Sermon Reflection from December 24, 2022  | The Jesus Perspective
 
Pastor Alex and his friend Bryson worked in tandem to deliver a compelling recap of all the sermons delivered during the Advent season.  His emphasis throughout the month has been that knowing Christ will lead us to live wisely and differently from the world.  It was clearly evident in all 4 examples.

First, we saw the perspective of the Wise men as their story from Matthew 2:1-12 was read.  The Wise men traveled a long distance in search of the child born ‘King of the Jews’.  They gave their time to the search, resources and finally their gifts to the child.  How are you like the Wise men?  Do you seek to know Christ more fully by spending time in His Word? Do you use your resources to serve and help others?  Do you give generously of what God has given you?  Living wisely and differently involves giving generously of ourselves and our talents with a heart attitude of love and devotion to our Savior.  Faith transforms our stingy, self-seeking hearts into ones filled with His love which spills out generously towards others.

Second, Pastor Alex read the Shepherd’s story from Luke 2:8-20.  Bryson showed us reasons why God would have chosen the lowly shepherds to be the first to worship the Savior.   Their place in society was not one that was elevated, but it was one of value.  The Christ Child came to all people to save them from their sins.  He was needed to restore the relationship with mankind that was broken by the sin actions in the Garden of Eden.  His position on earth was lowly born but He was of extreme value and had a high place in heaven.  Things are not always what they seem as God uses whom He desires to bring His message to the world.  Living wisely in light of the shepherd’s example means one must listen and respond to the Good News from heaven.  Their response was immediate and heartfelt as they moved quickly to find the babe and experience for themselves the joy of seeing their Savior.  Have you encountered Jesus in a personal way?   Has it lead you to embrace the good news and display true joy in your life?   Faith transforms our unresponsive hearts into ones filled with joy and a desire to spread the good news of Christ.

​The truths shown by Mary and Joseph’s part in this Christmas Story lead us to look at the ordinary in a different way.  Both the Luke passage 1:30-35 and Matthew 1:18-25 show the encounter of the angel Gabriel with both Mary and Joseph.   God chose ordinary people to bring His plan into being.  They were devoted Jews but not kings, priests or landowners.  By worldly standards they were just village people going about their lives serving God through their faith.  God’s trust in them was a reflection of His love for them.  How they were to serve Him was profound and challenging.  Do you see yourself as one who can serve God?   We can take a lesson from Mary and Joseph.  Their faith and devotion to God allowed them to serve Him in an extra–ordinary way.  Faith transforms our unwilling hearts into ones motivated by His love to do the incredible work He has planned for us. 

Lastly, Bryson had us look at Jesus and the encounter he had as a babe of just 8 days old.  Simeon’s story was read from Luke 2:25-35.  The Lord had revealed to Simeon that he would see the Christ, Messiah before he died.   What we learn from his story about living differently is that we need to let God reveal Himself in our lives passionately.  Our zeal for God should be evident in what we say and do.  Our love for Him involves our whole being.  Simeon lived his life trusting in God’s promise to him that he would see the Messiah.  He lived in faith, knowing God was a promise keeping God and would reveal the Messiah to him.  When he was confronted with baby Jesus at his naming ceremony, Simeon knew this was the child who would save all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.  Faith transforms the doubting impatient heart into one filled with zealous passion for Him, belief in His promises and a desire to praise Him wholeheartedly. 

What kind of a heart is God revealing to you today?  Is your heart like the Wise men filled with His love spilling out generously towards others?   Like the shepherds which is filled with joy and a desire to spread the good news of Christ?  Like Mary and Joseph’s hearts which were motivated by His love to do the incredible work He has planned?   Or maybe your heart is like Simeon’s filled with zeal, belief in His promises and a passionate desire to praise God?    I pray that your heart is like all of the above seeking to love and serve our Savior which is Christ the Lord.  He is with us now.  Look to Him and grab hold of His truth.  It will transform your heart and life so that you can live differently and wisely for Him each day in 2023! 

By Linda Knight
 
SERMON LINK
This Christmas | The Jesus Perspective
Click Here to View the Sermon
Sermon series, "This Christmas" Today Alex and Bryson teach the Christmas Story

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.   


 
 

This Sunday’s message was based on 2 precious passages that describe the angel’s encounter with both Mary and Joseph.  Both passages show the strength of character possessed by Mary and Joseph and their heart for God. 

Brother Damien pointed us to the risks involved for both Mary and Joseph and how they responded.  Both were in a position to be ridiculed by their family, friends and community as a pregnancy in their betrothal period was absolutely against God’s law and outside society’s norms.  Their reputation was at stake in regard to men but their integrity with God was pure.  God knew their hearts and the circumstances, and He sent an angel to speak with them separately to reassure them that what was happening was of God not of man.  God knew their thoughts and addressed their fears with soothing words, “Do not be afraid.”  Not only did God’s message tell them not to be afraid but gave them reason for hope and commitment as the purpose of Mary’s pregnancy was revealed.  They were to be a part of something greater that would affect the world eternally.  Yes, there were personal risks to be taken, but the rewards would be for their good, the good of all mankind and for God’s glory!  They would also have the privilege of raising God’s son while here on earth. What an awesome responsibility and blessing God placed in their lives.   

