Sermon Reflections from Ask Me Anything: Deconstructing the Divine | Alex Hardt | September 1, 2024  

Doubting is part of who we are, right?  You questioned your parents growing up, doubting that they knew what was the right or best for you.  You’ve gotten into circumstances where you did not know where God was as you could not see Him anywhere.  Doubt clouds our vision both physically and mentally and that produces anxiety and fear as we struggle to find our way.   Pastor Alex pointed us to scripture to see what Biblical characters did when confronting doubt.  Scripture is our guide book for living based on truth and rooted and grounded in Jesus. It is the perfect place to go for answers!
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Pastor’s first example came from John 20:24-29 and relates the experience of Thomas.  Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them and he refused to believe in the resurrected Christ without seeing for himself.   When Thomas saw Jesus, even though he appeared in the room miraculously, he believed.  Jesus knew of his doubt and went immediately to him.  This should encourage us to go to Jesus with our doubts, not our friends or family, but to Jesus.  When we take our doubts to Jesus, he will give us the support we need to believe just as He did Thomas.  If we openly come to Him, He will teach us and assuage our fears and doubts.

David faced doubts of a different kind.  He did not doubt God but so like us, he did not see God in his situation and was searching.   Saul was after David to kill him as reported in 1Samuel 24:1-22 and David had a chance to kill him.  David did not know why Saul was persecuting him as he had not gone against Saul’s rule as king.  David wrestled with whether to kill Saul when he had the chance.  David did the right thing because he looked to God in his confusion.  He prayed, he argued with himself and thought about God’s character.  He knew God and knew He was good, sovereign, holy and righteous.  David did not kill Saul and he had more than one opportunity in the 14 years Saul pursued him.  He did not because he knew it was not God’s will for him to take Saul’s life that was God’s job.  He knew that God knows the beginning from the end and is in control. What are you wrestling with in your life?  Think about the character of God- His attributes.  He is holy, sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, faithful, pure, eternal…    God is so much more than anything we will ever face. Be brave or courageous and lay your concerns at God’s feet in prayer and leave it to Almighty God.  He will not disappoint.  We learn a lesson from King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19.   He received a letter from Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, who was marching towards Jerusalem.  His letter said give up you are beat, your God cannot save you.   Hezekiah placed the letter on the altar before God.  He recognized God’s power and might and asked Him to spare the Israelites.

God answered his prayer by miraculously defeating their enemies.  Confused, wresting?  Lay it before God in prayer.
The Apostle Paul was headed to Jerusalem and he knew it would be difficult and risky.   In Acts 21:1-16 his friends were advising him not to go as they knew the Jews wanted to kill him.  Paul was undeterred as he believed he was following God’s course. I’m sure he had moments of doubt but he knew what God had set before him to do.  His confidence in God overrode any arguments others might give to persuade him.  Why was he so confident?  His hope was placed in Jesus and he knew that God was directing his path.  He trusted God to bring him where he needed to go for the sake of the gospel. 

When you face doubt, what do you do?  Look to scripture and pray.

Our memory verse for this month is 2 Timothy 1:7.  It is one of my favorite as God promises: power, love and self-discipline through His Holy Spirit.
“ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  

​God does not want us to have a spirit of timidity.  Being timid in spirit means living with a sense of fear, lacking in self-confidence or being shy.  God wants us boldly walking and trusting Him as we encounter the trials each day.  Through His Holy Spirit he empowers us, covers us with His love, and assures us that through Him we can conquer our negative actions, bad habits, sinful desires, doubts and fears.   Memorize this verse this month and claim God’s promises!
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Going Places: The Ultimate Friend | Alex Hardt | August 25, 2024  
Pastor Alex concluded his look at friendships by examining our ultimate friend, Jesus.  During this series, he used the example of David and Johnathan, who showed a committed and loving friendship even in adversity.  Paul, Barnabas, John Mark and Silas were used to show us how our opinions of our fellow workers can change as the Holy Spirit continues to work on each one of us.  Damon Hopkins spoke on the necessity of encouragement as part of your witness to others and being a friend in Christ to the world.  Lastly, Pastor spoke about Jesus being the ultimate friend.  He saved the best and most significant for last.

