Sermon Reflections from The Bible is An Invitation | Damon Hopkins | May 21, 2023
Damon was filled with renewed joy this Sunday as he shared from God’s Word and his life challenges. He pointed out worldly sayings that do not hold up when compared to God’s standards. For example, “God helps those who help themselves,” was one he gave us to analyze. If we could help ourselves he pointed out, we would not need God. We cannot truly help ourselves; our dependence needs to be upon Him. Damon went on to speak of God’s creation, his glory and how He meets our needs in His time. We just need to trust in Him and walk each day knowing He has us covered. Damon’s health issues were a glorious example of how God meets our needs and does it in a complete way, beyond our imagining. Pastor Alex had titled this sermon The Bible is an Invitation. He started the series with the Bible is a Love Letter from God and last week pointed us to the Bible as our Guide. As I was reflecting on God’s love letter and His guidance, I see The Bible as an invitation in written form inviting us to a life of faith in Him. This was the life Damon was describing from His experiences. The Bible points us to the good life God has in store for us. John 17:3 speaks of eternity, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. “ God wants us to know Him and to experience eternal life. 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us that God has given us what we need to live for Him, “ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” His Word, an invitation in written form, provides power, promises and protection from evil. That is SOME invitation to a life filled with hope and promise. Another aspect of an invitation is that, it is not a command. When we are invited to a party, the host is asking us to come but we can turn them down. God’s invitation to eternal life is just that – an invitation. It is not a command but refusing to accept His invitation brings consequences. You will not be invited to the eternal party in heaven and do not have the benefits of God’s love and care while here on earth. God loves us, John 3:16, and wants us to come to his eternal party. “ 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.” Refusing His invitation means you turn down salvation through Jesus, John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” You are choosing to live under the curse of death, Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” and make your own way. Damon pointed us to many of the benefits given in God’s Word for accepting God’s invitation. James 1:17 “ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God is our Father and gives good gifts to His children. He also does not change His mind about things or change His character. He is immutable, unchanging. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” We also have a home in heaven to look forward to that has been prepared for us by Jesus. John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” God has also promised us every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 told us that we have God’s precious promises to live by and lean upon. Damon also quoted Jeremiah 29:11-12 “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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” God has plans for our lives if we join with Him and accept His invitation. His plans are to prosper and grow us, for our good and His glory. We just need to turn to Him in faith and call upon Him. He promises to listen to us, comfort and guide us. I’m sure Damon would be quick to agree with Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” When we accept God’s invitation to life, eternity with Him, hope and blessings, we need to accept in faith TRUSTING God to know the way that is best for us. Then we need to walk in FAITH believing all He has promised! Take Hebrews 11:6 into your heart and determine to seek and please God. “ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” God will reward, just as He promises. Linda SERMON LINK Click Here to View the Sermon 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 The Bible is A Guide | Alex Hardt | May 14, 2023
Pastor Alex started us out with Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Why is it important to be reminded that God’s Word is eternal and unchanging? First, I think it goes to the lastingness of the Bible’s Words of truth. Second, it reminds us that God does not change, He is immutable, and so is His Word. Why would we want to base our lives on truth that was not lasting and solid? God’s Word is just like God, the same yesterday, today and forever. We can count on it as we seek to build our life on something solid. If it changed from generation to generation, it would be like building our lives on sand which can shift or even be blown away. I am thankful that God’s Word is constant and that the ancient words have truth and meaning for my life today just as it did for those who came before me. In addition to God’s Word being immutable, it is also alive. Pastor Alex pointed us to 1 Peter 1:23 in addition to Hebrews 4:12 that speaks of the dynamic living Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 “ For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” Something that is alive has the ability to interact with the living and effect change. That is what the Word of God does in our lives. God’s Words are alive. His Word changes us from the inside out. Praise God for His Word that works within us! God’s Words are sharp and may have to cut deep to expose our sins. They desire to bring into the light that which is dark and causing us grief or distress. These are things that grieve God that we are allowing to have a place in our lives. He desires to see us rid of them. Hebrews 4:12-13 in the Message translation explains how piercing God’s Word can be “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.” God wants to get our attention and often uses His Word to do just that! He desires that we have a new heart and character that is responsive to Him. Ezekiel spoke of this transformation in Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” God’s Words are sharp and pierce the deepest most secret parts of our heart. We cannot hide our true nature from God. He know our heart and desires to give us a new heart and a new spirit! Lastly, Pastor Alex reminded us that God’s Word will be used to judge our actions, attitudes and thoughts. Have you considered how you might be willfully going against God’s Word? Do you tell small ‘harmless’ lies? Do you treat others with callousness when you are having a bad day? Do you think unwholesome thought towards your family, friends or enemies? Hebrews 4:13 in the Message came with a warning, “. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.” I like the analogy God used for Amos to show the people His standards. Amos 7:7-8 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. The plumb line that God gave to Israel was his Word. That was their guiding line to measure all things against to see if they were true, uplifting and honoring to God. We have that same plumb line today in the Bible. It is God’s truth to which we can compare anything and everything. I love our memory verse for this week from Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Thank goodness we have God’s Word to light our pathway so that we will not stumble and fall into darkness. God’s Word will hold us accountable, but also will give us direction and guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit. Have a great week as you consider the power of God’s Word and what place you will give Him and His Word in your life. Linda SERMON LINK Click Here to View the Sermon 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 The Bible is A Love Letter | Alex Hardt | May 7, 2023
Pastor Alex started this series on the Bible with a passage in Ephesians that is jam packed with lessons and truths for all of us. As I read the portion with my name inserted as Pastor Alex asked us to do, it brings warmth, love and hope to my very being. Alex’s sermon points of God’s story being personal, a love letter directly for me and one that connects us to His love is fully explained as we go through the handout questions he provided. We can see what God has done for each of us that know Jesus as our Savior. What has God done for me and you?