What risks is God asking you to take to live differently for Him?  Is He bringing you to a new place, opening new opportunities for you to share about Jesus, giving you a new ministry to be involved in or perhaps it is a new child, job or home?  God has a plan for each of us that requires us to step out in faith and trust Him.  He knows the way and will lead and provide just as He did for Mary and Joseph. 

What did Mary and Joseph have to do to accept God’s challenge for their lives?  Both of them had to respond in faithful obedience.  Mary said yes to the Lord and her response is filled with her faith in and for God.  Here are her words from a portion of the scripture known as the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-50 “ 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. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.”   

What an amazing response of gratitude to the Lord for His work within her.   Joseph likewise responded in faith.  Matthew 1:20-23 describes the situation and the work the Holy Spirit will do within Mary.  He is not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.  Verse 24-25 tells us what he did after his miraculous dream “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”  He immediately acted upon the Lord’s request and took Mary as his wife.  He did not stop to question the angel or ask how or why, but he obediently did as the Lord required.  

Obedience is an expression of love and respect, and God desires us to be obedient.  Luke 11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”   Obedience also will result in our remaining in God’s love and having joy.  John 15:10-11”If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.    Mary and Joseph both expressed their love for God by accepting His call upon their lives.  They were obedient to follow His commands.  Their obedience led them to have the privilege of having and knowing God’s Son. He would be in their home, with them and with their future children.  They knew they were part of something bigger than their own lives.  Their child was to save all mankind from their sins.  Where is God calling you to live obediently?  You can be assured that following what God has called you to do will bring blessing! God keeps His promises.  

As Damien continued to share, I was riveted by his testimony because it showed over and over how God had plan for Damien’s life, a purpose and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Just as God knew the plans He had for Mary and Joseph, He had/has plans for Damien’s life.  He sought to bring Damien face to face with his Savior, Jesus.  God protected, loved and guided Damien because He knew what wonderful things He had in store for him, the plans for his life in Christ.  When Damien finally got to the place where he accepted Jesus and decided to walk with him in obedience, he has experienced the blessings of obedience just like Mary and Joseph.  Loving God, walking with Him brings blessings into our lives.  Thank you Jesus!

May you experience the love of Jesus and the blessings of following Him in obedience this season.
Linda

SERMON LINK
This Christmas | The Family Perspective
Click Here to View the Sermon
Sermon series, "This Christmas" Today Damon teaches from Luke 1:30-35 & Matt 1:18-25

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.   

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This photo was taken outside of Bethlehem looking at the hills where the shepherds would have been with their flocks when they received the news of Jesus’ birth.  Today it is filled with dwellings but you can still envision the open fields filled with sheep bedded down for the night protected by their shepherds.  As Pastor Alex pointed out the fields were not far from the town of Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph were staying with baby Jesus lying in a manger.  Seeing and hearing from the angels of God was a life changing experience for these humble, lowly people.  God chose them specifically to be the first to hear and worship the new born Savior.

Just as with Zechariah and Mary, the angels told them,  “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10    Fear would be an immediate reaction to seeing a heavenly being. Their minds would have been racing- what have we done wrong, why us, what is this all about?  The angels told them they had good news!  This news was to be for all people not just the religious elite and wealthy, but all people from the kings to the common man, from Jews to Gentiles.  This news would bring JOY!  Does this appearance and news brought by the angels cause Joy in your life?  What about Jesus evokes joy for you?  Is it His saving you, His loving you, His holding you during hard times, or His eternal place He has for you in heaven? If your reaction is joy, why not share the joy with others?  Pastor Alex calls this the difference that helps us live wisely and differently.  The brushes with Jesus in our lives help us put aside our fears and move into action. 

The shepherds immediately moved into action after hearing the good news the angels brought.  “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” verse 15   They desired to see this Savior for themselves.  How can you be like the angels and create a desire to see and hear from Jesus in the lives of others?  Pastor Alex suggested that the desire to tell others comes from a changed life, an encounter with Jesus yourself.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within each believer, we can show others Jesus by our words and actions.  Once we meet Jesus, we are never the same. He transforms us and leads us to grow more and more like Him. 

The Shepherds came and found Jesus just as the angels had said.  They bowed down and worshipped him.  Scripture tells us what happened when they left in verses 17,18,20,  “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told”.  They were forever changed as they were able to share their amazing story, they were able to speak boldly about the newly arrived Savior and they knew that God was faithful to His promise to provide a Savior.
Each of those things that resulted from their encounter with the living God can be said of you as a believer.  You have a story to tell of how you met Jesus and what He has done in your life.   You can speak boldly about His grace, mercy, love and ability to save and forgive.  You know that because of what God has done in your life and you have seen that He is faithful and keeps His promises.  Who can you tell your story to?  Who needs to hear of God’s love and forgiveness first hand from someone who has encountered Jesus?  You can also speak of Christ’s love and transformation in your own life because you have experienced it yourself.  Your story is your story and no one can say that it isn’t- it is personal!

