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 from Embracing Peace | Alex Hardt | December 10, 2023
I love the Advent season and marvel each year at the symbolism in the candles on the simple Advent Wreath. This Sunday’s candle is the Bethlehem Candle and is known as the candle representing the peace that is to be found through the coming Christ child. Pastor Alex points us to Isaiah 40:1-5. The peace that Christ brings into the world is promised to us in the Old Testament. We are promised in verse 5 “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed.” Christ came and brought peace, love, restoration, forgiveness and hope. The questions are: Are you prepared to access this peace and if you find it what will you do with it? How can you access the peace of God? Jesus tells us in John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Here specifically we are told that the source of peace is Jesus. He generates the peace we feel in our lives. No Jesus=No peace. Paul adds to this in Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Philippians 4:7 “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” The peace we receive in Jesus is available through faith in Jesus because of what Christ did for us on the cross. Jesus told us in John 14:27 that His peace is a gift to us for our peace of mind and heart! “I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. What a wonderful gift. The peace Jesus give though faith is limitless. It can be accessed at any time and in in any place. Since He is always with you, you can tap into this peace whenever you need it. Are you to busy or preoccupied with life to worry about His peace? Do you then let the stresses and worries of your daily life and interactions get the best of you and overwhelm you? Remember you can access God’s peace anyplace or time. Don’t let the world overcome you and drag you down. Take heart in Jesus’ peace and ask Him for it. What will you do with God’s peace given as a gift through faith? Paul mentioned in Philippians 4:7 above that . His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” We are to use His peace to keep our minds and hearts guarded from the world’s pressures so we can live for Jesus. Jesus added in John 14:27 “So don’t be troubled or afraid.” His peace is to keep our fears and worries away from our lives so we can focus on Him and be about doing His work in the world. Paul says in Romans 12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” God’s peace should be used to help us live rightly with others reflecting God in our lives. Hebrews 12:14 puts it this way “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Being a Christian involves living at peace within ourselves and in community with others. His peace can be accessed 24/7 so it can and does help us live, cope, rejoice and flourish in the world in which we live. No Peace=worry, frustration, hopelessness, restlessness, just plain unhappiness. Peace with Jesus = hope, ability to cope with frustration, worries, restlessness, and unhappiness Jesus is the answer as in Him alone can Peace be found. Claim it in your life through faith in Jesus and then use it liberally throughout the day! Linda 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 Sustenance From Heaven | Alex Hardt | November 5, 2023
After a very difficult week physically, Pastor Alex shared with us his journey that led him to focus more clearly on what is important and why God’s love transcends all pain and supports us in ways nothing else on earth can. Sometimes the greatest lessons come through our pain and suffering as we learn to focus on Him and what He provides 24/7. His support will never fade or diminish and is always available. The passage Pastor Alex had chosen to focus on is one that answers our needs and points us to Christ. As I read through the passage, I was almost knocked over by all the promises contained in those few verses in John 6:35-40. They are eternal promises from our good God who sees to our every need. Many times we focus on our wants and think that is what we need, but God knows and provides exactly what we need. Pastor Alex needed his focus to be rebooted and his priorities realigned. I too needed that and took the pain filled lessons to Pastor Alex into my life. God was trying to get Alex’s attention to realign his life and priorities, He has done that to me also. Thanks Alex for your heartfelt sharing. Now to the eternal promises in this passage. I pray that they will dive deep into your heart and help you to adjust yourself anew to His kingdom work and life. These verses come after Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000 and walked on water to join the disciples during a storm. The crowd was surprised as they saw the disciples leave in a boat to go to the other side but did not see Jesus with them. Later they saw him on the other side. They questioned him about how he got there and were looking for him to perform more miracles. Jesus knew what they needed was spiritual food-sustenance from heaven! 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus promises that belief in Him will provide heavenly food and drink that will satisfy our souls. We do not need to look anywhere else as all is found in Jesus. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” This promise is comforting as when we come to Jesus in faith, He will NEVER send us away. We belong to Him and will never be cast aside as worthless or useless. We are precious in His sight and are loved by Him. This promise sends my thoughts to John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” Praise God!! 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. These 2 verses have 2 precious promises. 1- Those who put their faith in Jesus will never be lost by Him and 2- He will raise us up to be with him eternally if we die before He returns. Our salvation is an eternal promise from Jesus to be kept for, with and by Him for all time. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Here Jesus repeats His promise to raise us up to be with Him eternally and that belief in Him gives us eternal life. Jesus has repeatedly told us in John that belief in Him secures eternal life for the believer. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 5:24 ““Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 17:34“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Which of these precious promises did you need to hear today? Take it to heart, thank Him for His promises and life changing Word. Claim His promises in your life this week and experience a realignment yourself as you refocus on Jesus, the one who sustains and holds us close. Linda 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 and Evil | Alex Hardt | October 29, 2023 Pastor Alex exercised a bit of free speaker’s license in his sermon this week. He went through the scriptures of 1 John 5, and then added his own personal reflections. I will attempt to do the same with my reflections. In 1 John 5:1-5, John speaks to us plainly about the results of believing in Jesus and loving God. Believing Jesus means we are born of God. That means we have His Holy Spirit indwelling us when we step out in faith. Loving God means we love Jesus. We can’t do one without the other as Jesus said in John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.” This knowing and believing empowers us to follow His commands and love others. That may sound like a burden, no one likes to follow rules constantly. But God promises His commands are not burdensome and will help us achieve victory in overcoming the world. John takes it a step further in verse 5 “ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” He is saying that the only way to be an overcomer is through faith in Jesus. Jesus has the power and faith in Him links us to that power enabling us to face and overcome evil. In verses 6-12, John speaks about testimonies. By Jewish law one must have 2 witnesses to be proven true and here John presents 3 witnesses. First he mentions the water and the blood. The water would refer to Jesus’ baptism which was seen by many and John the Baptist. John 1:32-34 “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The blood referred to the crucifixion of Christ and his atoning blood. John saw him die on the cross, saw the risen Christ and was present at his ascension. The last witness John offers is the Spirit of God who convicts, reveals and affirms all truth about God. John is adamant that unbelief about Jesus and who He is, is like saying God is a liar. If one does not believe this truth, then John says you will be missing out on eternal life and will in essence have no life. John 5:11-12 “ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” John concludes his letter with powerful reminders and affirmations. 1 John 5:13 “ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” We can be assured of our eternal life in Jesus! Praise God! 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” John reaffirms that God does indeed hear our prayers. He cautions us to pray according to God’s will not our own, then ask away. God hears! 16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.” John wants to clarify that sin is wrong but when you are a believer you need only ask forgiveness to be made right with God again. One does not need to feel despair but seek forgiveness. The sin that leads to death is rebellion against God, unbelief. Not believing in Jesus is a grievous error with eternal consequences. 18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” John wants us to know that knowing Jesus doesn’t mean we will never sin but we won’t sin habitually, on purpose, and willfully. We need to cling to Jesus as the world is ruled by evil desires and purposes that are in direct opposition to God the Father and God the Son. We are to always keep an eternal perspective on life. 21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” John adds this little bit at the end to remind us that the world is full of enticing idols and we are to keep ourselves away from them. Idols can be subtle like entertainment, education, power, the love of money, or not so subtle like other religions seeking to draw us away from Jesus. May our reflections cause you to read the scripture and do your own reflecting. There is much to ponder and consider. God’s Word is deep and requires we dive deeply with our minds into it. Have a great week. Linda 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 Destined For Greatness | Alex Hardt | September 24, 2023
It was good to have Pastor Alex back in the pulpit after his adventures and misadventures into the world of medicine, surgery and healing. God is good and He returned Alex to us filled and renewed. Have you thought about what your purpose is in life and why God put you right where you are? Knowing our Omnipotent God does not make mistakes, we have to consider what is around me, who is around me that God wants me to impact with His message. We were created to give God glory so where do you need to spread or show His glory right where you are? Our passage in 1 Peter 2 begins with Paul’s admonition to rid ourselves of all evil, hypocrisy, envy, slander, etc. and be ready to take in God’s spiritual food to make us strong and able to face the pressures of this world. Paul tells us we are chosen by God and much will be required of us, so we need to be ready. Being chosen by faith in Jesus is a privilege and because we chose to follow Jesus we are precious to Him. Ponder that for a minute or two. Chosen by God and Precious to Him. What better place can there be than being one who is set apart for His work and loved by Him. I am reminded of one of my favorite verses Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” Being precious to Him guarantees we are going to be cared for in good times and bad. He is always good, we can depend upon Him. Once we accept that we are chosen and precious to Him, we can get on with aligning ourselves with Jesus and looking with expectation towards the work He has for us. How does one align themselves with Jesus?, would seem a critical question. Peter would suggest that making Christ the cornerstone of our faith is critical. Jesus needs to be the central focus of our study and worship. Dive into God’s Word and learn about Jesus. Pray and ask Him for discernment and wisdom in your everyday life. Seek to reflect Jesus and his foundational principles within your life. Be daring and bold, asking God what purpose He has for you and pray for the courage to step out where He leads you, as He will! Are you aligned with Jesus? If you consider yourself on the pathway God has laid out for you, then seek to live out each day in God. Ask yourself, who can I bring alongside me today to talk with about God? Where can I show His love, kindness, gentleness and hope through the circumstances of my day? Maybe you don’t see an opportunity to talk about God, so make one! Call a friend, or someone who is suffering and offer a ‘cup of cold water’ in His name through your words and prayers. Maybe it is time to send a card to which you can add a word of encouragement. Maybe it is time to plan an event to bring others into fellowship in your home or at a restaurant. God meant us for community and we need to be engaged. You can’t talk and live with and in God by yourself. You were chosen to be in the world relating and filling the needs people have for Him. When in doubt, remember and claim our memory verse in Luke 18:27 “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” If we are about His kingdom’s work, we can leave a legacy of faith in our wake showing His greatness. 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 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. |
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