Sermon Reflections from God at the Movies "Kingdom of the Planet of Apes" | Damon Hopkins | June 9, 2024
It was a pleasure to have Damon back with us sharing his heart about God’s Kingdom. He had seen the movie, Kingdom of the Planet of Apes but did not spoil the ending for us. He summarized the action by saying the main character Noah wanted revenge for wrongs done to him and wanted the person in charge to ‘pay’. Revenge is a powerful motive in movies, novels and in real life. The Bible gives us some examples of this as well as Jesus’ point of view so that we can think biblically and not act worldly. We are to be more focused on heavenly principles and not seeking worldly answers to our problems. Exodus 2 recounts the story of Moses, the young privileged son of Pharaoh’s daughter, who goes out to watch his people, the Israelites, at hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. He killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Later, other Hebrews confronted Moses when he asked them why they were fighting. They wanted to know if he was going to kill them too. When Pharaoh heard of the killing, he tried to kill Moses, so Moses ran away to Midian. Moses sought revenge for the brutal treatment the slaves were receiving and was forced to suffer himself. Could Moses have sought another solution to the harsh treatment? Could he have interceded for the Israelites with Pharaoh? We don’t know, but we do know that revenge caused great suffering for both Moses and the Hebrews. A New Testament story of revenge involves the Pharisees. They were driven by jealousy, greed and power to seek the end of Jesus’ life. John 11:46-48 gives us an example of their thinking, “but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” They later went to Pilate, the Roman Governor, and sought the death penalty for Jesus. John 19:15 “They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Jesus confronted them repeatedly with words of truth and justice not revenge during his three years of public ministry. Damon pointed us to Matthew 5 to take a look at Jesus’ way of compassion. The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12, speak of blessing ready for those that believe and walk in His ways. He went on to remind us of how we are to be salt and light not bearers of revenge and hate. We are to be pointing others to Jesus with our lives of love and compassion. Later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us of the ‘old ways’ an eye for an eye, verse 38. He then leads us to a ‘new way’ that is based on love and compassion. He encourages us to go the extra mile and even to pray for our enemies. This was a new and radical way of thinking based on God’s love and forgiveness. The Bible does tell us in both the Old and New Testaments that we are not to seek revenge and that revenge belongs to God! Deuteronomy 32:43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land.” Hebrews 10:30-31 “For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The Word of God is filled with stories of God defending and upholding the honor of His people. I particularly like the promises in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “ Isaiah 49:15b-16 “yet I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” I we are not to seek revenge like the character in the movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. But, we are to be about God’s business in the ways of His Kingdom. Jesus wants us responding with compassion and love to thwart our enemies. Leave the vengeance to God, He is more than able to fight any battle. Paul reminds us that we are to be in a battle, a spiritual battle winning the world to Jesus. Ephesians 6:10-13 “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Remember that the ways of the world put us in opposition to God’s Kingdom ways. It is a battle for sure and we can rely upon Jesus as He promised in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 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 at the Movies "Greater"| Alex Hardt | June 2, 2024 Pastor Alex is always up for something fun to stimulate us to think more biblically and to put our faith into action. This month’s series focusing on movie themes highlighting our culture is an excellent way to show that God is not dead and that His principles are alive and well. We often have to search for them but God has not abandoned us to our culture and left us without evidence of His world, His power and His might! Thank you Jesus. The movie ‘Greater’ focuses on a young man, Brandon Burlsworth, who overcomes great odds to accomplish his goals. He has a never quit attitude and does not allow himself to focus on his fears but concentrate on his faith in himself and God. Pastor Alex likens Brandon’s story to that of David told in 1 Samuel 17. David, like Brandon, did not let their own fears paralyze them into to non-action. David was the youngest son of Jesse and his 3 older brothers were in the army of Israel serving King Saul. They were in the valley of Elah facing the Philistine troops. David carried things back and forth to his brothers and was tending his father’s sheep in between. For 40 days the Philistines had sent their giant of a soldier, Goliath, to challenge the Israelites through the use of intimidation and fear. His size alone would have given them pause to be worried. David arrives bringing food to his brothers and asks what is happening. David hears what is going on and the threats given by Goliath and is incensed by his words. He asks a couple of questions. 1 Samuel 17:26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” It was logical to ask what would be the reward given to the great warrior who could defeat this giant as soldier were paid for their services. However, his second question comes from David’s faith and deep rooted belief that God watches out for and cares about the nation Israel. He is not a God of stone or wood, not an idol but a living being who parts the seas, feeds the hungry, and frees the enslaved. David knew that not standing up to this ‘giant’ showed their fear and lack of faith in Almighty God. He knew that the God of Israel was greater than any Philistine giant. Just like the character Brandon shows in the movie, David knew the character of God. He knew Him to be the Almighty one. How did he know this, he had personal experience. 1 Samuel 17 34-36 “But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” David knew that His God was mighty and was bigger than anything, any giant, which would come his way. How about you? Do you believe that the God of your faith is greater than any circumstances or people you will ever encounter? 