​Pastor Alex used the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet before the Passover meal from John 13:1-17.  The act of washing someone’s feet was a job left for the lowly servants in their day.  Surely it was not an act worthy of their master, Jesus.  However, Jesus was teaching a lesson to them, and us too.  How we serve Him needs to be reflected in how we serve others.  “Jobs” for Jesus are meant to serve, uplift and empower others not us.  We will receive blessings as we humble ourselves to serve. Humble service brings wisdom, grace and esteem from God, not man.  Consider this the next time you are serving and wondering, why am I doing what I’m doing. Think of Jesus washing feet and it will put things into perspective.

Our good friends love us and want the best for us.  Try as they might, they cannot save us from sin, wrongdoing or complicated entanglements.  Jesus can!   He is the ultimate friend.  He died on the cross so that we might be free from the penalty of sin and walks with us so that we can resist the pull of sin on our lives. Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   When we get into problems, he promised to be with us always, Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”   He believes in us always, Philippians 1: 6 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”   His power and might is enough to see us through any circumstance,  2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”   These are qualities of the ultimate friend we have in Jesus. Praise God!  Jesus called us His friends.   John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

The questions for me after hearing and mediating on these messages are:
How am I supporting my friends both physically and spiritually?
How am I continuing to reevaluate opinions I might have of them in light of their spiritual growth?
How am I encouraging those around me, both friend, acquaintances and even enemies?
How am I serving others as Jesus did?
What does it mean to me, day by day, to be loved by my friend Jesus?
 
Thanks Pastor Alex for these reminders from scripture that enrich an enliven our lives as we seek to be more and more like Jesus each day.
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Going Places: Encouraging Others | Damon Hopkins | August 18, 2024  

I agree with Pastor Alex that Damon Hopkins was the right one to talk to us about encouraging others.  Damon gives a positive upbeat witness to the glories of God that he has experienced in his own life.    Using the Acts 4:36-37 text he shared about Barnabas who was a great example of an encourager. “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.”  By today’s standards we would call Barnabas one who is ‘all in’ for Jesus.  He wanted to encourage those around him and to participate fully in the spreading of the gospel through his monetary gift.  There was no hint of holding back a portion for himself, like Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 in which their lies lead to their deaths. 

Often people want to be encouragers but don’t know what to say.  Damon suggested: tell them how much you appreciate them, use their name and making it personal and remind them that you see them as a blessing in your own life.  If they are in need, seek to supply something to help them or vouch for them verbally.   Using Damon’s ideas I went in search of example from scripture of where and when people were encouragers. 
Paul, Peter and John wrote letters to instruct and encourage the new Christians in many places world.  We too can follow and learn from their examples.

Philippians 1:3-5 “ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”   Paul was encouraged by just remembering their faith- how encouraging would that be to the reader. 

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—  Paul wanted them encouraged because of the growth he saw in lives that were confirmed by their actions.  Paul’s praise would have encouraged the new believers to continue to follow Jesus.
2 John 3 “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.”   John wanted his friend Gaius to know what a testimony he was having among believers. What an incredible encouragement!

Romans 1:8 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”   Paul wanted the Roman Christians to know their faith was having an impact on the whole world!  Paul also spent all of Chapter 16 greeting those he knew and encouraging them.

Damon also mentioned that our encouragements have an effect on lives of others.  Paul had just arrived in Rome after surviving months at sea and a shipwreck.  Acts 28:15-16 “And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.”  Their very presence encouraged Paul.  How many times have you visited someone who is in the hospital or at home, and they thank you for coming?  Your very presence is an encouragement.

Looking to scripture we see lots of examples of people encouraging and being encouraged.  That is what ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ involves.  Seek to be like Peter, Paul and John this week and point out to someone how their work for Jesus, their faith and their loving commitment are an inspiration to you and others.

