Sermon Reflections from Jesus is Alive| John Klobuchar | April 21, 2024
It was a pleasure to have John with us this Sunday giving the message and telling us more about the Bay Area Chaplin’s ministry. John oversees this ministry and works directly with inmates on a daily basis. His goal is “To Make Christ Known.” Working with the segment of society that is incarcerated is a calling and requires understanding, insight and wisdom as he seeks to make Christ relevant and meaningful to those in hard circumstances. Regardless of where we are in life, Christ is the answer. Showing the inmates the pathway to life and true freedom holds a spiritual challenge for the one who is delivering the message. Knowing that God is impartial and His Holy Spirit can cut across any boundary or barrier is essential. John knows this and walks this pathway each day. John encouraged us from the book of Colossians as he read 3:1-17. As John does with the inmates, he sought to show us that the things we have in Christ are already there, accomplished, finished. We have these things by faith and are now hidden within Christ ourselves. We are secure in Christ. Knowing this we are instructed by Paul to put aside our old self, our old nature and put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to leave that old life and those sins that came so easily to us and take up a new course with Christ. Even though we may not be in jail for crimes, we too have committed crimes against God. We are all sinners as we are reminded in Romans 3:23 “ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Thankfully, in Christ we are all new creations 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” All of us, regardless of who we are or where we live or what we’ve done need Jesus. He is the answer, John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Jesus is the answer. Whether John is at the prison, at home with family or with us, he is striving to make Christ known as he knows that Jesus is the answer! 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 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 Jesus is Here | Julio Barros | April 14, 2024
It was a pleasure to welcome Pastor Julio to the pulpit today as he and his congregation had worked alongside us in packing meals for Rise Against Hunger. It was a glorious time of serving together in spite of the fact that there was a language barrier. It was a glimpse of heaven as we know all believing peoples will be there on day worshiping the Lord together. The text of Pastor Julio’s sermon was Luke 18 and the parable of the unbelieving judge who was constantly bombarded by the widow coming to him seeking justice. She was persistent until the judge finally relented and sought justice for her. Her persistence was likened to our prayers and our need to be persistent in prayer. God is listening and desires to know our hearts. That which one prays for repeatedly is truly on their heart and matters to them. God knows this and honors persistence. Pastor Julio spoke on the importance of prayer in various ways. First, he mentioned that prayer has a physical effect on the one who prays. This close time with God makes one happier and even will cause one to smile. Taking time to pray daily will make a difference in your life as it is what the Bible would consider good medicine. Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Spending time with God will change your heart and provide an attitude adjustment for better living. Next, Pastor mentioned the spiritual effects of having a prayer life. When you pray you build something around you that adds protection and hope for your family and wisdom for daily living. It is a time when you tap into the wisdom of God and let it flow into you. Prayer is not just mindless repetition but communication and relationship building with God himself. How do you build friendships with others? You do it by spending quality time with them, sharing your heart and working together. God allows us to spend quality time with Him, share our hearts and serve Him with others to strengthen our relationship with Him. Jesus called himself our friend in John 15:14 “You are my friends if you do what I command.” Our question to ourselves should be, how do I know what God commands of me? Through His Word He reveals himself to us, through faith in Jesus and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit we can learn of God’s ways and through prayer God speaks to us. Being the friend of Almighty God is an awesome thing. Now to the actual praying and the need to be persistent like the widow in the parable. God will answer prayer but in His time. Isaiah 55:9 “ “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We do not know the times of life, the interactions of relationships and the whys and why nots of all things like God does. So His answers are sometimes, “Yes”, sometimes “No” and sometimes “Wait”. We must keep praying and trust in God’s timing and sovereignty. We must always remember that God gave man free will and what God desires may not come to pass if the person is unrepentant and rejects God. Pray diligently that the Holy Spirit will be able to soften your loved ones hearts towards God and that they will come to know Jesus. I lean on 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God desires that all come to know Him- so keep on praying. Pastor Julio closed with this thought, “May our daily life be an act of prayer.” That would truly bring a change of heart to us both physically and spiritually. Praise God! 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 Palm Sunday- The Triumphal Entry | Sara Wade | March 24,2024
