Jesus for making you His ambassador. It is a position of privilege and responsibility. Know that He will provide you with everything you need to do His work in the world. Privileged to be Christ's Ambassador, 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 United in Love | Alex Hardt | February 11,2024
Pastor Alex continued this week teaching us about the concepts of Rhythms- those things we do to keep ourselves connected to God. As we saw with prayer the connectedness is doable and needs to be exercised daily, weekly, yearly = all the time. This week Pastor Alex focused on the fact that to stay connected to God we need to stay connected to each other in a loving way. Love is an intangible thing as it needs to take the form of words and deeds. It needs to be shown. Christ showed His love for us as described in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He also expressed his love while here on earth by healing, casting out demons, befriending the friendless, serving, feeding, etc. His love took action and it was felt by everyone who came into contact with Him. God’s love towards is was sacrificial, 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.” God showed his love for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross and raising him from the dead. What about your love is genuine, sacrificial, kind, serving or helping? When you see others, do you look for ways to bring them to Christ? What about your Christian friends? Do you look for ways to show them Christ’s love? Christ healed- who can you heal with words of kindness or a loving deed? Christ cast out demons- who do you know that needs to know of the love of God and be free of their demons? Can you talk to them or pray for/with them? Christ befriended the friendless- who do you know that needs a friend? Christ served others- do you have a group where you can serve in his name? Christ fed many- who do you know that needs physical food like a meal or an invite to lunch. Who do you know that needs spiritual food from God’s Word? Do you have a verse, a word of encouragement or prayer to give to them? Authentic love in Christ is transforming and His Holy Spirit will motivate us to be more and more like Jesus as we walk with Him each day. Being connected to God through and for others means we actually have to join in, be there, stand with other physically, hold hands, pray together, speak, eat and enjoy one another’s company. In Acts 14:27-28 Paul tells what he did upon returning to Antioch from his trip. “ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.” Paul was excited to tell other believers of the work God was doing in the world. In Acts 12:5 we hear about the church praying for Peter’s freedom “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” In Acts 2:41-43 we see the church being about supporting one another “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.” In each of these scenes in Acts we see the church being together and connecting. Are you part of our gatherings? Do you want to learn about our missionaries and pray for them? Do you join with our 24 hours of prayer as we lift Crossroads and each one of us before God’s throne? Do you regularly come to worship? How about a home group or bible study group, are you there? Do you join in social events to break bread and visit with one another? Without these actions, we can’t be invested in each other’s lives. Christ desires that we connect with one another to uplift and encourage each other in our walk with Him. Remember Christ’s words in Matthew 18:20 “ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” When we gather with others, acknowledging Him in our hearts and lives, He promises to be there in our midst. You would not want to miss out- join us to connect. 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 based on from Rhythms-Refuge in the Almighty | Alex Hardt | February 4,2024
Pastor Alex was in teaching mode this Sunday. He wanted us to see God as viable hope and security in our ever-changing chaotic world. He also wanted us to see that we too could draw nearer to God Himself by practicing some basic connecting activities. Psalm 46 is a wonderful psalm that gives us hope and courage in the face of adversity. God promises to be our refuge (safe place, fortress) when we are in trouble. The psalmist describes the world as a place where things fall, decay, roar, shake, in contrast to Holy God who is eternal, unfailing, and the ender of wars. He will prevail and the nations and the whole earth will one day exalt Him. Pastor Alex suggests that we should read His word, meditate upon it and pray. The psalmist suggests a similar pathway in verse 10, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;” We have to be still to read His Word. We have to be still to pray. I’m not talking about being still as in not moving but still in our minds, focused upon God’s Word. This means not letting our minds wander to the grocery list, tasks for the day, worries, and life’s problems but to keep our minds still and present as we read the word and pray. Focusing upon God Almighty as our refuge will allow us to absorb His strength and power into our daily life and keep ourselves from fretting, worrying or being consumed with fear. He promises to be our refuge and God keeps His promises. James 4:7-10 is a powerful reminder that focus upon God will send Satan away and be life changing. “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. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. God promises to come to us if we go towards Him. Sometimes the most we can do is one step, but know that the one step is the beginning of change. If we are sorry for the wrongs we do and grieve over them in our hearts, God will change our sorrow to joy and gladness. It is humbling to come to God as we are independent, pride-filled, stubborn people. But that one step towards God in faith will lead to step after step. With each step our faith grows stronger and our hope and trust in Him is confirmed. Each step causes us to trust more fully in Him and the plans He has for our lives. Lastly, Pastor Alex led us to participate in 2 Rhythms that are essential for drawing closer to God the Reading of God’s Word and Prayer. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the power of God’s Word in our lives. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” James speaks of reasons to pray and the power of prayer. James 5:13, 15-16 “ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Paul speaks of the need to be consistent with our prayers, Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” I so enjoyed the exercise Pastor Alex lead us through by reading Psalm 46 repeatedly and focusing on different messages God has for us in His Word. With prayer, Pastor Alex walked us through good steps to follow when praying. Praising God, Confession of sin, Thanksgiving, and lastly Petitions or Supplications. The Anonym, ACTS, for this practice is easy to remember to guide us as we pray. A-adoration of God for who He is, C-confession of our sins and shortcomings, T-thanksgiving for all the ways we see God working in our lives, His providential care, S-supplications or requests for ourselves and others. I would suggest one activity that helps to draw me closer to God. When I read a passage like Psalm 46 I will often read it in multiple versions to see what insights God has for me. I often use the New International version, English Standard version, Amplified translation, the Message translation, the New King James and I love the New Living translation. Some of these are more accurate translations and some paraphrased but all can help me see God’s message for my heart. Whatever we do, taking that 1 step in faith- opening our Bibles, saying short or long prayers, will always bring us closer to God if we focus upon Him and let go of the cares of the world. God is faithful and will meet us there! Guaranteed, as God keeps His promises. 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 based on from Cosmic Interpretations, Galactic Forgiveness | Alex Hardt | January 28, 2024
What a wonderful way to end our series on Joseph and God’s goodness. Redemption and Forgiveness are at the heart of the gospel and were so well demonstrated in the story of Joseph. Our memory verse, Genesis 50:20 shouted out to us each week the truth of God’s sovereignty, goodness and omniscience. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Pastor Alex began with Genesis 45:1-4 where the story of Joseph’s revelation of himself to his brothers shows his great humility and love for his ‘lost’ brothers. During a great famine in the whole land, Joseph’s brothers had journeyed to Egypt to buy grain. (Joseph had interpreted a dream Pharaoh had concerning 7 good years and 7 lean years. Pharaoh believed Joseph and put him in charge of the plan to keep them all alive during the 7 lean years. Genesis 41.) In chapter 42, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain but did not allow his youngest Benjamin to go with them. While buying grain they encountered Joseph but did not recognize him. He required that they leave one of their brothers there and bring their youngest brother to him to verify their story, he had accused them of being spies. Then Joseph had his servants put the silver they had paid for the grain with back in their sacks. When the brothers discovered this, they were terrified and decided not to go back. Well, the famine continued and they eventually needed to return. The fact that Jacob’s youngest, Joseph’s brother, was required to go troubled Jacob immensely. All he could think about was how he had lost Joseph and feared losing Benjamin too. Judah promised that he would bring Benjamin back or die trying. When they appeared before Joseph this second time, they were very afraid of his retribution for the ‘stolen’ silver. Joseph as overcome with emotion at their meeting and said in Chapter 45:4-5 “ Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” After all that had transpired, Joseph had seen God’s hand in all that God had allowed to happen. He did not have hatred or revenge in his heart but overwhelming love. Joseph had seen God’s provision from the pit to the palace. He knew from experience God is sovereign and omniscient! He tried to relay this to his brothers, but they had not made the journey from pit to palace and did not understand Joseph’s love and compassion. Our life’s journey gives us opportunities to see God in action, experience His love, compassion and forgiveness first hand. If we allow Him to work in our lives we are enriched in both faith and character. Joseph is a wonderful example to us of God’s power of sanctification and how He grows and matures us in our faith. Joseph wanted restoration of his family and reconciliation with them not revenge. Joseph is an example to us of the power of forgiveness. His life was transformed from possible bitterness and hatred to love, acceptance and longing for his brothers and father. Forgiveness is transformative to each of us on the inside. It works it wonders by making us better in Christ. We can accept hurts, betrayal, wrongs and hatred and let them go. Christ will take those and replace them with love and kindness. Letting go frees us and gives us a new pathway in Him. Joseph certainly had a new pathway with his brothers and father and whole family who come to be cared for and settled in the land of Goshen. Where are your pathways leading you? Are you moving forward with forgiveness by embracing Christ? God promises forgiveness in Christ, Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Through forgives we are free to serve Him, Psalm 130:4 “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” Our memory verse from our study of 1 John was 1:5 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Forgiveness in Christ brings us into God’s light and the darkness is dispelled! Praise God! 1 Timothy 6:17 wisely speaks to us and I see Joseph lived by these principles. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Joseph kept his focus on God. May we do likewise and experience His providential care, forgives of sins and love. 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. We had an amazing year. Check it out below.
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