First Presbyterian Church of Evanston Sermon of the Week

Paul tells believers that their attitude should be the same as that of Christ, who made himself nothing and adopted the role of a humble, suffering, servant. What implications might this have for us? What does the cross achieve? Why does it occupy so central a place in the minds of the New Testament writers?

The word fellowship has been debased to coffee and cookies. Paul helps the church understand that Christian fellowship is really partnership in the gospel. In other words, the church was encouraged to commit themselves to do everything in their power to advance the gospel. They did this through their prayers, their money, and their witness.

On this Sunday where the Lord’s Supper is celebrated, we have the opportunity to reflect on the tangible love Christ demonstrated for all--even his enemies. How might his love teach us how to love one another?

John reminds the church that failure to see one’s own sin is the height of self-deception. This failure is often called a blind spot--the inability to see oneself, while at the same time having perfect line of sight on the weaknesses and flaws of others. A healthy sense of self involves looking into the mirror.

Before any healthy relation is possible, one needs to have a healthy relationship with creator God. The 16th century reformer, John Calvin was correct when he said, "it is evident that man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself."

Our faces are different but we each carry the redemptive mark of Jesus.
The church in Jerusalem started with a multiracial, multilingual identity. They were not bound together by race, language or gender. The message of Jesus and the power of his Spirit transcended their racial or ethnic origins. In keeping with MLK’s birthday and his vision of a Beloved Community, we will celebrate Christ as the center of our fellowship.

Like playing golf or learning to play an instrument, learning Christ involves practicing what we learning. Peter used the basic plot line of Jesus’ life to explain how the lives of those who believe in Jesus are shaped for faithful witness.

Joseph gives all of us a lesson in learning how to travel by God Provided Signs (GPS).

Isaiah’s meeting with Ahaz should have encouraged his faith in Yahweh to deliver Judah from its present predicament. Instead, Ahaz discounts the reassurance Yahweh offers, and compounds his sin by refusing a divine sign.

As part of our annual Lessons and Carols service, Rev. Hylton discusses the season’s majesty and mystery.