Sermon Reflections from Feel | Alex Hardt | May 19, 2024  
 
We know that emotions are unavoidable.  God created us with emotions. He created Adam and saw that it was not good for him to be alone.  Loneliness is part of the human experience.   When Jesus was on the cross, he was separated from God by our sins and he felt alone and even cried out from the cross, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46   God created the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve and put many wonderful things for them to eat and plants and animals to see and experience.  Feeling pleasure, joy, love and awe are all emotions that God created in us.   After the fall and sin entered the world, sin corrupted our emotions and made things more difficult.  The only way to navigate all our God given emotions is through the help of Jesus.  Remember all God’s promises are Yes in Him! 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.”

Our feelings are unavoidable as God created us with them.  How we deal with them is a matter of choice.   Pastor Alex gave several examples of how Jesus dealt with his emotions as he faced the cross: fear, dread, anxiety, etc.   Jesus did exactly what 1 Peter 5:7 tells us  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”   Jesus knew that God loved and cared for him.  He laid his fears and anxieties before God in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The Bible is filled with godly people who made the right choice- taking their problems to God and those that did not.  Genesis 12 tells of a time when Abraham went to Egypt with Sarah.  He was afraid to tell the Pharaoh that Sarah was his wife because he feared they would kill him as Sarah was beautiful.  So he lied.   God sent a plague on Pharaoh’s household and discovered that Sarah was Abraham’s wife.  It all ended in their leaving Egypt but all this could have been avoided if Abraham had told God in prayer what he was facing and sought His help.   Elijah was pursued by King Ahab in 1 Kings.  He was afraid and ran for his life but God answered his prayers and fed and led him to safety.  David, Jeremiah, Elisha, Ruth and Esther were all people of God who turned to Him in their time of need, in prayer. They acknowledged their need and humbly relinquished their emotion filled requests to God.  Where do you need to turn over your worries and doubts?  I had a good friend say, Linda, “I turned it over to God last night.  But I got into trouble today when I decided to pick it up again!” We need to turn our worries to God and let him truly have them. He promises to guide and help us.  He is sovereign and in control of all things. He sees the beginning and the end.  Claim Romans 8:28 and hide its precious words in your heart.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”   We can trust God- He has this!

What was the end result for Jesus after relinquishing his worries to God in the Garden of Gethsemane?  He got up and went to the disciples filled with resolve and purpose.  Luke22:46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”   Jesus was at peace with God’s pathway for him.   God listens to our prayers and gives us guidance, release, comfort and hope.   Our memory verse for this series is Hebrews 4:14-16 “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”   God’s Word tells us to take our worries and concerns of this world and seek His help.  It is a system He put into place for us here on earth and He desires that we use it effectively just as Jesus did.  Jesus got the strength he needed to see his mission through.  Prayer brings peace, resolve and hope and His grace when we need it the most. 

Seek His throne and feel His grace today.
Linda

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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

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 Sermon Reflections from Jesus is Grace | Alex Hardt | April 7, 2024
 
As Pastor Alex preached from Luke 15 this Sunday, I caught a vision of the many facets of Jesus’ character.  Our God has many attributes to who He is.  Some are ones that are for him alone like- sovereign, creator, Savior, glory, Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient and others are ones that He has in perfection but desires that we emulate like love, mercy, justice, goodness, kindness, compassion, patience, etc.  From the parables in Luke 15 and Jesus’ actions we can learn much about our Lord.

As Pastor Alex noted, Jesus began by confronting the narrow minded thinking of the religious leaders.  Luke 15:1-2 “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”   The religious leaders were criticizing Jesus for associating with known sinners.  Their idea was that their sins were small in comparison and they were more worthy.  However, Jesus showed by his actions and words that He is impartial.  He loves all sinners and desires that all would come to repentance and faith.  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.”