Linda
There is more….
Ephesians 6:21-22 Paul mentions Tychicus by name and that he is sending him to them as an encourager.  Colossians 1:3-4, Romans 16 verses 3,6-7, 12 are about specific people and their work for the Lord Jesus. Acts 18:27 speaks them sending Apollos with their endorsement and urges his acceptance.

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Sermon Reflections from Going Places: Navigating Conflict | Alex Hardt | August 11, 2024  
 
Pastor Alex delved into a very familiar area for all of us- conflict.  Since we live with others, it is unavoidable.  By our very human nature, we are prone to sin and seeking to resolve conflicts without sinning is our challenge as Christians.  Whether the conflict is with family, friends, acquaintances or even enemies, we are bound by Jesus command in Mark 12:3-31 “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”    Who exactly is your neighbor?  That person or persons can be someone close, someone you don’t know very well or even an enemy.  Jesus commands us to show love to them.  How can we do that when we are at odds with them? 

Pastor Alex suggests looking for ways to honor the person and make that relationship better.  It is not always possible to please everyone but with prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the waters.  Easy? Not usually.  Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement on whether or not to take John Mark with them on their second missionary journey.  For some reason, not stated in scripture, John Mark had left them and disappointed Paul to the point of causing mistrust.  Whatever the reason, Paul did not agree with John Mark’s leaving.  We do not know if he was young and was homesick, had fallen ill or was needed back home. His leaving left a mark on the relationship to the point of Paul not trusting him to follow through a second time.  Paul and Barnabas knew the most important thing was the ministry and decided to part ways.  Paul and Silas went to Syria and Barnabas and John Mark went to Cypress.   That may seem harsh but God blessed both of their ministries.  The people of Cypress heard the good news as well as those in Syria. 

History tells us that John Mark was mentored by Peter.  In 1 Peter 5:13 Peter ends his letter with greetings “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.”  Peter must have worked with him and grown very close for him to refer to him as his son.  I’m sure that Paul watched the growth and ministry of John Mark while he was with Barnabas and Peter.  Over time, Paul came to see John Mark in a favorable light and trust him as he said in Colossians 4:10 “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him),”  Paul was persuaded by the change he saw and heard in John Mark.  He allowed the Holy Spirit to remold his thinking and revise his opinion of John Mark.  How often do we stand so firm that we do not allow God’s grace to intervene?   Seeing others with the eyes of Jesus means allowing grace to have reign over our thoughts and opinions.

Loving our neighbors as ourselves does not mean taking a blind eye to their actions.  We don’t do that for ourselves, if we do we get into trouble.  Nor does that mean forgetting what the person did.  Paul did not forget John Mark’s actions but he did not hold that opinion forever.  He allowed time and the Holy Spirit to work on them.  We need to seek restoration in relationships.  Sometimes that is not possible as forgiveness and restoration are a 2-way street.  We may want to forgive and restore our relationship with someone but they may not be at the same point.  Paul was not at the same place as Barnabas but that did not mean that at some point there might be restoration.  If the other person does not want to forgive, then we need to more on and move forward.  We need to pray leave it to God.  In His grace, He will work on the others. 

Do you have a conflict that needs to be handled with a large dose of Grace?  Seek the Lord’s guidance so that you do not fall into sin and that God is glorified in the resolution.
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Going Places: True Friendship | Alex Hardt | August 4, 2024  
What a great Sunday Service filled with new life, new hope and worship.  It was wonderful to welcome Ryan and his family as they begin their ministry among us.  Jamie from Church World Services spoke of their work with refugees and our partnership in providing backpack materials for needy students.  Worship together from singing, the Word, announcements and communion were all shared as we looked to the Lord in praise.  It is exciting to see God’s work growing and thriving as we seek to serve Him.