It was nice to have Sara Wade back to speak this Sunday. She is passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others, and it certainly comes through as she speaks. This being Palm Sunday, she wanted to see the events of Palm Sunday through the lens of 1 John. The Palm Sunday events reveal a willing Christ who humbly entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This showed humility as He was the Son of Almighty God and deserved a chariot and crown if not more! Yet, he did not demand recognition or the things that go along with being a king. The people willingly praised Him and shouted Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The city was teeming with those coming for Passover and many in the crowds had heard of the great miracles Jesus had performed and took control of the scene. They waved palm branches and sang praises to God. The proclaimed Jesus as Messiah. His disciples were confused at by all the happenings and did not fully understand them until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Sara spoke about John’s words of love, proclaiming God is love from 1 John. The people who praised Jesus were doing so to show their love and devotion foe who He was and who they thought He was. John knew later in his ministry that this love, selfless praise, can only come from God. Love originates with God. The mission to come to earth and be the sacrificial Lamb of God to die for our sins was accomplished by Jesus on the cross. He knew where he was headed that day as he went down the steep road into Jerusalem. I’m sure the human part of Jesus soaked in those brief moments of praise and love the crowd provided. Jesus knew their ‘love’ was going to be fleeting and He would end up at the cross. Sara questioned each one of us to think about our commitment to God’s love. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” The love we have for one another comes from God himself. He brought love into the world and showed us the ultimate in love by sending Jesus. To be able to truly love one another and be unified in faith we must love God. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, He fills us with the power to love others in a way we cannot humanly love. How can you love strangers? How can you love those who would do you wrong? It is only possible with God because God is love and He will give us the love we need for one another. She gave a powerful challenge that forced us to realize a new that love must be done in community. We have to be united in love to give out the gospel message of love and hope. A church divided will not move forward. I am reminded that Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers in John 17:22-23 “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” Jesus wanted us to know and feel the love He has for the Father so that we will feel 1 with Him. He even shares some of His glory with us so that we can know we belong to Him. This is the love Sarah is talking about that we need to access and apply to our Christian walk. May your feet feel lighter as you walked the Palm Sunday road today with Jesus. Knowing his feelings of love and devotion for you can uplift and move us forward to love one another in a more profound and genuine way. He deliberately went down that Palm Sunday pathway for you and me! (PHOTOS BELOW) Palm Sunday & Eastern Gate The road ends at the eastern gate through which Jesus entered the city. It is now closed. In later times the gate was blocked to keep Messiah from entering, not realizing that Jesus had already come that Palm Sunday so long ago. Linda MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass Sermon Reflections based on from Rhythms-Refuge in the Almighty | Alex Hardt | February 4,2024
Pastor Alex was in teaching mode this Sunday. He wanted us to see God as viable hope and security in our ever-changing chaotic world. He also wanted us to see that we too could draw nearer to God Himself by practicing some basic connecting activities. Psalm 46 is a wonderful psalm that gives us hope and courage in the face of adversity. God promises to be our refuge (safe place, fortress) when we are in trouble. The psalmist describes the world as a place where things fall, decay, roar, shake, in contrast to Holy God who is eternal, unfailing, and the ender of wars. He will prevail and the nations and the whole earth will one day exalt Him. Pastor Alex suggests that we should read His word, meditate upon it and pray. The psalmist suggests a similar pathway in verse 10, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;” We have to be still to read His Word. We have to be still to pray. I’m not talking about being still as in not moving but still in our minds, focused upon God’s Word. This means not letting our minds wander to the grocery list, tasks for the day, worries, and life’s problems but to keep our minds still and present as we read the word and pray. Focusing upon God Almighty as our refuge will allow us to absorb His strength and power into our daily life and keep ourselves from fretting, worrying or being consumed with fear. He promises to be our refuge and God keeps His promises. James 4:7-10 is a powerful reminder that focus upon God will send Satan away and be life changing. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. God promises to come to us if we go towards Him. Sometimes the most we can do is one step, but know that the one step is the beginning of change. If we are sorry for the wrongs we do and grieve over them in our hearts, God will change our sorrow to joy and gladness. It is humbling to come to God as we are independent, pride-filled, stubborn people. But that one step towards God in faith will lead to step after step. With each step our faith grows stronger and our hope and trust in Him is confirmed. Each step causes us to trust more fully in Him and the plans He has for our lives. Lastly, Pastor Alex led us to participate in 2 Rhythms that are essential for drawing closer to God the Reading of God’s Word and Prayer. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the power of God’s Word in our lives. