Sermon Reflections from A Temple For All | Alex Hardt & Bob Kilpatrick | February 26, 2023
 
Have you ever asked yourself, why did God provide His indwelling Holy Spirit after I became a believer?   Why did He want to become a part of me and stay with me?  I think the answer is found in His LOVE.  It is so beyond our imagining that God would love me that much that He would desire to stay with me 24/7.   In Old Testament times, before Christ came, God promised to be with the believers.  Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “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.”  Today, since Jesus came, we have His Spirit living within us. 2 Timothy 1:14 tells us to, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 

So where does God live within us?  According to our scripture this week from 1 Corinthians 3:16 “ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”   Our bodies hold his spirit once we become believers.  What does this do for you and me?  Pastor Alex reminded us of many benefits of this indwelling.  First, we can be healed from the wounds we receive in life.  Be they self-inflicted or received from the trials and tribulations of living in a broken world.  God delights in healing our wounds and binding us up.  Psalm 147:3 reminds us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  God is accessible 24/7 to heal your spirit and repair your brokenness.  Jesus told us that the hope the  Holy Spirit brings would be given to us.  “ 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”. Romans 5:5  With the Holy Spirit within us we can always have access to His healing hope for our lives.

The second point Pastor Alex made was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe.  The Holy Spirit is our advocate and helps teach and remind us of all things about God.  John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  The Holy Spirit is not selective, he provides growth, help, knowledge and assurance of salvation to all who believe.  His indwelling is for everyone! 

Lastly, Pastor Alex wanted to assure us that being indwelt by the Holy Spirit provides a refuge for the world weary believer.  He promises to seal us eternally in Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,.”  We can depend upon Him and know that He will keep us secure.

Reflecting on Pastor Alex’s message fills me with renewed hope.  God’s indwelling Holy Spirit within our earthly bodies is His temple here on earth.  We have part of Holy God living within us and His power will help to keep us from sinning.  He will help us to grow deeper in the knowledge of Him.  He will help us to  live a godly life that will glorify Him.  His temple for us is a safe haven that is with us 24/7 from now until eternity when we will be with Him.  Praise God for His provision of His Holy Spirit!

Linda

SERMON LINK
The Unknown Love | A Temple For All
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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.   

Sermon Reflections from A Safehouse for the Unforgiven | Damon Hopkins | February 19, 2023
 
We had the privilege of having Damon Hopkins share with us again this Sunday.  His message of hope and redemption in Christ was like a balm to our souls.  Our passage was Psalm 91 where God speaks of His deep love, and the openness of His arms and heart towards all who look to Him. Damon used the character of Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany as examples of how God is a Safe House to all who come to Him be they forgiven or unforgiven.  God has it for all of us.
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Here is the passage in The Message translation, which is a paraphrased translation.  It gives new perspective to this beloved psalm.  Verses 1-13 show God’s deep love for us and the extension of His arms all around us.
1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”                                  You are safe in Him!
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you--
    under them you’re perfectly safe;                     You are protected from
    his arms fend off all harm.                                  the surrounding world.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,                                 He is your refuge.
    the High God your very own home,                         Your home is in Him.
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels                                  He has angels to guard you at
    to guard you wherever you go.                       all times.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.         He will catch you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, You can walk unharmed
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.          with Him.
 
Which of these images speaks to you?  Mary Magdalene is an example of one caught in sin who turned to see Jesus.  She was caught by the deep abiding love of Jesus and redeemed from the pit of her sin.   She turned to Jesus as her refuge, hope and protector.  What about you?  Do you turn to God and depend upon His deep love? Do you trust Him to be with you always, never leaving or forsaking you? She did.  God’s promises of protection, hope, refuge are for all those who seek His forgiveness.  He is a safe house for all- those who are unforgiven who first seek Him for salvation and for those who are believers who turn to Him with humble and repentant hearts.  
 
Our second Mary, Mary of Bethany who was the sister of Lazarus and Martha, believed in Jesus. She looked to Him as her savior.  She had experienced his salvation of her brother Lazarus when Jesus resurrected him from the dead.  Mary wanted nothing more than to sit at Jesus’ feet and soak it all in- his love, his knowledge and his hope of life.  She showed her great love for Jesus by washing his feet and anointing him with expensive perfume.  How do you express your great love and devotion for God?  What do you bring to Him as an offering of love?  He is waiting with arms wide open to embrace you fully with His love.
 
The last portion of this Psalm shows us our God with arms wide open to receive our humble hearts.
 
14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,                     
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care                                  
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!”
 