The first parable Jesus told the crowd was of the lost sheep.  The shepherd loses one sheep and leaves the 99 in search of the lost. His conclusion in verse 15:7  “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”   This attitude shows Jesus’ incomprehensible love.  It is a love beyond our understanding.  Alex put it this way, the pursuit of the lost.. is a reflection of the Father’s love for His children. We do not understand that kind of full love that would lead Him to send his only son to die on our behalf.  John 3:16 says it this way, “ 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.”   God’s love is complete and beyond our understanding.  Thanks be to God for His great love for us!

The second illustration Jesus told the crowd was of the woman who had 10 silver coins and had lost one.  She went in search of this lost coin and like the lost sheep she rejoiced when she found it.  Luke 15:10 “ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This speaks of God’s great joy when someone turns to Him and accepts Jesus as their Savior and Lord by his infinite grace.  His joy at our turning to him shows His kindness that we do not deserve.  His grace is favor that is undeserved. He gives it freely, feels His joy freely and we did nothing to earn it.  The joy of redemption is the restoration of the lost by the GRACE of God! Thanks be to God for His marvelous grace towards us!

The last parable in this series is the story of the prodigal son.  The son who takes his inheritance and squanders it recklessly.  When he comes to his senses in the depth of despair, he realizes at that the servants in his father’s house are better off than he is.  He returns home and his father unexpectedly welcomes him home and prepares a feast of celebration.  Jesus was trying to explain the concept of mercy and forgiveness.  The father is merciful and forgiving towards anyone who repents and turns to Him.  Without Him, they were lost and now they are found.  They have moved from death to life which is what we do in Christ through our faith in Him.  Alex’s statement is so true, only the compassion of the Father can turn sinners into repentant citizens of heaven!

The other son who had worked diligently all those years was upset over the father’s welcome feast.  However, the father shows understanding and wisdom when he tells the other son in Luke 15:31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”   The son who stayed has had the benefit of the father’s love and care all those years and has a full inheritance plus time with the father.  The father desires that the other son understand the love, joy and compassion towards the lost when they come home.  They were dead and now are alive.  Ephesians 2:4-5 “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”  Thanks be to Jesus for His amazing Grace towards us!

Linda

​MESSAGE LINK
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Celebrating Easter Sunday: The Resurrection and Its Transformative Power

Introduction: Easter Sunday stands as the pinnacle of the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Luke 24, we find a vivid portrayal of this momentous event and its profound impact on the disciples and believers throughout history. This event didn't just change their context but the entirety of human history.  Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our sins/brokenness, wasn't deserved or earned by humanity, but Jesus was sacrificially given to us by God because he loves us.  He wanted to get us back, make us right with him, and give us new life, life eternal.  On Easter Sunday, we dove deep into the narrative of Luke 24, where we uncovered the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and its enduring significance for our lives today.

LUKE 24:1-8
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

The Reality of the Resurrection: Luke 24 gives an incredible depiction of the reality of Jesus' resurrection. The empty tomb, the angels' proclamation, the women who discovered the empty tomb, and the disciples' encounters with the risen Christ all serve as undeniable evidence of this miraculous event. Just as the disciples were astonished to find the tomb empty, we too are invited to ponder the reality of Jesus' victory over death and the implications it holds for our faith.  This wasn't just an important historical event, it was a life changing, history altering, hope fostering, game changing event.  Jesus wasn’t just for the disciple's context or point in history, but for all Human History.  Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, God would bring about redemption and reconciliation for all Humanity not just for that time or for those people.  

The Transformation of Believers: The resurrection of Jesus brings about a profound transformation in the lives of His followers. Initially they didn't believe.  They were overwhelmed with grief because their Lord, their King, their Messiah was gone, and they didn't know what to do.  They were terrified for their lives after defying the Roman Empire, so they hid in fear, filled with doubt, and full of despair.  But when Jesus revealed himself to the women at the tomb, then to the two on the road to Emmaus, and finally to all of the disciples they still didn't believe because it seemed improbably, actually impossible.  No one has ever been resurrected. How could Jesus be alive? In Luke 24, we witness the disciples' journey from doubt to faith, fear to courage, and despair to hope as they encounter the risen Christ and he revealed the scriptures to them. Their hearts burn within them as Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, igniting a flame of hope and conviction that propels them to boldly proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.