Thanks Pastor Alex for leading us through these soul seeking questions. We can know God and know His answers for our life through His Word. His love letter to us in complete and gives us all we need for life and godliness. Linda SERMON LINK Click Here to View the Sermon 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 A Lighthouse for the Wounded and Weak | Stephanie Murphy | February 12, 2023
We had the privilege of hearing from Stephanie Murphy this Sunday. She challenged us to look at a familiar passage in Luke 19:1-10 in a new and different way. Knowing that Jesus is the ultimate Spiritual Director for our lives and uses the Holy Spirit to guide us as we read His Word, we need to look deeper to see what Jesus has for us. The story begins with Zacchaeus being vertically challenged as he sought to climb a nearby tree to see Jesus as he passed by. He knew he could not push his way through the crowd as no one wanted a Jewish tax collector standing anywhere near them. They were despised and seen as ‘thieves’ and traitors as they worked for the Roman government for their own financially good. Jesus knew where Zacchaeus was and what he needed. God always knows as He is omniscient and sees our every need. Not only does he see us but he knows exactly what we need. He knew Zacchaeus needed to be with him and be confronted about his lifestyle so He called to him to come down. Zacchaeus responded to Jesus’ call. Jesus’ call is one with a promise like in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And Luke 6:47 “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.” Because He sees us, He calls us with purpose that is filled with His love and grace. When Jesus called Zacchaeus to come down, he spoke with him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home for dinner. He wanted to build a relationship with him and get to know him on a personal level. This invitation caused Zacchaeus to be aware of his sin and seek Jesus’ forgiveness. Meeting Jesus always causes us to confront our sins. Zacchaeus knew immediately that his money practices were not right and proclaimed he would change them ASAP. James 4:17 reminds us that “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Zacchaeus knew that what he was doing was wrong and meeting Jesus personally caused him to be confronted with his own sins and repent. Likewise the Samaritan woman who Jesus met by the well, desired the living water he offered. He confronted her about her 5 husbands and she saw immediately that he was a prophet. She asked further in Luke 4:25-26 “ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” Jesus will meet each of us personally just like he did Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman. He will reveal our sin and lead us to repentance if we are willing. When Jesus meets us, he transforms our lives like he did Zacchaeus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes this change the Holy Spirit brings within us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Zacchaeus was a new man! He was transformed by his Savior and freed from the guilt and sin that shackled his life. He knew he was forgiven when Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house!” Luke 19:9 What about you? Are you listening for His call? God’s word promises we will hear his voice and know it. John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Are you seeking a relationship with Him? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” What is on your to do list? Are you looking for a good Bible study so you can get into His Word and discover more clearly who Jesus is? Do you pray and seek his guidance and connection daily? Do you worship regularly and surround yourselves with other believers to talk about God and what He is doing in your lives? All these are things seekers do to encounter and stay connected to Jesus. Do you know the freedom from sin that Jesus brings? In 2 Corinthians 7:10 Paul puts it this way,” Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Take a look at your repentance. Is it godly and based upon His holiness or are you just trying to compare yourself to the world and be good enough? Godly repentance is complete and leaves you free as Jesus intends. I love John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” Thanks Stephanie for challenging us to engage our emotions and feelings as we look to scripture and see what God would have us do in response to Him. Jesus desires to lead and direct us on the pathway of our lives that would be for His glory and our good. Linda SERMON LINK The Unknown Love | A Lighthouse for the Wandering and the Lost Click Here to View the Sermon Sermon series, "The Unknown Love " Today Stephanie Murphy share how to Christ is directs us to God 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 January 1, 2023 | A New Word
Pastor Alex’s sermon to kick off our New Year was filled with challenge, chaos and change. Why is that? He was looking into God’s Word that is always ageless, alive and active. Are you looking for a new beginning this year? Are you hoping this year will be different than those of the past? If so, the answer lies within God’s Word. God’s Word is timeless and can be applied to our 21st century lives. Amazing but true that the principles set forth in God’s Word are always true no matter the time period in which one lives. Not only God’s principles but the examples He provides in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, David, Peter, James, Paul…. show us how to live godly lives through their successes and failures. God includes His promises in His Word, many of which have been fulfilled especially in the life and death of Jesus, but also those we can claim for our lives today and