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” James speaks of reasons to pray and the power of prayer. James 5:13, 15-16 “ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Paul speaks of the need to be consistent with our prayers, Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” I so enjoyed the exercise Pastor Alex lead us through by reading Psalm 46 repeatedly and focusing on different messages God has for us in His Word. With prayer, Pastor Alex walked us through good steps to follow when praying. Praising God, Confession of sin, Thanksgiving, and lastly Petitions or Supplications. The Anonym, ACTS, for this practice is easy to remember to guide us as we pray. A-adoration of God for who He is, C-confession of our sins and shortcomings, T-thanksgiving for all the ways we see God working in our lives, His providential care, S-supplications or requests for ourselves and others. I would suggest one activity that helps to draw me closer to God. When I read a passage like Psalm 46 I will often read it in multiple versions to see what insights God has for me. I often use the New International version, English Standard version, Amplified translation, the Message translation, the New King James and I love the New Living translation. Some of these are more accurate translations and some paraphrased but all can help me see God’s message for my heart. Whatever we do, taking that 1 step in faith- opening our Bibles, saying short or long prayers, will always bring us closer to God if we focus upon Him and let go of the cares of the world. God is faithful and will meet us there! Guaranteed, as God keeps His promises. Linda MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. Sermon Reflections based on from Navigating Launchpad Temptations | Alex Hardt | January 21, 2024
BETRAYAL, LIES and DECEIT are all elements in the continuing story of Joseph this week. For the first time we see Joseph as a young man who lives a life of integrity in the midst of evil doers. Joseph is without family, alone in a foreign country and yet he survives well as he continues to follow God and depend upon Him. Joseph does not succumb to the lower moral conduct of the pagan society but clings to God’s rules of conduct. God hon- ored Joseph’s integrity with blessings. God blessed Joseph with His favor. Genesis 39:3 “the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did,” God blessed Potiphar through Joseph, 5 “The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.” This is a biblical principle we can count on today. God blesses those who follow and obey Him. God blesses others through us because of our faithfulness. Have you seen this at work in your own life? Think about how God has blessed you and think about how others have been blessed because of this. An example of this in my own life is when God blessed me with the books I have written. I was blessed by the truths I uncovered, app- lied to my life and the process of publishing that stretched my faith. In turn, those who have read and studied by books have been blessed as they have applied God’s word to their lives and told me about it. The blessings came to them and back to me! Praise God! How can and do you confront temptations? Joseph was again betrayed by Potiphar’s wife when she lied about Joseph’s actions. She wanted what she wanted and desired he be punished because he would not give into her demands. Have you know people who demanded their own way and when they do not get it seek any by any means possible to get their way? In today’s language Joseph first said NO! Actually he did that repeatedly as she confronted him daily. When that did not succeed, she sought to punish him for avoiding her. Joseph’s running away, avoiding the situation by getting out of there, Potiphar’s wife turned to her advantage. It seemed that Joseph had lost again but God! When he was put in prison, God met him there. 20 “But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” God had his back and saw to it that Joseph was again put in a position to shine for Him. Our memory verse Gen 50:20 gives God’s principle of care for those He loves. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph’s brothers, Potiphar’s wife and Potiphar all intended to harm Joseph, but God! Joseph’s faith in God allowed him to navigate the troubled situations of his life. The betraying brothers, the slave traders, Potiphar and his wife had all presented Joseph with temptations, but God knew how to guide Him through the troubling trials. As Joseph depended upon God, He was given a pathway and guided so that he could withstand the adversities of His life. How about you? Are you finding God to be the answer? Is he showing you the way to navigate your troubling situations? Pray and lean into Him. He keeps His promises and will guide you. ere are a couple of promises to cling to: Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Linda MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. Sermon Reflections based on Dream Ignition | Alex Hardt | January 7, 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The New Year is always a time of reflection about what the year might have in store, goals you might like to see accomplished, and hopes and dreams for all the days that lie ahead. Sometimes we have things we know will take place in the coming year and we want to get ready for them-like a wedding, a baby, a vacation, a move, a new job or as with all of us the unexpected events that will fill the year. How much of your dreaming adds God into the equation? Do you seek His guidance when you are planning the wedding or the vacation, for the new job or when you think a new home is needed? Do you seek His wisdom for dealing with a new child, a new job or a budding relationship? In Pastor Alex’s sermon, he challenges us to dream, and dream big but also to consider God and to include Him when dreaming. He uses Joseph and his situation to show how God reveals and guides. Joseph was 17 in our passage from Genesis 37:1-11. He was the favored son of Jacob the patriarch by his wife