Advancing Word Podcast

In Jeremiah, Chapter 8, the prophet laments and mourns because of the plight of the covenant people of Israel.  Thousands were living in captivity in Babylon.  The prophet’s anguish is ultimately demonstrated by the questions he raises and not the declarations he makes.  Down through the centuries, priests, prophets, preachers and pastors are sought out for their answers to life's perplexing and troubling questions.  The reality is that we have questions too and more than often we must stand compassionately, yet silently with others who are trying to live with the questions that life inevitably brings.  This sermon offers help, hope and healing for those who are living with the questions!  

In Chapter Eleven, verse 6 of the Book of Hebrews, the biblical writer, with a pastor’s heart discusses the spiritual foundation of the Christian faith to those who may be considering returning to Judaism due to suffering and persecution. The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's faith and experiencing God's favor as demonstrated in Jesus Christ, presented in this book as a Superior Person, Superior Priest, and Superior Principle.  This message highlights how the requirement, relationship, and reward mentioned in this pivotal passage remain relevant to believers today.

In Joshua Chapter Fourteen, verses six through fifteen, Caleb, at the age of eighty-five years old, expresses his willingness and desire to go to battle as the Israelites solidified their gains in the new land of promise.  He was by all accounts, “a faithful man” because he was devoted, delivered and daring. Even in the seasoned sunset of his life, he was still looking for another opportunity to serve the Lord.   

Habakkuk whose name means “to embrace” or “cling to” was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and served during the difficult days that preceded the demise and destruction of the nation of Judah and the subsequent Babylonian Captivity.  Fear and uncertainty were rampant!  So many people were living lives of quiet desperation.  It is not unlike the times in which we live.  Uniquely, Habakkuk did not confront the people but CONFRONTED GOD as he wrestled with the problems of sin, evil and suffering around him.  God’s final word to him and to us was “the just shall live by faith” (2:4).  This message challenges us to have “the faith that holds on when life holds out”.

We are bombarded daily with choices and risk becoming increasingly preoccupied and self-absorbed.  The Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten introduces us to two extraordinary women who invited Jesus into their home.  On this occasion, Martha was too busy to be blessed.  On the other hand, her sister Mary ends the evening sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to the Word.  While Martha was pulled and pressured by her work and the immediate needs of the moment, Mary withdraws from what she was doing and sits quietly at the feet of Jesus and listens to His teaching.  She overcame the “attraction of distraction” and so can you!  This message tells us how.  

His life threatened, his kingdom in turmoil, in Psalm Twenty-Seven, David sought God's presence.  In his distress, he wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord".  In this place, he experienced a perfect getaway.  We can too!  

This segment explores Psalm 78, examining the storied history of Israel and the profound question posed in stanza 19 of the psalm, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" This question, fueled by doubt and skepticism, challenges God's ability to provide for and protect His covenant people.  Today’s message offers a compelling and timeless response to the question, a resounding "Yes!" Listen and discover how God alone can transform difficult deserts into delightful diners, proving His unwavering provision and care.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten, verses 25-37, while teaching, Jesus was challenged by an expert in Jewish law.  His primary motivation was to justify himself and indulge his own sense of self-righteousness.  Jesus responds to this man’s errant theological speculation by sharing a story that was designed to move him and us from law to love, from saying to serving and from religion to relationship.  What begins with a question in the text ends with a challenge to every child of God to be "like a good neighbor.”   

Do you ever feel like you are backed up against a wall?  In 2 Kings Chapter 20, verses 1-11, King Hezekiah did!  He faced a problem that seemed as large and looming as the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea which spans 133,000 square miles and can be seen from outer space.  Yet, with fervent faith and powerful prayer, he was able to transcend the disabling weight of his own mortality. You and I can too if we have “barrier belief.”

In Psalm 55, stanza 22, after lamenting the disappointment that had resulted from the betrayal of a close friend, David expressed his unconditional faith in God who redeems.  This sermon navigates the fertile ground between our problems and God’s promises.  It resonates with the marvelous possibility and hope that whatever we are facing in life, whatever our struggles, we are not alone.  God is ever-present to help us and hold us.