LUKE 24:30-32
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

The Promise of Redemption and New Life: Through His resurrection, Jesus extends the promise of redemption, forgiveness of sins, and the hope of new life to all who believe in Him. In Luke 24, we witness Jesus commissioning His disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, underscoring the transformative power of His resurrection in reconciling humanity to God. This promise echoes throughout the ages, inviting us to embrace the life-giving message of salvation found in Jesus Christ. There is only one path to the heavenly Father, to redemption, and reconciliation, to new life, and that is through Jesus Christ. While some may view this as narrow and limiting, it is open to all, unrestricted by race, status, or background. This reconciliation wasn’t earned or deserved by humanity but sacrificially given to us by our loving God, who embodies Love because He is Love. This divine commission echoes throughout history, beckoning all people to embrace the life-giving message of salvation found solely in Jesus Christ. In His resurrection, Jesus offers not only forgiveness of sins but also the hope of new life—an eternal inheritance that transcends the limitations of this world and promises everlasting joy in the presence of God.

LUKE 24:45-48
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 

What does this mean for me? As we celebrate Easter Sunday this last week and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us be reminded of the transformative power of this momentous event. Just as the disciples were transformed by their encounter with the risen Christ, may we too experience the reality of His resurrection in our lives. May we embrace the promise of redemption and new life, and may we boldly proclaim the good news of salvation to all who will listen. Truly, Easter Sunday is a time of joy, hope, and renewal—a time to celebrate the victory of our risen Savior over sin and death.

He is Risen.
He is Risen Indeed!

Blessing,
Pastor Alex Hardt

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Prayer Guide Based on Love Incarnate | Alex Hardt | December 24, 2023

This week because of Christmas and New Years we thought this would be a good way to prepare our hearts. 

INTRODUCTION
Begin by finding a quiet place to pray. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and invite the presence of God.

OPENING PRAYER
Glorious and Gracious God, we come before you in awe of the gift of Love Incarnate, your son, the embodiment of Your love among us. As we reflect on the narratives from Matthew and Luke, guide our hearts and minds to understand the depth of this love. May we learn from the example of Christ and embody that love in our lives. Amen.

Matthew 1:18-24 - The Birth of Jesus Christ
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

REFLECTION
Take a moment to reflect on Joseph's obedience and willingness to embrace the role God had chosen for him in the life of Jesus.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Gratitude: Thank God for the example of Mary and Joseph, who embraced the calling to care for Jesus despite the challenges and uncertainties.
2. Guidance: Ask for the wisdom and courage to recognize God's plan in your life, even when it might seem unconventional or challenging.
3. Surrender: Offer your life to God, just as Joseph surrendered to God's will, asking for the strength to follow faithfully.

Luke 2:10-11 - The Announcement to the Shepherds
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

REFLECTION
Reflect on the angel's proclamation of joy and the significance of the birth of Christ as the Savior.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Joy and Gratitude: Express gratitude for the immense joy brought by Christ's birth and for the salvation offered through Him.
2. Sharing God's Love: Pray for the ability to share this message of joy and salvation with those around you, just as the shepherds shared the good news.
3. Open Heart: Ask God to open your heart to receive His love more fully and to let that love overflow into the lives of others.

CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Love Incarnate in Jesus Christ. As we embrace the lessons from Joseph and the shepherds, may our lives reflect the depth of Your love in our actions, words, and thoughts. Help us to embody this love, sharing it with everyone we encounter. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pastor Alex

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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

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Sermon Reflections from Awaiting Hope | Alex Hardt | December 3, 2023

What does hope mean to you?  Is it in some person, thing or event? Or is it the biblical hope Paul speaks of in Romans 5:3-5 “ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”   The hope Paul describes comes from God and comes with persevering in Him. The Psalms have much to say about hope.  Psalm 25:5  Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”   33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”  52:9 “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” David saw God as the source of His hope no matter what the circumstances.