Why not be bold, like the shepherds, and speak out about your Savior?  Look for God moments this season to speak of Him.  I know it is trite but still so true, “Jesus is the reason for the Season’.  Let others know of Jesus and His amazing love.
Linda   

SERMON LINK
This Christmas | The Shepherd's Perspective
Click Here to View the Sermon
Sermon series, "This Christmas" Today Alex teaches from Luke 2:8-20

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.   

Sermon Reflection from December 4, 2022 | The King’s Perspective

I loved Pastor Alex’s message on generosity which was shown to us as an example to follow by the Magi, Kings or Wise men.  Just for fun this morning I looked up Magi in the dictionary.  They are wise men, generally assumed to be 3 in number, who came to worship Jesus.  They were thought to be Zoroastrian priests from ancient Media and Persia.  Lastly, they were known to be astrologers.  All of this fits with the story told in Matthew 2:1-12.  Another thought is that these men who studied the stars had been influenced in earlier times by Daniel or Ezra or Nehemiah and that is how they had come to know of the coming birth of the “King of the Jews’.   The thought that God used pagan kings, wise men to travel a great distance to worship His Son, speaks of the impartiality of God and His love for all mankind.  His Son is meant to be worshipped by all people.

Back to the heart of Pastor Alex’s message, generosity.  How generous do you consider yourself to be?  Does your generosity come from a desire to be recognized and thanked or from the heart in wanting to help and comfort others?   Do you desire to please God?  God desires for us to have generosity in our character as it comes from the heart of God and connects us to Him in a unique way.  Our generosity is to be the result of being ‘in Christ’ and having the Holy Spirit indwell us.  Believers have a spirit of generosity that is evident in their lives because they know Jesus!   

Psalm 112:5 “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”  God’s Holy Spirit will be evident in our lives and gives us a spirit of generosity.  Pastor Alex mentioned Proverbs 11:25, our memory verse for the week, “A generous person will prosper;whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” 

God promises to cause us to prosper and be refreshed when we are generous.  Prosperity is not limited to material wealth but can include spiritual and emotional prosperity too!   I love the promise in Proverbs 22:9 that God gives us about generosity. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Sharing and giving brings blessings!

Jesus is the root of our generosity.  He is the one who gave it all for us, that we might know Him and have a relationship with him.  Through and by God’s grace, we can be and are made generous if our hearts are willing.  2 Corinthian 9:11 puts it this way: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  God gives us the resources to practice generosity and that generosity should lead us to give thanks to God from which everything comes.  Generosity comes from the heart of God and brings Him glory!

So as we journey through this holiday season, take time to examine your motives for giving.  Seek to align them with God’s desire for you, that you love Him and He is the reason for your generous spirit and giving.  Then bask in the joy of giving as you seek to bring glory to God and bless others.
Linda


SERMON LINK
This Christmas | The King's Perspective
Click Here to View the Sermon
Sermon series, "This Christmas" Today Alex teaches from Matthew 2:1-12

​If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

My friend Cheryl has chosen Romans 12:2 as her favorite verse. This is one of the most well-known and quoted verse in the book of Romans for good reason. Here are verses 1-2:   Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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Starting with Therefore, Paul is saying because of all I have said in the previous 11 Chapters this is how God's wants you to live. Paul has told us in Romans 1:16-17 of the power of the gospel leading to God's righteousness.  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” In Romans 3:22-23 that faith comes through Jesus and no one is righteous on their own "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." In Romans 5:1 Paul concludes that we are justified by faith. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," I particularly love Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In Romans 7 we hear of Paul's own smuggles with his sin nature but he reaches another conclusion in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, In Chapter 8 Paul tells us we are son's of the Father (14), coheirs with Christ (17), all things in our lives God can work for good (28), and nothing can separate us from the love of God (37-38). Paul tells us in Romans 10: 9-10 that confession of Jesus as Lord will bring about salvation. " 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. Given all these facts about God and what He has done for us Paul reaches the conclusion stated in Romans 12:1. Think about God's mercy towards us and commit yourself to a life of loving Him sacrificially. It will be pleasing to God.

In verse 2, Paul goes on to tell us that we need to let God transform our body and minds so that we will not be led astray and seduced by the world's motives and standards. When your mind is renewed through faith in Jesus you will be able to discern what is worldly and stay away from it. You will be able to test things against His Word of truth, pray for discernment through the power of the Holy Spirit and call upon the name of Jesus for help. Then you will be able to walk with Jesus doing what is pleasing to God and aligned with His will. Faith in Jesus is the key to this transformation.

Thanks Cheryl for pointing me to this verse. I can see how you use this verse to give you strength to reject world culture and seek alignment with God's Word. Leaning on God's mercy, clinging to Jesus and using His Word to lead us in life will lead us to pleasing God.
Linda