This month’s topics surround friendship will speak to who we are together in Christ and our relationship to each other.  Pastor Alex wants to delve into the meaning of true friendship.  The example from scripture he used was of the friendship between Jonathan and David.  Their relationship shows us the depth of true friendship and the needed components of commitment and devotion.  Jonathan was Saul’s heir to the throne had he been faithful to the Lord.  However, the Lord took this away from him and gave the kingship to David.  Saul decided to go his own way and save Agag the king of the Amalakites when the Lord had told him to destroy everyone and everything.  Saul spared the king and saved the best spoils.  God had the prophet Samuel anoint David to be the future king and removed his spirit from Saul.  Saul continued to be king for many years and for 14 + years he pursued David seeking to kill him.  Before all this happened Jonathan became friends with David. He looked up to him for his courage and daring in the face of Goliath and for his faith in the Lord.  They made a covenant of friendship and commitment to each other.  Little did they know what price they would pay for their friendship.  Saul knew of Jonathan’s friendship with David and began to distrust him in regard to David and would keep his motives and movements secret.  The story of their friendship and relationship with Saul and Samuel are detailed in 1 Samuel 18-20.

Looking at their friendship gives us an opportunity to examine friendships of your own.  First of all they loved one another.  This love was built upon mutual respect for each other’s accomplishments and a soul deep bond they formed.  1 Samuel 18:1-4 “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.”   David and Jonathan had a deep connection to one another at the soul level.  Have you ever experienced a soul level friendship? My friend Joan was like that for me.  We met in our early 20’s in church choir, served together, studied and prayed together. When I was troubled, I knew I could always depend upon her to listen and pray for me.  We loved each other with a deep devotion.

Besides the soul connection, Jonathan and David were loyal to each other.  It was not just a when it was convenient but in hard times too.  Saul wanted Jonathan to abandon David but he would not do it.  He stuck with David, pleading for his life and reasoning with his father, and when that failed he helped him stay alive.  1 Samuel 19:4-5  “And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. 5 For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?”    I’m sure it would have been easier for Jonathan to give in to his powerful father but he did not.  He stayed loyal to his friend who he knew was innocent.  Standing in the face of opposition is not easy.  But also the everyday standing up for the integrity of your friends when other criticize or desire to belittle them is hard too.  Standing firm for them is an example for Christian character.  Jesus asked his disciples to stand firm and witness to their faith in Him.  Many times Paul and his friends were run out of town amidst the extreme criticism as they stood for Christ.  They were also jailed, beaten, flogged, etc. for the cause of Christ.  In 2 Corinthians 6:3-10,  Paul lists things he suffered for the cause of Christ, His friend and Savior.   Jonathan was exhibiting Christ like behavior towards David. Shouldn’t we do likewise with our friends? My friend Joan gave me unwavering support during my divorce.   On the day my ex-husband was to be re-married, she planned a lunch for just her and me at a special restaurant.  She refocused me on a day of great sorrow and helped turn my sorrows away.
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Lastly, Pastor Alex mentioned the selflessness and sacrificial elements to a true friendship.  Jonathan put David’s needs over, above his own.  He gave up the throne ship because he loved David and knew it was God’s will for Israel.  David remained faithful to Jonathan and loyal to Saul. He did not seek to take the throne from Saul, even though he knew he was anointed and would be king after Saul’s death.  He honored Jonathan and Saul after their death in battle. He eulogized them in 2 Samuel 1:24-27 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,  who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet,
    who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 “How the mighty have fallen    in the midst of the battle!
“Jonathan lies slain on your high places.
26     I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
very pleasant have you been to me;    your love to me was extraordinary,
    surpassing the love of women.
27 “How the mighty have fallen,    and the weapons of war perished!”
These verses show David’s love for God’s chosen king and his friend.  In spite of the circumstances David remained connected to Jonathan.  Again, I am reminded of my friend Joan.  She was unwavering in her support for my teaching, writing and serving.  In our 40+ years of friendship, I never doubted her love and devotion to me.  She was a true treasure that Christ gave me to help me through life’s really hard times and a friend to rejoice with in the Lord.  
As a final note on this Jonathan and David friendship, Jonathan had a son that was crippled when he was 5 as he fell when fleeing with his nurse when news was received of his grandfather and father’s deaths. Later after David became king he inquired to see if there was anyone from Johnathan’s house still alive to which he could show kindness for Jonathan’s sake. 1 Samuel 9:3-8 “And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” 4 The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” 5 Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.” 7 And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” 8 And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”    David’s actions towards any relative of Jonathan’s was definitely ‘counter culture’.  Most kings would want to eliminate all persons who might lay claim to the throne.  NOT David!  He was secure in the fact that God was in control and did not fear any threats.  His actions toward Mephibosheth speak of David’s devotion, loyalty and love for his friend Jonathan. Who do you know that has relatives in your life that you can honor in your friend’s name?  
Lots of lessons from David and Jonathan this week.  Spend some time in the scriptures and see what other truths God reveals to you.  Seek to apply them to your friends in the here and now in the name of Christ.
Linda
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Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Peace | Damon Hopkins | July 28, 2024  

