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 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 Love and Hatred | Alex Hardt | October 8, 2023
Pastor Alex spoke candidly about the world’s pressures upon us to choose its ways over God’s. Our sin nature predisposes us towards that, but our Spiritual nature from God moves us towards Him in spite of our propensity to sin. We are reminded of Jesus’ words of promise in 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” We are comforted by this truth for we know that we will be victorious in Him. Our text for today was 1 John 2 and begins with obedience in the face of sin. John acknowledges that we all sin and comforts us with the truth of Jesus’ forgiveness. “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” John hopes that by leaning into Jesus we can avoid sin, but he assures us that we bear Jesus’ righteousness though faith. This truth can and does comfort us. John then tells us how to focus on being obedient to God in the face of all the adversity in which we live daily. *If we have come to know Jesus, we’ll work to keep his commandments (3) *Obedience to God’s word brings God’s love to completion in us (5) *Knowing Jesus gives us the desire to live and be more like Him(6) *Living in Jesus’ light means setting aside hatred for others, exchanging darkness for light (9) *Hatred for others, or yourself, creates a darkness which will surround you and cause you to be blind to Jesus and what He desires for your life. (11) By being Obedient to God’s Ways and Word, we show our love for God. The proof of our love is in how we act and speak. How does this challenge you to better align your actions to God’s Word? Do you see a need to know more about His ways so you can better show Jesus to those around you? Join a home group- a bible study and dive into His Word with fellow believers. See the Church Website for groups and when they meet. In 1 John 2:15-17, John specifically talks about avoiding the world’s influence in our lives. “ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” John warns us not to put our love efforts into loving the world. Because if we do, we are committing ourselves to many undesirable things that are opposed to God and His ways. He names pride, lust, fleshly pursuits which would include craving physical pleasures, power, greed, advancement, achievements for self-gain, etc. Many of these can start out harmless enough but when fueled with pride, greed, lust and envy they become perverted. We do need to work hard and take pride in our work and achievements, but not be filled with boasting, self-love and entitlement. John also reminds us that the worldly things are just that, worldly and will only endure for the here and now. They are temporal and NOT eternal. Only things done for God will stand for all time. Lastly, John warns us of opposition we will face from without. Before the opposition has been within our own character. This opposition in the form of antichrists which are very real and powerful. Verse 22-23 “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” Each one of us faces antichrists in our lives. John classifies anyone who denies Jesus is an anti-(against) Christ. We need to be watchful and aware of those in our lives that oppose us because we love Jesus and desire to live like Him. Jesus prayed for us as He knew we would face opposition. John 17:20-21 “ My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Paul warned of spiritual opposition in Ephesian 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” James encourages us in James 4:7-8 “ 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.” Pastor Alex concluded with the fact that Satan with all his worldly enticements opposes Jesus with His love assurance, protection, eternal life, hope and guidance and are competing for our love. The choice is up to us. God created us with free will and we have to choose. Not choosing is denial. There is no fence sitting. Why wait? Walk with Jesus and taste of His eternal love, commitment, guidance, protection through His indwelling Holy Spirit. Be assured that those God who answer God’s call He will equip and empower to follow His Son! 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 Destined For Greatness | Alex Hardt | September 24, 2023
It was good to have Pastor Alex back in the pulpit after his adventures and misadventures into the world of medicine, surgery and healing. God is good and He returned Alex to us filled and renewed. Have you thought about what your purpose is in life and why God put you right where you are? Knowing our Omnipotent God does not make mistakes, we have to consider what is around me, who is around me that God wants me to impact with His message. We were created to give God glory so where do you need to spread or show His glory right where you are? Our passage in 1 Peter 2 begins with Paul’s admonition to rid ourselves of all evil, hypocrisy, envy, slander, etc. and be ready to take in God’s spiritual food to make us strong and able to face the pressures of this world. Paul tells us we are chosen by God and much will be required of us, so we need to be ready. Being chosen by faith in Jesus is a privilege and because we chose to follow Jesus we are precious to Him. Ponder that for a minute or two. Chosen by God and Precious to Him. What better place can there be than being one who is set apart for His work and loved by Him. I am reminded of one of my favorite verses Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,” Being precious to Him guarantees we are going to be cared for in good times and bad. He is always good, we can depend upon Him. Once we accept that we are chosen and precious to Him, we can get on with aligning ourselves with Jesus and looking with expectation towards the work He has for us. How does one align themselves with Jesus?, would seem a critical question. Peter would suggest that making