 Sermon Reflections from Divine Connections | Joselin Hernandez | September 10, 2023
Have you visited the grocery store, coffee shop, or gas station this week? Chances are, you've stepped out of your room or bed at some point during your week. And what happens when you do? You encounter people. What if we viewed every interaction as an opportunity to share the Gospel? Millions of people haven't yet come to know Jesus, our Lord and Savior, but we can make a difference one person at a time. Maybe striking up a conversation with the barista at your favorite local café could eventually lead to a chance to share the Gospel with them. Or perhaps taking your dog on your usual route each day could provide an opening to impact someone's life. The truth is, we can't predict the impact we might have on someone's life with just one encounter. Often, it feels easier to remain silent about our faith to avoid offending anyone. But what if the person you encounter is the one whom God has placed in your path to lead to Christ? Would you feel regretful if you missed the opportunity to bring them into God's kingdom? Perhaps the initial conversation won't immediately lead to their conversion, but you could plant a seed, offer them a starting point, and help them experience Christ's love. Throughout the scriptures, we see ordinary individuals called by God to share His message of goodness. When they obeyed, something extraordinary often occurred: those they shared God's message with came to know Him. Reflect on your own faith journey—did someone introduce you to Jesus? Was it a friend, family member, or perhaps a stranger who handed you a pamphlet or offered a prayer? Maybe it happened while you were on a sports team, at work, or at camp, and someone had the courage to discuss Jesus with you. The pivotal point wasn't necessarily your immediate decision to follow Jesus; it was that someone recognized your worth and importance and decided to share the most significant news in human history with you—that Jesus was a manifestation of God's love, and His love was meant for you. What could be more crucial than that? It's easy to talk about our favorite sports teams, jobs, or coffee orders, but imagine if we focused our conversations on Jesus instead. What if we shared something that could genuinely shape, mold, and transform lives? In one Bible story, this is precisely what happened. Philip, prompted by God, approached a eunuch who was already a believer but didn't fully comprehend his faith. Philip didn't hesitate to engage in conversation, and as a result, the eunuch gained a clear understanding of his beliefs. Not every experience will mirror Philip's, but in all our interactions, we have the opportunity to make God known. So, what will you choose to do—conceal your faith or share the greatest news ever? 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.  Alex Hardt November 27, 2022
The Altitude of Gratitude, A Valley of Thanks The portion of scripture Pastor Alex chose for this message was 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. This section is titled Final Instructions in my Bible. The letter to the Thessalonian believers had been newsy and instructive from the Apostle Paul, but as he closed, he wanted to give them some fine points for living that would help with their continued walk with Christ. His points will do the same for us today. So that they would clearly understand he lists the dos and don’ts that they need to be aware of, as do we.
Pastor Alex wanted us to see the actions that make for a life lived in the Valley of Gratitude. If you wonder, how do I become grateful, why am I grateful, what does gratitude look like today- this is a very specific passage that tells us exactly how. A grateful heart pays attention to the needs of others, seeks to serve them and live in peace with those you live and work with. Unity in the body of Christ in a sign that we love one another! Helping someone who is not as well off- be it spiritually, mentally or physically creates love and thankfulness within yourself. Encouraging a discouraged person with a smile, email, card or kind word is being about the Lord’s work right where you are. Putting aside vengeful thoughts or actions and concentrating on doing what is good for everyone is the productive Christ like way of living. In verses 16-18, Paul comes to the big three that are especially what Christ desires. Rejoice always- live with a sense of Christ like joy in your life. You can do this if you remember you are redeemed and loved by Christ. Remember Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Without Christ you were dead in your sins and now you are destined for eternity with Him. Pray Continually- live with a sense of connectedness to Christ. He is ready and willing to hear your cries and help. Remember Hebrews 4:16 “ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Give thanks in all circumstances- live with an attitude of gratitude about all things in your life- physically and spiritually. If it is hard to be grateful for certain circumstances you do not understand, claim Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” As a believer and child of God, you can claim this over your life. We do not need to totally understand all things because God does! Our job is to trust Him to use them for good in our lives, for our good and His glory, just as He promises! The end of verse 18 says, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. All the things Paul had listed in verses 12-18 are good for us, good for the body of Christ, good for His work among us BECAUSE it is Christ’s will for us. He desires that we live in this manner so that we will glorify Him in what we say and do. May your day be filled with the Do’s of Christ. May you see an increase in your heart’s gratitude towards Him who provides you each day with opportunities to love Him and serve other in His name. Linda SERMON LINK The Altitude of Gratitude | A Valley of Thanks Click Here to View the Sermon Sermon series, "The Altitude of Gratitude" Today Alex teaches from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 If you are local, please join us for our weekly service. Our Sunday service is held at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. |
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September 2023
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