The message this Sunday from Philippians 4 speaks about our everyday lives.  Damon allows us to see more clearly God’s intent for each of us and asks us to ‘take stock’ of all that we have in Christ.   Damon begins by pointing us to Chapter 4 verse 1. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”  Paul is summing up his letter by reminding the Philippians, and us too, about how much they mean to him as believers in Christ.  There is so much they share and even though he is seeing some disagreements within their midst, verses 2,3, they are to look to what they share and focus upon Christ and their part in Him to live victoriously.
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Chapter 4:4-9 reveal Paul’s knowledge of how God works in our lives and the response we need to have towards Him. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul, and Damon, reminded us that God desires to give us peace so we can live with others without strife and be His witnesses to a hurting world.  His peace will bring Joy, understanding and a mindset like Christ.   How do we achieve this?  We need to give our anxieties to God, worry is not from God!  We are to be prayerful about life and live with thankfulness and praise in our hearts.  We need to focus on good things with our mind.  When we do this, we will exude joy and peace in our spirit and it will radiate to all those around us. It will keep us in a state of peace throughout the day.  When challenges come into our day, we can see them through the eyes of a heart filled with peace and joy. 
Damon always gives us personal examples of the principles lived out in his own life. He is a man of God seeking to live with a peace filled spirit radiating Christ to the world around him.  It is always a challenge to try and see the world through Damon’s eyes and perspective.  In spite of what the world has for him, he seeks to first and foremost stay focused and tell others about Jesus.  Thank you Damon for this reminder of how to enjoy peace and joy in the midst of life’s challenges.
Lastly, Damon pointed us to Philippians 4:13.  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Paul, Damon, you and me are not beyond the need to remember to think good things, live with peace and joy in our hearts daily and be a people of praise and thanksgiving. Then we must know and trust in His ability to help us to live, believing in Christ’s strength within us.  No matter who we are or what life has for us, Christ’s strength with in is greater than anything we can ever face.  Praise God!!
Praise God!!
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Knowing Christ| Nathanael Gregoriev | July 14, 2024  

It was a pleasure to have Nate, Darla and Eliana Gregoriev visiting with us this Sunday.  Having those we support speak to us in person and share about their work for the kingdom is uplifting and affirming.  As Nathaniel shared about their work for Wycliff Bible Translators 3 things came to mind.  The work is big but God is bigger.  The work is overwhelming and worldwide but one ‘bite’ at a time God is chipping away at the lostness of the world through us.  Knowing Christ and doing His work in the world brings joy to the heart and soul and provides purpose for our lives.
Nate shared stories about God’s work and the impact of His Word upon the hurting world.  Those are the stories that cause us to press onward and upward for Him. To not count the cost as Paul states in Philippians 3:7-8 “ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and coun.”t

What stories to do you have of pressing onward, regardless of the personal cost to you?  What stories do you have of God intervening in your life with his guidance and provision?   Like Nathaniel, we need to be willing to step out and share what God has done and is doing in our lives.  How will anyone know unless we tell them?

