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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​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass.

Sermon Reflections from The Communion Table | Sara Wade | November 19, 2023

On Sunday, Sara Wade from Hands and Feet east bay, shared a message from 1 Corinthians 11 about the communion table and how it represents Embracing All as Jesus Did.  In the Gospel narratives, one of the remarkable qualities of Jesus was His inclusive nature, particularly evident in His interactions with those considered outcasts or marginalized by society. This inclusivity extended to His invitations to share meals, reflecting a profound message of love, acceptance, and grace. The communion table, as a symbol of fellowship and remembrance, mirrors this open-hearted invitation extended by Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Embracing the Outcasts
Throughout His life, Jesus consistently broke societal norms by reaching out to those labeled as outcasts—tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the broken, the lost and the marginalized. He dined with them, offering them not just physical food but acceptance and love that transcended social barriers...  Can you imagine opening your house or eating with strangers you just met?  Well, that's exactly what Jesus did.   

The Symbolism of Meals in Jesus' Ministry
The significance of meals in Jesus' ministry can’t be overstated. His actions challenged the prevailing cultural norms, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of fellowship. Sharing a meal with someone, in that context, signified deep acceptance and belonging...  What would it be like to move to another country, not speak the same language, not know the cultural norms, and have no family or friends around? 

The Communion Table: Reflecting Christ's Inclusivity
When instituting the Last Supper, Jesus extended an invitation to His disciples, setting a precedent for the communal act of remembrance through bread and wine. This act wasn’t exclusive; it was a gesture of inclusivity, representing the sacrificial love He embodied...  Whom might God be asking you to invite to your dinner table? 

Open to All: Breaking Barriers
The essence of the communion table lies in its openness. Just as Jesus welcomed all to dine with Him, the communion table is a symbol of unreserved acceptance. It's a place where all are invited—regardless of background, social status, race, gender, sins, or past mistakes... Whom do you limit your table to?

Relevance Today
In contemporary times, the message of an inclusive communion table remains vital. The table symbolizes unity, breaking barriers that divide us. It stands as a reminder of Christ's all-encompassing love and the call for His followers to extend that love to everyone, without exception...  What is Jesus saying to you? 

Conclusion
The communion table isn’t a place for exclusivity or judgment; it’s a sacred space embodying the all-embracing love of Christ. Just as Jesus welcomed and dined with the outcasts, the communion table invites all, irrespective of their journey or background. It’s a profound reminder of the radical inclusivity found in Christ’s ministry—a call for us to extend that same love and acceptance to everyone, making the table a symbol of unity, grace, mercy and love.

This thanksgiving maybe we save a place for one more at our table.  Maybe God is asking us to open our hearts and doors to an unexpected guest.  Damon Hopkins shared a beautiful prayer on Sunday.  He said, "Lord...Just give me 1 more!" "Just 1 More!" May our prayer be for 1 more this Thanksgiving.  

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 Feasting on God's Word | Dean Honnette | November 12, 2023

This week Pastor Dean Honnette, shared from the passages of John 6:26-49 about feasting on God's word.  Crossroads not only feasted on God's word but on food as we indulge in a potluck after worship.  In the Gospel of John, particularly in chapters 6:26-35, 47-49, we encounter a powerful metaphor that Jesus uses to convey profound spiritual truths—the metaphor of feasting on the Bread of Life. This imagery not only resonates with the physical act of eating but goes beyond, inviting believers to partake in the sustenance that transcends the physical realm—the Word of God.

To appreciate the significance of Jesus' words, it's essential to understand the context. In the preceding verses, Jesus miraculously feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish, showcasing His divine power. The crowd, amazed by this sign, seeks Jesus not for the eternal truths He embodies but for more physical sustenance.

Jesus responds by redirecting their focus from temporal needs to the everlasting nourishment He offers. He declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35, ESV). This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of feasting on the Word of God.

Feasting on the Bread of Life:
Spiritual Sustenance:
Jesus challenges the crowd—and by extension, every believer—to recognize that physical sustenance is fleeting. The Bread of Life, however, provides spiritual nourishment that endures beyond the constraints of time and circumstance. Just as we eat daily to sustain our physical bodies, we are called to partake in the Word of God regularly for the well-being of our souls.

Deepening Relationship with Christ:
Feasting on the Word of God is not a passive act but an active engagement with Christ. In verse 47, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." Believing in Christ involves more than intellectual assent; it is a relational commitment. The act of feasting on His Word deepens our understanding of who Christ is and strengthens our connection with Him.

Transformative Power:
The Bread of Life has transformative power. Just as physical food sustains and energizes our bodies, the Word of God has the capacity to renew our minds and transform our lives. As we internalize the truths found in Scripture, we become more Christ-like, experiencing the renewing of our hearts and minds.

Eternal Promise:
Jesus emphasizes the eternal dimension of feasting on the Bread of Life. In verses 48-49, He says, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat of it and not die." Unlike the manna in the wilderness that sustained temporarily, the Bread of Life ensures eternal life for those who partake in it.

Feasting on the Bread of Life is an invitation to a continuous, intentional engagement with the Word of God. It goes beyond a casual reading; it involves a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. As we feast on the Word, we find sustenance for our souls, deepen our connection with Christ, experience transformation, and embrace the promise of eternal life. May we approach the Word of God with a hunger and thirst that can only be satisfied by the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ.

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.