Christ the cornerstone of our faith is critical. Jesus needs to be the central focus of our study and worship. Dive into God’s Word and learn about Jesus. Pray and ask Him for discernment and wisdom in your everyday life. Seek to reflect Jesus and his foundational principles within your life. Be daring and bold, asking God what purpose He has for you and pray for the courage to step out where He leads you, as He will! Are you aligned with Jesus? If you consider yourself on the pathway God has laid out for you, then seek to live out each day in God. Ask yourself, who can I bring alongside me today to talk with about God? Where can I show His love, kindness, gentleness and hope through the circumstances of my day? Maybe you don’t see an opportunity to talk about God, so make one! Call a friend, or someone who is suffering and offer a ‘cup of cold water’ in His name through your words and prayers. Maybe it is time to send a card to which you can add a word of encouragement. Maybe it is time to plan an event to bring others into fellowship in your home or at a restaurant. God meant us for community and we need to be engaged. You can’t talk and live with and in God by yourself. You were chosen to be in the world relating and filling the needs people have for Him. When in doubt, remember and claim our memory verse in Luke 18:27 “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” If we are about His kingdom’s work, we can leave a legacy of faith in our wake showing His greatness. 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 Dazzled By the Divine | Sara Wade | September 3, 2023
Have you ever wondered if the impossible is possible? Sometimes in our moments of desperation and pain, when we feel overwhelmed and have no idea what to do... we become open to God and seeing his handiwork. So much of what happens in our life is beyond our capacity, skill set, talents, gifts, intelligence, or strength. There is no way that either you or I could do or handle everything alone. We need someone to come alongside us and give us wisdom, someone to give us strength, someone to lead us and guide us, someone to help us do what seems to be impossible. This someone happens to be God. Matthew 17:18-20 says it like this... 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” The disciples of Jesus couldn't do what was asked of them. Jesus had trained, showed, and instructed them how to cast out demons. And yet they still couldn't do it. And I know what your thinking... Of course, they couldn't cast out demons...that's out of this world...that's impossible. Jesus, God, is asking humans to do only what God can do. And you would be right, except Jesus doesn't give them a pass. He calls them out for their little faith. They didn't believe that God could use them to do the impossible. They just needed an ounce of faith in God and God's plans to cast out the demons through them, but the disciples (the closest friends of Jesus) didn't even have that. Jesus wasn't upset that they didn't cast out the demons...he was upset because they didn't believe they could. They didn't trust God or believe that God would use them. They didn't trust that God, the creator of the universe, could cast out and destroy demons. How is the world supposed to believe and trust in God, if Jesus' own disciples are doubting the Almighty?!? Every day people are encountering situations where it seems impossible that any good could come out of the situation or that the situation could be resolved or that anything could be done. We feel overwhelmed, hopeless, lost, broken, empty, and afraid. But if we have even the smallest of faith. The faith of a mustard seed then we can move mountains the scriptures says. I don't know about you, but I am sure glad I don't have to face life alone. That I have a God who is there by my side, leading me, guiding me, and helping me to make the impossible possible. I can see a different path forward because of God. My future no longer looks dark but full of light. It doesn't mean it will be easy, it just means it's possible. And that possibility gives me hope of a brighter future. May you trust God, may you be dazzled by the divine, and may you know that the impossible is possible with God. ] 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 Transform For God | Alex Hardt | August 13, 2023
Pastor Alex began his message on Transformation by God by helping us to see who God really is. We know our finite minds cannot fully comprehend God, but He has given us reason and intellect to see that He is undeniably good. His attributes describe His character both the things we cannot obtain like His incommunicable attributes of omniscience, omnipresence, eternality, immutability and omnipotence. God also has communicable attributes like love, holiness, grace, peace, faithfulness, wisdom, and kindness. In these communicable attributes we cannot attain the fullness of His character but we can draw nearer and have those as part of our character too. It is like saying He wants us to be more and more like the character of Jesus, His Son. I was reading Psalm 89 this morning and came across these verses that seem to mirror what Alex was saying. Psalm 89:6-9, 14-15 For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? 7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. 8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. The psalmist was seeking to understand and praise Almighty God. God is above all and worthy of our praise and love. Once we grasp who God is, we see Him in stark contrast to the sin-filled world we live in. We see His motives, ways and actions are above this world and are pure and driven by his Omnibenevolent character. The world is motivated and driven by greed, hate, discrimination, hopelessness, division, and strife as a result of SIN. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they brought sin into a perfect world. Sin corrupts both man and the world in which he lives. Pastor Alex reminded us that when we identify with the world and let it dictate who we are and what we are doing, we buy into a destructive narrative that leads to death. We see the truth of Romans 3:23 in our own lives. “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” If we follow the world’s standards we fall short of what God has for us. We let sin invade and pervade our lives. If we turn to Him, we can see an end to the destructiveness of the world and its influences. Romans 6:23 reminds us of the joy of turning to God “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Christ is the answer and the way to God. Pastor Alex’s final point in our transformation to God was to receive the promises of God and to reorient ourselves to God and His plan. We know from 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 will never fully understand God but we can know His character and His promises. His promises are true and are tangible hope we can cling to as we seek to follow Him. He are a few life changing promises you can claim. The accessibility of God Almighty in my life: Psalm 86:5-7 “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.6 Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” The faithfulness of God in my life: Lamentations 3:21-23 “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And Matthew 11:28-30 ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Forgiveness of God towards me: 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” The Guidance of God in my life: 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.” The Hope God give into my life: Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. And 1 Peter 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. The Salvation God gives through my faith in Jesus: John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And Romans 10:9-10 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” The Love God inputs into my life for now and into eternity: 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.” Which promises of God will you claim today? Which will you use to reorient your life and your thinking towards God? God keeps His promises- ALL of THEM! Linda If you want to study more about living a life that is more and more like Jesus, try my devotional book “Strategic Living.” If you want to study more about specific promise try my devotional book “Promises for Dynamic Living.” I have copies of both or you can order them from Amazon or Certa Publishing. Both are topics I am passionate about. 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 Boasting About Tomorrow | Damon Hopkins | July 23, 2023
Damon was on fire for the Lord this week as he spoke from the heart about James 4. However, he set the stage by referring to our memory verse for this week, Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Everything is life hinges on our faith in Jesus. We can pray to Him, feel His Spirit within us testifying to Him, we can read His Word but we cannot see Him. And yet, knowing what we feel, read, hear and share with others about Him, we can be assured of the unseen. Living a life of faith as proclaimed in Romans 1:17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” And 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. “ This begs the question, are you waking by faith, trusting in the unseen God? Your proof of His existence should be your life. What miracles has He performed on your behalf? What relationships has He mended? In what ways has God provided for you? Start a blessing list today and watch it grow. It will be added proof of God in your life and your dependence upon Him! Damon then launched into James 4 and tackled the admonitions from James to put away fighting amongst ourselves. What motives did Damon mention that trouble you? You own desires, things you covet, pride, hatred… the list is long for all of us. However, as a Christian we do not need to settle for repeating these sins that cause strife among us. We can choose Jesus and His better way of living. Damon suggested this recipe for following and avoiding the pitfalls Satan wants us to drop into! Examine our own behavior. Seek to look at yourself honestly. Can’t see things- ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify areas you need to work on. The Apostle Paul struggled with this and relates in Romans 7:18-20 “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Pray. Confession is good for the soul and leads to renewed life. 1 John 1:9 is one of my favorite promises. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God promises to forgive and cleanse us of all we have done wrong- not just some but all. We get a new start with each confession. God promises to bury our sins in the depth of the sea (Micah 6:19) and they are behind His back (Isaiah 38:17). God puts them away and does not refer to them again. If you are troubled by a sin that you have asked forgiveness for- know that it is Satan that is causing you to remember not God. They are behind Him. Rebuke Satan and move forward knowing you are forgiven completely. Read the Word. Look into God’s Word to know Him better, know what he desires of you and how you are to live. Here are a few places to start in your search. Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapters 5-7 or the Upper Room discourse in John Chapters 14-17, some of the shorter letters of Paul- Philippians speaks of joy filled living and Galatians focuses on faith in Christ alone. Discuss with other believers your struggles, hopes, dreams, and desires so that together you may be grounded and established in Christ. Fellowship is essential to growth and confirmation of our faith. We are to build each other up in Christ. I love the words of Hebrews 10:23-25 “ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” As you read and meditate upon this 4th chapter of James this week, also look into your life and see if you are a ‘war’ or enmity with God over anything. Are you focusing more on worldly things versus spiritual goals and truths? Would you consider yourself double-minded? James tell us that the solution is to focus on Jesus. 