I have a story of my own to share.  When I retired, I was at a very fearful point in my life.  I was paralyzed when I had to make decisions about the future.  I began studying the places in the Bible where we are told to not have fear.   As I studied and journaled the list grew to 70 passages and the lessons and truths became more and more evident that to walk with Jesus I needed to allow Him to apply those truths to my life.  As a result I ended up writing my first book, Fearless Living, based on those journals. Gradually, the Lord took my fears and replaced them with hope and trust in Him.  When I begin struggling with fearful situations from time to time, I go back and reread the lessons and truths God taught me.  It never fails to booster my hope, reliance upon him and decrease my fears.  God does not want me to live in fear but to trust in Him. He gave us His Word to guide, support, affirm and convict us as we seek to live for Him.

This week ponder your own journey and where God is leading and how He is using you.  Just like Nate and Darla, God has a plan for your life.  Ask Him for an opportunity to share a story with others that testifies to your faith in Him.
Linda

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​MESSAGE LINK
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Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
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Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Humility | Alex Hardt | July 14, 2024  

It is good to return from vacation as hopefully one has a clearer mind and renewed energy for the tasks ahead.  The sermon this week was a breath of fresh air.  The subject of JOY always is welcome and the topic of humility always calls us to greater challenges within our walk with Christ. Pastor Alex covered the fleetingness of personal goals and ambitions.   We need those in life for sure, but we need them in balance with our receptiveness to the goals God has set for us and His purpose for our lives.  Philippians 2:1-4 speaks of living beyond our natural selves, putting aside or putting off our old nature and embracing a life of love, dedication and service towards others.  Paul speaks to us about having a ‘like mind’ with Christ.  He is the only one who was able to live a dedicated life of service so He is our ultimate example.  I love Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  God desires that we walk in unity with Christ so that our old natures are subject to Him and that we can be productive towards others.  Philippians 2:3-4 explain to us what a life lived in ‘like mind’ to Christ is: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Thankfully, God unites with us through Jesus to produce this like-mind in us!   Our unity with Christ makes all this possible.

In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul explains to us the example we have before us in Christ.  We can look upon his actions, thoughts, dedication and devotion and have them before us to emulate.  In human terms we do this all the time as we live our lives and seek to pattern our lives after those that mentor us. Since our mentors are human, we cannot take all of them as well-meaning but significant others in our lives teach us how to love, speak with tact, cherish others, build relationships, etc.  Christ can do all this and more.  Seeking to pattern ourselves after or towards Christ is our goal as Christians.  Why do we do this?  It is human nature to seek examples, mentors and friends to look up to and strive towards.  Making sure that Christ if our central example is necessary for a healthy life centered on Him.

God’s work in us – this application of humility and like-mindedness transform us into workers dedicated to God.  It allows us to serve others like Timothy with kindness and love.  He was dedicated to the Lord and desired that other live their lives to the fullest.  Epaphroditus was another example of servanthood who brought joy to those with whom he served.

Pastor Alex’s sermon leaves us with some lingering questions that we need to resolve in our own lives.   Do I seek to live with a like-minded attitude devoted to Jesus?   Does this union with Jesus result in Humility of spirit and actions?   One way to answer this is to see if you have some of the benefits scriptures tells us come with being humble.  
First of all one needs salvation.  Psalm 149:4 “For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.”   Knowing the Lord Jesus as your savior gives you the ability to put on a humble spirit.  The rest of the benefits are in no particular order: 

Rest for your soul- Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Taking on the likeness of Christ’s humility brings rest to our souls.
Wisdom –Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Guidance and teaching - Psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”

Grace or unmerited favor from God - Isaiah 66:2   “All these things my hand has made,   and so all these things came to be,  declares the Lord.But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

Exaltation from God- Matthew18:4 “ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

As you reflect on the joy of humility in your own life, may you see anew the great benefits we have as followers of Christ.  He blesses us each and every day.  That brings untold JOY!  Live out our memory verse from Philippians 4:4 this week: “ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

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 Citizens of Joy: Joy in Suffering | Alex Hardt | July 7, 2024  