Rachel. Jacob learned favoritism in his growing up years with his mother Rebecca who favored him and his father Isaac who favored his brother Esau. His brother Esau disregarded his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of stew. But, when it came time for the patriarchal blessing, Esau wanted it back. Jacob used trickery to keep the birthright Esau had sold him. Jacob fled to his Uncle Laban’s home in Haran where he encountered an uncle who used trickery against him so that he married Leah, the older sister, instead of Rachel. Jacob had agreed to work 7 years for Rachel and after marrying Leah he had to work another 7 years to be able to marry Rachel, his beloved. Considering this history of favoritism, trickery and deceit, it should not surprise us that Jacob showed unashamed favoritism towards Joseph. At this point we don’t know much about Joseph and his character except that he was young, favored by his father and would bring reports back to his dad about what his brothers were doing in the fields. He would go out into the fields, tend the sheep and then report back to his father. Genesis 37:2-4 “Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Their hatred of Joseph was due to jealousy, favoritism by their father and Joseph’s own inability to be sensitive to hurt they were feeling and the rift caused by their father’s actions. Into this scene comes dreamer Joseph. Having dreams was not an uncommon way for God to speak with his people. In fact, I’m sure they had heard of the many dreams had by their great-grandfather Abraham about his calling to come to Canaan, their grandfather’s Isaac servant who had a dream about choosing their mother Rebecca when sent to find a wife for Isaac, or their own father Jacob who had dreamed of a ladder to heaven with angels ascending and descending upon it and his own wrestling with an angel. Joseph would have known all this as well as his brothers. Unfortunately, Joseph’s telling his brothers and father about his dreams that showed him lording it over them and their bowing down to him did not go over well. They attributed this to him as arrogance and just another example of how he was ‘better’ than they were. What do we learn about dreams, God’s ways and God in this story? God has unlimited ways He can get our attention. He can use dreams, prayer, other believers, His Word or He can speak to us himself. When we do hear from God, we need to take it in, reflect, pray, and consider those we share it with. Joseph’s audience was not receptive to the message. It would set in motion a chain of events that God would use to bring glory to himself and accomplish his plan. God could have accomplished his divine purpose another way but man’s human desires of envy, jealousy, favoritism and hatred intervened. God did indeed accomplish His plan and Joseph reflected on God’s truth of this in Genesis 50:20, our memory verse for this month. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God is sovereign over all events and as Job 42:2 reminds us “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers and father and we know it increased his brothers’ jealousy but his father stored it away in his mind. “ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.” Genesis 37:11 God used this too in the years to come when they discovered Joseph was a powerful ruler in Egypt and indeed ruled over them just as God had shown in the dreams. God’s power was confirmed and his guidance and trustworthiness was fully seen by them and by us as we read the stories in Genesis. Ask yourself as you begin this New Year, how big is your God? Can you possibly dream a dream too big for Him to accomplish? Pray, seek His guidance, and let Him show you what He has for your New Year. Open your heart and mind to Him. Linda MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. Sermon Reflections based on Dream Higher | Alex Hardt | December 31, 2023
Happy New Year!?! I'm wondering if you are like me and at some point, you thought why even bother making plans, or doing a new years resolution, or looking to the future? Everything around me looks dismal, broken, and new years resolutions never work anyway. What I am going through won't change and anything I do won't make a difference. It will be the same today, tomorrow, and the next day. In a world often shadowed by uncertainties and limitations, the scriptures in Isaiah, Revelation, and Philippians shine forth as beacons of hope, inviting us to dream higher and embrace a future anchored in God's promises. These passages, although diverse, weave together a profound narrative that resonates with the core essence of faith—trusting in God's redemptive plan, pursuing spiritual maturity, and adopting a forward-looking perspective. Our past and our present doesn't define our future. In fact, the only thing that holds weight on our future is God. Isaiah 43:1-13: Isaiah's words echo through the ages, offering assurance in times of tribulation. As the Israelites faced exile and uncertainty, God reassured them of His abiding presence. His promise of redemption isn't just a distant hope but a present reality—a reminder that the Creator of the world is actively working on behalf of His people. If you thought you were alone in this world, then you would be wrong. We have a God who is always with you and always for you, working on your behalf for Good. Revelation 21:1-8: John's apocalyptic vision paints a picture of a new heaven and earth. It's a breathtaking glimpse of a future where pain, sorrow, and suffering cease to exist. This vision isn't merely an allegory but a tangible promise of God's ultimate restoration. Just because we have failures, brokenness, pain, suffering, death now doesn't mean that's how it will always be. God paints a future where every tear is wiped away and where death no longer exists. Philippians 3:12-14: Paul's words exhort believers toward spiritual maturity. He encourages a relentless pursuit