7-8 “ 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.” Damon empathized God’s promise if we submit to God, resist Satan, draw near to God Then HE PROMISES to Come to You! You can count on it! Damon concluded with James’ admonition to not boast about tomorrow as we do not know what tomorrow holds. We only know for certain who holds our future, JESUS! God promises in Deuteronomy 31:6 about our future, “ 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.” We can count on Him! He is always with us! Linda SERMON LINK Click Here to View the Sermon 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 Trials and Temptations | Alex Hardt | July 1, 2023
What kind of appliance would you equate with life? A sieve, a blender, a mixer, a BBQ or a pressure cooker? I grew up with a working mom that used the pressure cooker to speed meals to the table. She found it a wonderful tool to get what she needed done quickly. Pastor Alex’s example of the way diamonds are formed reminded me of the pressure cooker. Life is like that- we’re in it and the product, meal, diamond, are not produced unless pressure is applied. God uses this same principle when working with our character as James reminds us in James 1:2-4 “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The pressures of life’s trials are used by God to produce steadfast, enduring character within us. As we walk with Christ, they cause us to grow more and more like Jesus. He did not crack under pressure regardless of the cost. God desires to build, create that same steadfast faithful character within us. This godly character will help us withstand even greater things in our future. This character will build and strengthen our faith and trust in God. What is it that is looming in your future that is causing you to doubt or be afraid? Are your bills to high, your job unsteady, or are your family relationships in trouble? Whatever the trials you are facing He is greater. 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” John 16:33 ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As Pastor Alex reminded us, the truth of God’s greatness and goodness needs to be applied to our lives in faith. With faith, even as small as a mustard seed, God can transform our lives and deliver us from fear! Trials and temptations are part of life and it is not if they will come to us but a matter of when. James reminds us that God is there for us and has His great wisdom available for us to use. James 1:5 “ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I take this to mean that God does not consider any question dumb or worthless. He is not going to think badly of us when we ask for wisdom or put us down for not knowing the answer or the way. He promises to not find fault in our asking and delights to give us His wisdom! When God gives, it is pressed down to overflowing, abundant wisdom that is practical and applicable to our lives! James 1:17 reminds us that God is unchanging. He will not change His mind or principles. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” We can count on God to remain steadfast. I love Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What comfort we have knowing our God is immutable generation to generation! The last verses of James 1 are rich in wisdom on how to live our lives in a godly way. He admonished us to watch how we interact with others. 19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” He reminds us to live clean lives and stay in God’s Word. 21 “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted can save you in you, which.” James wants us to look truthfully at ourselves and our walk with Jesus seeking to apply God’s Word to our lives. 25 “ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” Lastly he exhorts us to seek to live with pure faith and religion so that we may be victorious over the pressures of the world. 27 “ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” How will you deal with your pressures this week? Will you look to God and seek His wisdom and advice. Will you seek to apply His Word to your life and circumstances? This chapter is rich and has much to teach us about life, living and using God’s ways in the world. Will you seek to understand and apply the messages found in James 1? Linda SERMON LINK 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. Sermon Reflections from Addiction | Stevan Cox and Alex Hardt | June 25, 2023
Pastor Alex reminded us that addiction is a powerful tool that Satan uses to capture and ensnare our thoughts and lives. His good friend, Steve Cox, shared this truth from his own life and how he saw the consequences of sin play out in what happened to him. To begin, Pastor Alex shared the movie example from Stay Awake where the lives of those surrounding the addict mother were affected by her addiction. Even though the addict thinks they are only hurting themselves the repercussions of their actions reverberate around them as others seek to ‘make things better’ and enable them to continue with their addictive behaviors. Steve continued with his own story of redemption from addiction and evil life choices though the power of Christ in his life. His transformation was complete, whole and filled with restoration and hope. God is good and showed himself in Steve’s life in extraordinary ways. Praise God! As I reflected upon the power of God’s great love for Steve, I was drawn anew to the scripture passages each chose to rely upon. Steve choose 1 Corinthians 15:32-44. This passage speaks about the truth and reality of Christ’s resurrection. Without the power of the resurrection all would be lost. Without the healing power of Christ and what he did on the