I am amazed by the promises of God contained in these verses.  He says if we will hold on to Him, get to know and trust Him then our rewards will be amazing!  He will get us out of trouble, care for us, rescues us, throw us a party i.e. rejoice with us, give us long life and salvation!  Wow!  What a God we serve.   How do we access all of this deep love and comfort in His arms?   Look again at verses 1-2, our memory verse in the NIV, Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
 
All it takes to receive all of God’s love and protection is to dwell the shelter He alone can provide; then He will be our refuge and fortress.  I like to think of dwelling in His shelter as living in obedience to His Word, claiming daily Jesus’ forgiveness and hope in my life, fellowshipping with other believers and relaxing in His loving presence. 

May you experience His deep love this week as you snuggle into the warmth and depth of His loving arms!
Linda

SERMON LINK
The Unknown Love | A Safehouse for the Unforgiven
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Sermon series, "The Unknown Love " Today Damon Hopkins share How Christ offers Forgiveness
​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.   

Sermon Reflections from A Lighthouse for the Wounded and Weak | Stephanie Murphy | February 12, 2023
We had the privilege of hearing from Stephanie Murphy this Sunday.  She challenged us to look at a familiar passage in Luke 19:1-10 in a new and different way.  Knowing that Jesus is the ultimate Spiritual Director for our lives and uses the Holy Spirit to guide us as we read His Word, we need to look deeper to see what Jesus has for us. 

The story begins with Zacchaeus being vertically challenged as he sought to climb a nearby tree to see Jesus as he passed by.  He knew he could not push his way through the crowd as no one wanted a Jewish tax collector standing anywhere near them.  They were despised and seen as ‘thieves’ and traitors as they worked for the Roman government for their own financially good.  Jesus knew where Zacchaeus was and what he needed.  God always knows as He is omniscient and sees our every need.  Not only does he see us but he knows exactly what we need.  He knew Zacchaeus needed to be with him and be confronted about his lifestyle so He called to him to come down.  Zacchaeus responded to Jesus’ call. Jesus’ call is one with a promise like in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  And Luke 6:47 “As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.”  Because He sees us, He calls us with purpose that is filled with His love and grace.

When Jesus called Zacchaeus to come down, he spoke with him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home for dinner. He wanted to build a relationship with him and get to know him on a personal level.  This invitation caused Zacchaeus to be aware of his sin and seek Jesus’ forgiveness.  Meeting Jesus always causes us to confront our sins.  Zacchaeus knew immediately that his money practices were not right and proclaimed he would change them ASAP. James 4:17 reminds us that “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”   Zacchaeus knew that what he was doing was wrong and meeting Jesus personally caused him to be confronted with his own sins and repent.   Likewise the Samaritan woman who Jesus met by the well, desired the living water he offered.  He confronted her about her 5 husbands and she saw immediately that he was a prophet.  She asked further in Luke 4:25-26  “ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”   Jesus will meet each of us personally just like he did Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman.  He will reveal our sin and lead us to repentance if we are willing. 

When Jesus meets us, he transforms our lives like he did Zacchaeus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes this change the Holy Spirit brings within us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  Zacchaeus was a new man! He was transformed by his Savior and freed from the guilt and sin that shackled his life. He knew he was forgiven when Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house!” Luke 19:9  

What about you? Are you listening for His call? God’s word promises we will hear his voice and know it. John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” 
Are you seeking a relationship with Him? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  What is on your to do list? Are you looking for a good Bible study so you can get into His Word and discover more clearly who Jesus is?  Do you pray and seek his guidance and connection daily? Do you worship regularly and surround yourselves with other believers to talk about God and what He is doing in your lives?  All these are things seekers do to encounter and stay connected to Jesus.

Do you know the freedom from sin that Jesus brings?  In 2 Corinthians 7:10 Paul puts it this way,” Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”   Take a look at your repentance. Is it godly and based upon His holiness or are you just trying to compare yourself to the world and be good enough?  Godly repentance is complete and leaves you free as Jesus intends.  I love John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!”

Thanks Stephanie for challenging us to engage our emotions and feelings as we look to scripture and see what God would have us do in response to Him. Jesus desires to lead and direct us on the pathway of our lives that would be for His glory and our good.
Linda
 
SERMON LINK
The Unknown Love | A Lighthouse for the Wandering and the Lost
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Sermon series, "The Unknown Love " Today Stephanie Murphy share how to Christ is directs us to God
​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.   