As we dive into the first chapter of Philippians, we're met with an incredible example of joy in the face of suffering. The Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exudes a profound sense of joy and purpose that transcends his dire circumstances. His words are not just a testimony of enduring faith but also a powerful encouragement for us today. Paul’s ability to find joy amidst suffering stems from his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his deep relationship with Christ.
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Paul begins by expressing gratitude and joy for the Philippians, highlighting their partnership in spreading the Gospel from the very first day. Despite his imprisonment, Paul rejoices because his chains have served to advance the Gospel. He is sold out for Jesus and has surrendered his life to following Christ.  He explains that his imprisonment has become widely known, and as a result, many believers have gained confidence to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. This perspective challenges us to see our own trials as opportunities for God’s work to be displayed in and through us.

The notion of joy in suffering can seem counterintuitive, especially in a world that equates happiness with comfort and ease. However, Paul’s joy is rooted in something far deeper than temporary circumstances. He is focused on the eternal implications of his suffering, recognizing that his hardships are contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of fellow believers. This eternal perspective allows Paul to find joy not in his comfort but in the progress of the Gospel and the glory of Christ.

Paul’s message in Philippians 1 serves as a reminder that our joy is not dependent on our situation but on our relationship with Christ and our commitment to His mission. Like Paul, we are called to find joy in our trials by focusing on the greater purpose God has for our lives. Whether we face opposition, challenges, or even persecution, we can take heart knowing that our suffering can serve a divine purpose. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and finding our joy in Him, we can experience a peace and contentment that surpasses all understanding, shining a light for others in the darkest of times.

Blessing,
Pastor Alex

Discussion Questions

• How can we cultivate a perspective that allows us to find joy in our suffering, as Paul did in Philippians 1?
• What are some practical ways we can support and encourage one another to speak boldly for Christ, even in difficult circumstances?
• In what areas of your life can you shift your focus from temporary discomfort to the eternal impact of your faith and actions?

Takeaway
Despite our circumstances, we can find true joy by focusing on our relationship with Christ and the eternal purpose of our lives, allowing our trials to become powerful testimonies of faith and courage.
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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 God at the Movies "Forrest Gump" | Alex Hardt | June 30, 2024  
Have you ever thought about how your perspective on life alters your responses?

In, Romans 12:9-21 offers us a beautiful blueprint for living a life centered on Christ. How having this perspective can alter our reality.  This passage encourages us to embody genuine love, marked by sincerity, humility, and perseverance. As I reflect on the movie Forrest Gump, I see a powerful illustration of these virtues in action. Forrest’s unwavering kindness and humility, even in the face of adversity, sharply contrast with Jenny’s struggles with negativity and escapism. His life shows us that living out genuine love and selflessness can transform not only our own lives but also those around us.

Romans 12:9-21 challenges us to approach love, handle challenges, and view life from a Christ-centered perspective rather than a worldly one. In a world where love often seems conditional and self-serving, Paul calls us to love sincerely and unconditionally, mirroring God's love for us. Forrest Gump’s story is a testament to this kind of love. Despite the difficulties he faces, Forrest consistently shows kindness and compassion without expecting anything in return. This sincere love is what we are called to embody in our daily lives.

Facing challenges with patience and hope is another key aspect of living a Christ-centered life. The world often encourages us to avoid or quickly fix our problems, relying solely on our own strength. However, Romans 12:12 reminds us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Forrest’s perseverance, especially during his time in the military, exemplifies this. He repeatedly runs back into danger to save his comrades, driven by a relentless determination to do good. This perseverance, rooted in hope and faith, is something we should strive to cultivate in our own lives.
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Ultimately, Romans 12:9-21 is about transformation. We are called to reflect God's image in all we do, extending the love, grace, and forgiveness we have received to others. By living out these principles, we not only grow in our faith but also make a significant impact on the world around us. Just as Forrest’s life, filled with love and perseverance, brought light and hope to those he encountered, so too can our lives be a testament to the power of living a Christ-centered life. May we look to the word of God of how to overcome evil with good and bring glory to God in all things, making a positive difference in our world.

Blessing,
Pastor Alex

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