ones that give us hope for the future. God’s Word challenges us to live our lives on His terms using His ways. It is contrary to our old nature but doable through the power of His Holy Spirit which indwells each believer. Take up the challenge to live by the Word this year seeking to use His truths to guide you each day. God’s Word is also active and will cut deep into our lives to uplift, prune and aid in discernment which we desperately need to survive the chaos of our times. Hebrews 4:12b tells us what the Word of God can and will do, “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. The Word of God gets right down to who we are and helps us see the errors of our ways, the errors in our thoughts and motives and it judges or convicts us of things were are doing that are not according to God’s standards. God’s Word holds us accountable, 4:13b “Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”. God knows all things and will hold us accountable for what we say and do. God’s Word leads us to confession, hope and repentance. 1 John 1:9 reminds us of His way, “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God’s way turns the chaos of today’s living into hope and direction as we listen to His Word for our lives. Hebrews 4:12 also speaks of God’s Word being active. “ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword”, God’s Word will not be passive and non-interactive in our lives. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to convict and transform us into the ones God can and will use to give out His Word to a hurting world. God’s Word leads to change in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. God’s Word has power and will move you into 2023 in a new way if you listen, seek and allow Him to penetrate your heart and soul with His Word. Lastly, Pastor Alex challenged us to search God’s Word for a guiding word for the year. This is something I’ve done for the last 5 years and have found it profoundly helpful in seeing how God is moving in my life in tangible ways. Here are some thoughts from my blog today about choosing a guiding word. Just like Pastor Alex, I would challenge you to pray about a Word from His Word as you read and study this week. Ask God what Word he would give you from His Word for this New Year. He may give you more than one word to pursue so do that and see where He leads you. The Word you have for your focus has others that are or will be related to it. Make a list of your main word and then 5-10 related words. God will guide you to hone and zero in on the Word He has for you. Now that you have your list, look to scripture for verses that use your word or words and see how God guides in choosing your focus verse for the year. I generally end up with 1-2 verses. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking and praying: Joy- Psalm 16:11, Psalm 63:7, Habakkuk 3:18, or James 1:2 Hope- Psalm 62:5, Psalm 147:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:21-22, Romans 5:4-5 or 1 Timothy 4:10. Trust- Psalm 28:7, Psalm 31:14, Proverbs 3:5-6, or Jeremiah 17:7 Grace- John 1:16-17, Romans 3:24, @ Corinthians 12:9 or Ephesians 1:7. Peace- Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 5:9, John 14:27, or Philippians 4:7 Or you many choose to examine words like: unity, compassion, mercy, steadfastness, stability, generosity, service or enough. When examining words like these you need your list of 10 related words to aid you in your search for verses. Remember Pastor Alex said his word for last year was More than. Your Word may be conventional or unconventional word. Be open to His leading. Have fun with this and make it an adventure in listening to God and hearing what He has to say to you about your New Year! When you are done, go to the free website www.wordart.com and make a graphic of your word and related words. Here is my graphic from last year to give you an idea. Enjoy God’s Word in a new way this week. Make your graphic and post it where you can refer to it all year! By Linda SERMON LINK A New You | A New Word Click Here to View the Sermon Sermon series, "A New You" Today Alex Hardt share how God's Word is Eternal 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. October 5, 2022 following Alex Hardt’s sermon of October 2.
Pastor Alex spoke on a subject that is near and dear to my heart this last Sunday, God’s Word. He lead us to see that God’s Word is the greatest love story ever written as it speaks of God’s love for us and His immeasurable sacrifice of sending His one and only Son to die in our place to redeem us from sin. My thoughts have drifted into Why did God provide us with His Word? There are a few reasons I came up with (I know there are more): guidance “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105, hope “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word”. Psalm 119:114, joy “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” Psalm 119:111, peace “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165, love “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:107
I remember when one particular individual gave their ‘story’. They said that they came to faith by reading the Word of God. I believe it was their encounter in the book of John that brought them to salvation. God’s Word has power as it is God’s Word written which we can liken to God’s spoken Word when He spoke the world into existence by His Word. He has the power to create in us a new character in Him.
Linda SERMON LINK Why? God... | Can I Trust the Bible? Click Here to View the Sermon Sermon series, "Can I Trust the Bible." Today Alex Hardt teaches from 2 Timothy 3:15-17 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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