Pastor Alex spoke about the darkness that surrounds us just like it surrounded Paul, David and Mary.  Each one of them looked to God as the source of their hope.  Mary was in a difficult position with an unplanned pregnancy by a young unwed mother.  However, Mary’s focus on God and His provision for her far outweighs the darkness and obstacles she faced.  God in His mercy sent an angel to speak to Joseph so he was told of the coming child.  He was told to not be afraid to marry his betrothed Mary and that much blessing would come to him through this expected child. Mary’s response to the angel’s message was one filled with questions about how she could be with child, but her questions were not filled with doubt.  She knew the power of God and believed in Him.  She knew of the prophets, the Messiah that was to come, the miracles God had performed in her nation’s history and the power of God over life and death.  Her response in Luke 1:38  “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  and later in her song known as the Magnificat shows her humility and the acknowledgement of God’s power at work in her.  Luke 1:46-49 “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me--
    holy is his name.

Mary allowed her hope in God, His power, might, love and knowledge of His compassion to sustain her through the difficult times ahead.  She had many obstacles to overcome but God was with her.  
I’ll ask again, Where do you place your hope? Can you access the hope you have in God through your past experiences?  Paul had many harrowing experiences as he walked with Jesus. 2 Corinthians 11:24-26  “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”  Even in all this Paul’s testimony remained strong as he testified in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “9 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’  Like Mary’s faith in God, Paul’s personal knowledge of Christ and faith brought him through very tough times.  David likewise faced great difficulties in his life and clung to his love and knowledge of God. His hope was placed in God as he fought battles, faced giants, was persecuted, hunted by Saul and plagued with family difficulties.  As the Psalms attest David knew God as his shield, guide, teacher, savior and hope.

God promises to be with us in every circumstance.  I love Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  All of us have thems in our lives. Our giants, persecutors, hardships and family difficulties are different but we can claim God’s protection as we belong to Him.  We can trust Him like Mary, Paul and David.  They knew He would never leave them or forsake them!  He will not abandon you either.  God is our hope in the midst of darkness, He is our LIGHT! 

Linda

MESSAGE LINK
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Sermon Reflections from Sharing the Abundance | Alex Hardt | November 26, 2023
 
I was caught this week by Pastor Alex’s closing remarks.  He said, “Any generosity we show is just a reflection of what God has given us.”  As I reflected upon these words I reviewed the sermon in my mind. 

First, we saw the rulers and religious leaders in Luke 3:1-3.  They were a powerful bunch both politically and religiously.  Herod, his brother Phillip, the high priests Annas and Caliphas were leaders that definitely knew of God.  They were blessed with great power and material goods.  How did they use God’s generosity towards them?  They held onto their power and sought to use it against their fellow Jews. They disregarded God’s laws and Herod did much evil including marrying his brother’s wife. Pilate, the Roman governor, was a pagan who sought to please Caesar and keeping the peace was essential for his career.  All of them had been blessed with position and wealth, but they chose not acknowledge God’s generosity towards them.   Hence, they did not reflect God in their lives.   Herod, the High Priests and Pharisees all sought to kill Jesus as they did not believe He was who He said He was and they were threatened by the power He seemed to have with the people.  Pilate did not turn to God and do what was right as he too was threatened by the religious leaders and the crowds as he needed to keep the peace at all cost. 

Next, Pastor Alex looked at John the Baptist in Luke 3:4-18.  He was an itinerate preacher wandering in the desert.  People came to him and wanted to hear his message from God and be baptized.  They considered him a prophet with a true message from God.  John was given a special message to deliver prior to Jesus’ coming.  He faithfully and humbly delivered his message regardless of the cost to himself personally.  He saw many repent and turn to God. He had little in the way of material wealth but was rich spiritually.  He generously used his time and talents to lead, persuade and baptize leading many to repentance.  He reflected in a mighty way what God had given to him. In turn, John exhorted others to give of what they had, be generous and to live rightly.  He did not take glory for himself but pointed others to Jesus.  He lifted what he had and knew towards God and was blessed.