Sermon Reflections from A Hospital for the Wounded and Weak | Alex Hardt | February 5, 2023

In Sunday’s message, Pastor Alex focused on the who Jesus came for and why he came. The passage in Luke 5:27-32 opens with Levi being confronted with Jesus and responding to his invitational command to ‘follow me’. When did you receive Jesus’ invitation to follow him?  If you know him as Savior, at some point you decided to follow Jesus.  Many who have known Jesus for a long time, since childhood, have difficulty pointing to an exact time when they decided. However, if you see the fruit of your decision – the desire to learn more about Him, to tell others about Him and Serve Him, then don’t let the timing bother you.  Have you considered why you said yes?  Was it an emotional response to a call from a pastor, was it during a bible study or was it from seeing God’s grandeur in nature?  God can and does use all of these situations to lead us into the realization that we need Him!  The realization that we are sinful and cannot be holy through any efforts of our own comes from Him.  We can never be good enough in and of ourselves.  When Jesus calls us and we realize that He is connecting with our heart, mind and soul, then we respond with a resounding YES!  Our hearts connect with His love and tenderness, and we encounter His lasting forgiveness.  When this happened to Levi, he dropped everything, left his corrupt lifestyle and stepped out in faith to follow Jesus.  Levi was undesirable and looked down upon by both Romans and Jews.  Yet, Jesus singled him out and called him.  The definition of grace is the undeserved favor of God.  Levi had not earned God’s favor in any way and yet, Jesus chose him.  Each of us who responds to Jesus are sinners undeserving of God’s love and forgiveness, and yet, like Levi, God calls us to himself.  I love Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We see in our passage Levi’s response to God’s grace was to drop everything and follow him.  That is how it has to be, drop everything and follow Him. He is worthy of all our praise and love and is more valuable than anything or anyone.  What do you need to drop this week in pursuit of Jesus?  Where can you make time for prayer, study of His Word or fellowship with other believers? 
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We see from the passage that Levi wanted to tell everyone about his new found love for Jesus.  He hosted a large dinner party at his home. It is significant that he did not try to do this secretly but openly invited all those he knew.  The Pharisees who criticized the disciples of Jesus about why they would lower themselves to associate with tax collectors and sinners were probably not coming inside to eat with them.  They would not have wanted to be defiled by eating in their presence.  They would have stood outside the home and spoke with the attendees from outside.   In Luke 5:31-32 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,”  Jesus was not suggesting that the Pharisee’s were healthy in their faith but that those who realize they need a doctor, someone to save and cleanse them, are the ones Jesus came for.  Following Jesus requires a repentant open heart. Levi had been open and recognized his sinful nature and became a follower of Jesus.  The result was a change of heart, mind and body towards his whole world.  2 Corinthians 5:17 describes this change succinctly, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  Doesn’t that sound like what happened to Levi?   Peter writes and gives us the why of this miraculous transformation in 1 Peter 1:3 “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.”    Knowing and following Christ changes us because we have new hope, a new life and a new forgiven perspective in Jesus!  Praise God!

Pastor’s last point was that Levi experienced joy in this new found life with Jesus. Likewise, we find Joy in Jesus. Sometimes this is not easy as we have many things in the world that would seek to rob us of this joy.  Difficult circumstances, hardships, painful relationships, death of loved ones, sickness…., the world is filled with things that would love to take away our joy.  Satan works overtime to defeat our joy filled walk with Christ.  He cannot take away our salvation but he can destroy our witness and rob us of joy.  To counteract this, one must put things aside, and immediately follow Jesus.  Focus upon Him and the provision he provides for us spiritually (indwelling of the Holy Spirit), emotionally (a home in heaven, salvation assurance, hope) and physically (casting away our sins, providing for us in so many ways).  Scripture is filled with verses that seek to uplift and remind us of who God is and how much He loves and cares for us.  Here are a couple of my favorites: 

Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”  Nehemiah 8:10b “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”   Regardless of your circumstances is your attitude like Habakkuk’s in

Habakkuk 3:18?  “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

When we choose to follow Jesus, joy comes and we need to learn to be open to it, accept it whenever and however it appears with gratitude and grace, knowing it is from Jesus!  Levi did and he was mightily blessed and blessed those around him.  He continues to bless us as we read his story and share in his joy.

Know that just like Levi, Jesus came for you and me and died to bring us into His forever family. We now have a new life, a new perspective and a new hope in Jesus.  Following Him brings it to us with joy an abundance! Praise God!
Linda
 
 SERMON LINK
The Unknown Love | A Hospital For the Wounded and Weak
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Sermon series, "The Unknown Love " Today Alex Hardt share how to Christ is A Hospital For the Wounded and Weak

​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.