cross when He died and rose again, Steve, you and I would be desolate and lost without hope. Without the reality of Christ in our lives, it would simply be as verse 32b states, “If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” All our world would be temporal and of and for itself. With Christ in our lives, we gain hope, purpose, salvation, an eternal home and a relationship with God Almighty. Pastor Alex chose Matthew 5:12-12. In this portion of scripture Jesus is giving the Sermon on the Mount and gives a listing of the attitudes that Christ desires us to have in our lives. We will receive God’s blessings if we are sorry for our sins and mourn over what we have done. With a humble attitude we will be uplifted and filled with His purpose, righteousness, purity, peace and the power to sustain us during persecution. Once one turns to Christ, a life filled with blessings awaits. Repentance will begin the process towards all that Christ has for each of us. The power of God’s love and forgiveness is greater than any addiction and is strong enough to break the chains of sin that can bind us. Steve reminded us that addiction does not have to be about drugs and alcohol alone but can be anything that takes the place of the love in Christ in our lives. This is a sobering reminder to constantly examine our priorities and pray, pray, pray. I loved his main point saying, ‘Your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than you talk talks.’ Taking this apart, I see how you live your life- your daily actions speaks to others about who you are. Your words of course speak to who you are. The loudest witness to others is when our words and actions match and thereby speak in unity of Christ in all ways. God uses us to show Himself to those around us as others see and hear us. God desires that our lives are committed and aligned to Him. Micah 6:8 puts it this way, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Take some time this week to examine your walk, your words and ask yourself, how they are matching up? Do your words and actions align with God’s Word? If not, take time to pray and seek God’s help. Let Him direct you and point you in the way you should go! Linda SERMON LINK 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. Sermon Reflections from Are You There God | Alex Hardt | May 4, 2023
The topic of Pastor Alex’s sermon poses one of the most critical questions each of us faces in life- Who Am I? Then the follow-up question: why am I here? Once we know who we are then we can go about seeing why God created us at this time and in this place. Who am I is the question that has been asked by every generation. Since we believe that the answers to life’s questions are found in the Bible which is our guide, Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,” we can look to God’s Word for our answers. Pastor Alex said that it is not about what we have done or are doing in life but about what God has done that will help us see who we are. Here are a few things we know from scripture that tell us who we are that could not be accomplished by anything we can or will do. I am reconciled to God. Romans 5:10-11 “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” No way could we reconcile ourselves to perfect and holy God without His help. I am justified or declared not guilty. Romans 3:23-24 and Romans 5:1 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” and “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is no way we could declare ourselves not guilty of sin without God’s intervention through Christ Jesus. I am forgiven. Colossians 1:13-14 and Isaiah 38:17 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. and “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Never could we become forgiven by anything we said or did, only God can make us new and forgive our sins! Pastor Alex pointed out an important point about our identity in Christ that we are loved by God. We are his children and He is our heavenly Father. Here are a few things about God’s loving us that will warm your heart and cause you to be thankful. I am a child of God. John 1:12-13 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” Through our faith in Jesus we are ushered into God’s forever family and are adopted as His sons and daughters. I am loved by God. Jeremiah 31:3 and Ephesians 2:4-5 ““I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’ and “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.” We can love God but cannot make Him love us. He initiates the loving and loves us eternally. His love makes us alive in Him. Lastly, Pastor Alex reminded us that we are a gift because God created each of us for His purpose. Our memory verse for this week speaks to this fact in Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. We were not made at random but created by God as his handiwork. Other translations use the word masterpiece. He did not make a mistake when he made you! You can also take heart as you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 and Genesis 1:27 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” and “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” God took time and care creating each of us and we reflect or bear Him image. We are His masterpieces! This week take some time to reflect upon what you have in Christ and how it makes you, you! Each believer is unique in Christ and yet is to reflect the things given to us by and through Christ. As you meditate on Christ and what He has given you, God will give you clarity on who you are in Him and then will reveal what He has for you to do. In all things we are to glorify Him. Seek Him and He will show you how you are His masterpiece and what purposes He has for you! Linda Romans 15:5-6 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” SERMON LINK 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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