In our last portion of scripture from Luke 3:19-20, we see Herod using his power to enact revenge upon John.  John called Herod up short on his sin of marrying his brother’s wife.  He had had enough and used his power to silence John by putting him in prison for speaking the unpopular truth.  Later we see his wife Herodias getting her daughter to ask for John’s head and Herod granting this wish. (Matthew 14:1-12)  Herod was brave enough to put John in prison but he did not want to kill him as he feared him as a prophet.  Herodias wanted him dead.  Herod and Herodias had much to be thankful for and showed generosity towards the kingdom in the lavish parties and many building projects, but their generosity was aimed at making themselves look better and more powerful.  They had no interest in showing thanks for the goodness of God. 

The question for all of us is “How do we reflect God’s goodness to us in our generosity?”   Do we share our time, talents, joys, and money with others? Do we consider all that we have as God’s?  If we do, then our hearts should be open and reflecting His goodness, His richness, His kindness, His patience and His love for others.   Am I more like humble John who was willing and able to share constantly and boldly and courageously shared the truth about God?  Or am I more like Herod holding on to my gifts and seeking to use them to make my way better?  Am I more like the religious and political rulers who were threatened, hostile and openly resistant to God’s leading?  Do I have blinders on and refuse to see what God has given to me?  Am I claiming those things as belonging to me and not God?

I pray this message touched you and causes you to think about your own generosity. Where does it come from and how are you using it?  Seek God in prayer and ask His Holy Spirit to guide you and mold your generosity so that it reflects God in all you say and do.
Linda

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Sermon Reflections from Preparing the Way | Alex Hardt | April 2, 2023

Pastor Alex’s sermon on Palm Sunday morning began with sobering thoughts. How much are you swayed by gossip or in our modern day ‘fake news’?   The Pharisee’s wanted to have Jesus GONE!  He was a threat to them as he had the support of the people and called them to be accountable.  They spread ‘fake news’ about Him- that He was claiming to be a King and that he wanted to start a rebellion against Rome.  Neither of those were true but gathered fake witnesses to lie and condemn him.  According to Jewish law at least 2 witnesses were required to convict someone of a crime, and they gathered the needed witnesses and brought them to court.   We know the reasons for their actions but why did the people go along with them?  Why did they listen?  Perhaps it was because they were the religious leaders who had power over them and could cause great harm to them personally if they did not go along to get along.  Or perhaps they agreed with them and thought Jesus was guilty.  Whatever the reasons God allowed it to happen.  God had a plan and in that plan to redeem us their needed to be a perfect sacrifice.  Jesus was that sacrifice. 

Hebrews 9:20 “so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”    Jesus was an obedient son as Philippians 2:8 attests, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”  Jesus knew it was the Father’s will that He go to the cross. One of our memory verses for this week puts it this way, 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”   Jesus knew his death was the key to our restoration and redemption.   Thank you Jesus.

Just as the Pharisee’s had a way of redefining truth in their day so the world seeks to deceive us and deny the truth of Jesus and God’s Word.  We need to cling to the knowledge that God’s truth frees us from the bondage of sin.  Romans 6:6-8 “ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”  Praise God our freedom begins when we accept Jesus as our Savior and goes into eternity with us.  Christ gives us eternal freedom.   He transforms us from sinner to saint through our faith in His work on the cross and his resurrection from the dead.   Believers are often referred to as saints in the Old and New Testament.  Psalm 34:9 “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  Colossians 1:12-13 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”  We His saints have been transformed!  Thank you Jesus.

Pastor Alex’s last point was about the impact and importance of the resurrection.  Paul makes a case for the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 “Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”   If Christ was not raised from the dead, our faith is in vain. Paul continues in verses 12-120 “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  

Just like Paul and the early believers, if we do not believe in the resurrection all is lost.  If Christ could not be raised from the dead then neither can we.  However, Christ was raised!  He was seen by the disciples as they talked and ate with him.  Besides the disciples, over 500 people attested to Him being alive as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 “ and that he appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”  He had indeed risen! Thank you Jesus.

Come Resurrection Sunday, be ready to reply, “HE HAS RISEN INDEED!”  It is true and a life changer for all who believe.
See you next Sunday!
Linda

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Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.