1 John 4:4 gives us courage “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ David belonged to God’s people and knew God loved, cared and defended him. As a believer, we too have that assurance. God is with us. Here are a few scriptures that give me hope and remind me that I can be like David and am seen as a love one by God himself. Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” For Joshua and the children of Israel the ‘them’ was their enemies. What or who is your ‘them’?? God promises to be with us 24/7 standing beside us as we walk each day confronting our problems and He will give us the victory- just like He did David. David did not let his fears overcome his faith and stepped out in faith to confront the giant Goliath. He chose his weapons carefully and allowed God to use him to slay the giant. Paul faced difficulties in his ministry and tells us he stood resolute, like David, in the presence of fear. I use 2 Corinthians 12:9 as my go to verse along with the Deuteronomy passage when I am in need of courage. “ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” David and Paul both knew that God has it handled and we just need to walk in faith trusting Him to deliver us. How good are you at trusting God when times get hard? Do you cave or do you stand strong in the Lord? I can say from personal experience that each time you have to face a challenge it gets easier to walk with God and trust Him. Why? Because of personal experience! You know that God has seen you though before and He will not let you down. That is what David relied upon, he remember the lion and the bear. What experiences do you have that you can praise God for and remember His faithfulness? God is faithful. You can depend upon Him. Claim Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Just like David, God will see you though every trial, He is faithful. Linda Here are a few more movies similarly themed. “I can only Imagine”, “Overcomer”, “The Rookie” and even “Sandlot”. Good summer viewing. Valley of Elah I took this picture of the valley where the battle took place. You can just envision the armies on the hills facing one another. 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 Name | Alex Hardt | May 12, 2024
Throughout his sermon Pastor Alex reminded us how Mothers or Mother figures are vital to our emotional health. By providing that listening ear and gentle guidance they emulate Jesus’ loving care and help us to lead stronger and more resilient lives. For his text this week, Pastor Alex chose the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Jesus’ encounter with this unnamed woman showed his great love and careful counseling that led to her transformation. When he first met her in John 4:1-9 she was what we would consider today a ‘hot mess’. She was an outcast in her village because of her immoral behavior but Jesus reached out to her when she least expected it. Jesus was tired and thirsty sitting strategically at the well knowing she would arrive. He asked her for a drink of water. She was doubtful and filled with trepidation as men did not speak with lone women especially one like her. She had come in the heat of the day to avoid the other women who had shunned her. Since Jews did not associate with Samaritans, she did not expect him to speak let alone ask her for something. He realized her fear and led her into a discussion that pointed her towards a deeper meaning as he introduced the idea of living water. She was intrigued and asked him about this thinking this living, eternal water could be the solution to her having to come to the well and face those she lived around. Just like many of us, she sought to avoid her problem emotions and was structuring her life so that she could avoid conflict. However, Jesus is teaching us here that we need to openly discuss our issues and realize that HE is the solution. I love 2 Corinthians 2:20 which assures us, “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.” Next, Jesus invites her to partake of the living water. John 4:13-14 “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” She was eager to embrace this idea and was joyful at the thought of such water. Then Jesus caused her to have to confront her sin. John 4:15-18 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” His words caused her to think and reevaluate who this man could be. She saw him as a prophet and moved the conversation to religious differences between the Jews and Samaritans. Jesus was not waylaid, he confronted her with the truth of her sin and guided her to seek the truth of who he was. 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.” When she realized the truth of his words, she was transformed! Jesus had made her world turn upside down. She was no longer afraid or cowering when thinking about those around her and their criticisms. She became bold and returned to them changed. John 4:39-42 “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” She was transformed by Jesus and his message and taking his message of how he had changed her life impacted on those around her. Jesus not only transforms our lives through faith in Him but it spills out and over as we share with others. Just like the Samaritan women did for those around her, we too are God’s plan to share and spread His Good News to those around us! Blessing, 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 Light and Darkness | Alex Hardt | October 1, 2023
It is not surprising that the apostle John began his letter reminding the reader of Jesus’ preexistence and that he was speaking as one who had seen and heard Jesus himself. John 1:1 “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “ John 21:24 “ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” 1 John 1:1 “ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” John’s gospel was written so that those who read the book would believe. John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Scholars write that this first letter of John was written to believers. It would seem John wants to build up and increase our faith and wants us to know Jesus is the Christ. Knowing this, it is not surprising John begins his letter with the contrast of light and dark. This was a reoccurring theme in his gospel. Pastor Alex began his sermon with our overwhelming need for light and how darkness is something we often fear or avoid. Why is that? God created us for light and to be like him. We were made in his image and He is light! We can be assured that in God there is no darkness. Pastor Alex wanted us to see that darkness pervades, leads to pathways without light or very little light, and grows darker the farther we get from the light source. John equates darkness to a walk without Jesus, lightless and lifeless. He also equates darkness with sin. Verse 6 “ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” A life lived in darkness is without truth and not grounded in the truth of God. We know that sin is inherent in our nature. However, John realizes this fact and encourages us to come to Jesus and confess, verse 9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I love this verse as it has a promise we can cling to. Confession brings forgiveness always! God is faithful to forgive our sins when we come to him repentant and desirous of change. Being an unrepentant sinner leads to death. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.” Pastor Alex summed it up as A World of Darkness leads to death. John wants us to see that Jesus brings light into our lives and reassures us that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all! If we can live in the light, why don’t we do it all the time? It is hard and as a believer, we try to walk with Jesus in His light daily. This means acknowledging our sins frequently and focus on Jesus’ light. John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” How does one go about walking in His light? Here are a couple of thoughts: read your bible daily, pray daily, seek out other believers for fellowship, focus on doing good with the hours and days God gives you, focus on using your talents and resources for serving God, participate in worship with your whole heart, give generously, talk about Jesus as you relate to others and let your words and thoughts dwell on Jesus. Pastor Alex summed it up with the truth, A World of light leads to life! Lastly, how can you find joy in life? 1 John 1:4 “ We write this to make our joy complete.” John wants us to know that telling others, writing his gospel, letters and Revelation brought him joy! He wants to be about the Father’s business of telling others about the good news of Christ. Jesus commissioned the disciples, and us too, in Matthew 28:18-20 “ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus wants us to tell others about Him! John is saying that one of the benefits of telling others about Jesus is joy, complete joy. What is this good news we are to tell others about? The early Christians spoke of it in Acts 5:42 “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” They were proclaiming Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, had come! Life and forgiveness in Him was now available. In Jesus we can have a life that would lead to eternal life John describes in 1 John 5:20 “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.” Who do you need to tell about Jesus this week? It will make your spirit joyous in 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 from A Faithful Tomorrow | Damon Hopkins | March 19, 2023
We had the privilege of hearing from Damon Hopkins again this Sunday. His text was from Isaiah Chapters 36 and 37. This is a very rich passage that has much to teach us in 2023. Damon pointed out that King Hezekiah was remembered for his faithfulness to God. What a wonderful legacy that I know each one of us would love for our lives. 2 Kings referred to King Hezekiah 18:3 “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. And 18:5 “He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him.” King Hezekiah chose to believe God when he was in a situation that was ‘against all odds’. He saw no physical way he could defeat the king of Assyria, Sennacherib. The Assyrian army was brutal and overpowering. They had marched through northern Israel and taken them captive. They had conquered lands and people around Judah. Sennacherib had his eyes on Judah and was marching towards Jerusalem. He sent a messenger to ‘scare’ King Hezekiah into submission. The messenger announce publically that they were doomed and that their God would not and could not save them from the mighty Assyrians. King Hezekiah sent word to the prophet Isaiah asking him to inquire of the Lord. Isaiah brought this message of hope from the Lord, Isaiah 37:6-7 “Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’” I’m sure Hezekiah was encouraged by this news. Then, Sennacherib heard that Cush was going to come to Judah’s aid and join the fight. He sent a letter to King Hezekiah defaming the power and might of God. Isaiah 37:10 ““Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” When Hezekiah got the letter he made a bold choice. He went to the temple and laid the letter before God and prayed: 37:16-20 “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 17 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. 18 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands, 19 and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. 20 So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.” What does King Hezekiah’s prayer say about Hezekiah’s faith? He knew whom to trust. He knew that Sennacherib was just a man but God was God and sovereign over all people, place, times and events. He knew that God was bigger than his greatest fears. He knew that God would defend His name. He knew where he should place his trust He prayed so that he could move forward. At present he was blocked in by Sennacherib but that was only temporary as God was greater than this earthly king and would deliver them just like Isaiah had told him. He chose to trust God when things got difficult. What about you? Do you choose to trust God to provide, rescue and deliver you day by day? Hezekiah’s hope was propelled forward though prayer. How do you face difficulties? Do you chose to go it alone or turn to God and ask Him for help? Hezekiah followed the advice James gives in James 1:5-6 “ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 4:2b-3 You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” King Hezekiah knew that God had the wisdom and power to save them so He asked in faith, not doubting. He also knew He needed to humble himself and ask God for help. I pray you will take some time this week and read Isaiah 36 and 37. Let King Hezekiah’s experiences speak to you as you consider how you can incorporate prayer into your life in a new and vibrant way. Prayer brings results- ask Hezekiah or someone at Crossroads. God answers prayer! Linda SERMON LINK ISAIAH: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE | A Faithful Tomorrow 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. |
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