of Christlikeness, urging us not to dwell on past successes or failures but to press on toward the upward call of God—a call that beckons us toward a higher purpose and a deeper communion with Christ. We can hold on to the past all we want but it won't change the future. If we dwell in the past and the present then we will never move toward the future that God has for us. God has something much greater for us, but we have to let go of our fears and failures. We have to surrender today and yesterday, to discover tomorrow. Discussion Questions: How do you navigate between living in the reality of present circumstances and holding onto the hope of God's promises for the future? In what ways can we encourage one another to pursue Jesus? What steps can we take to cultivate a forward-looking perspective amidst life's challenges and uncertainties? Practical Application: Let's engage in a practice of daily reflection and prayer. Allocate time each day to meditate on a specific promise from Scripture. Journal about how that promise speaks to your current situation and future hopes. Share these reflections with a trusted friend or within a faith community to encourage one another in holding onto God's promises amidst life's ebb and flow. As we journey in faith, may we hold firm to these timeless truths, envisioning and pursuing a future anchored in God's unwavering hope. Embracing a future of hope involves actively participating in God's redemptive narrative, seeking spiritual maturity, and fixing our gaze on the promises that transcend our present circumstances. Blessings, 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. Sermon Reflections from Finding Joy | Sara Wade | December 17, 2023
The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, verses 1 to 14, encapsulates the timeless story of Christmas. It's a narrative that transcends time, culture, and creed, resonating deeply with the essence of hope, love, and the divine. On Sunday Sara dived into this sacred passage and unpack the profound significance it holds. Here are some reflections based upon her message. A Journey of Faith The passage opens with a pivotal moment in history, highlighting the reign of Caesar Augustus and the decree for a census to be taken. Joseph and Mary, residing in Nazareth, embark on a journey to Bethlehem, the city of David, as mandated by the decree. This journey, albeit seemingly mundane, foreshadows a greater plan—a divine design set in motion long before the foundations of the world. The Mundane and the Miraculous At first glance, the setting appears mundane—an ordinary couple embarking on a mandatory journey for a census. Joseph and Mary's arduous trek to Bethlehem seems unremarkable, yet it sets the stage for an extraordinary event—the birth of Jesus Christ. Joy in Humble Beginnings The divine birth occurs not in a palace or amidst grandeur, but in a humble stable. A place no one would consider looking for a king, a messiah, or even a baby. The contrast is striking—a king wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a manger. This juxtaposition teaches us a powerful lesson about joy—it's often found in simplicity, humility, and unexpected places. You ever try to find Joy in stuff, people, money, or things?!? We tend to find ourselves woefully disappointed. But when we find joy in Jesus it feels different. Divine Revelation and Joy Amidst the serenity of the night, an angel appears to shepherds, bringing the incredible news of the Savior's birth. God brought a multitude of angels. It was the greatest spectacle this world has ever seen. The celestial proclamation illuminates the darkness and fills the shepherds with awe and joy. Their ordinary night is transformed into a moment of divine revelation, emphasizing that joy often arrives unexpectedly, transcending the ordinary and mundane. You could not hold back this announcement... The greatest news that has ever been given or will ever be given was being proclaimed. As the angelic message resonates, a multitude of heavenly hosts join in praising God. Their chorus heralds the birth of the Savior and echoes the joy that permeates the heavens and the earth. This celebration underscores the magnitude of joy that accompanies the revelation of God's grace and love. Lessons for Us: Finding Joy The story of the shepherds serves as a beacon, guiding us in our quest for joy. It teaches us that joy is not confined to extraordinary circumstances or monumental achievements. Instead, it's present in the simple, everyday moments—the beauty of nature, the warmth of relationships, and the kindness we share. Moreover, this narrative encourages us to be open to the miraculous amidst the routine. Just as the shepherds encountered a divine revelation in their ordinary lives, we, too, can find joy in unexpected places, in the midst of our daily routines. Think about what God has blessed you with today? Perhaps a roof over your head, food, clothes, family, animals, friends, and so much more. Every day is another opportunity to discover Joy. Celebrating Joy at Christmas As Christmas approaches, let's reflect on the joyous revelation of Christ's birth. Let's embrace the spirit of joy by acknowledging the blessings around us, fostering gratitude, and sharing love and kindness with others. In doing so, we align ourselves with the profound joy emanating from the story in Luke. Let's remember that true joy isn't confined to a specific season but is a continuous journey—an attitude of the heart that finds delight in the miraculous and the mundane alike. May this Christmas season be a reminder to seek and celebrate the joy that surrounds us—a joy that mirrors the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, bringing light and hope into our lives. Merry Christmas and Blessings, 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. 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. |
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