Psalm 23

As we look at the 23rd Psalm, we are reminded that God is a loving Shepherd, who cares for each of his sheep. We can be assured that He is always leading us to places that meet our needs. No matter the valleys we may face, He is there to strengthen and restore us. We need not fear the future. We can trust His loving heart.

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1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Christianity is a Good News faith. God has not abandoned us, but offers us new life through Christ. In this 1 Corinthians passage, Paul defines the Good News of Jesus's life, death, burial and resurrection. We need to live out that new life daily. Two testimonies were shared before and after this brief sermon, and 8 individuals declared their faith publicly in the time of water baptism later in the service.

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Ephesians 4:1-6

The early Church began with Jewish believers in the Messiah. The book of Acts recounts how the Gospel then spread throughout the Gentile world. As the Church became more diverse, Peter, Paul, and others wrote letters to various churches, to help them deal with some of the issues that arose between various cultures. It was made clear that all should humble themselves and seek unity. There is one Body of Christ.

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Psalm 78:1-8

As we continue to focus on our priorities for 2024, we address the challenge of passing down our faith to future generations. Are we spiritually fathering or mothering children and new believers? Are we raising up a new generation of leaders? We have a responsibility to share our faith journey with others, to encourage them and to build upon the foundations  of Christ's Kingdom.

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Matthew 9:37-38

As we begin a short series entitled "In Focus", we look at the exhortation of Jesus to pray for laborers to harvest souls. Our responsibility today is to not just pray for laborers, but to become them. Harvesting also involves planting, watering, etc. Each of us should seek to serve in some capacity, both in our personal lives and in the life of the local church.

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Luke 15:11-24

As we look further at the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we see someone who had all he would need in life, but chose to walk away, drawn by the temptations of the world. He could have stopped and returned at any time, but kept getting further into depths of despair, before humbling himself and returning to a forgiving father. May we not find ourselves backsliding and drifting further from our Heavenly Father. Stand firm in His amazing grace.

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Luke 15:11-32

As we study the Parable of the Lost Son, we see lessons that relate to resurrection. The father rejoices when his son returns, for "he was dead, but now is alive". However, the elder son was bitter, having been faithful to his duties. The message of resurrection joy is available to wayward sons, and also to religious ones.

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Matthew 21:1-17

As we review the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, we see that the priorities in his spiritual Kingdom were different than what was expected for a physical kingdom. He came in humility, then declared the importance of prayer. He made it clear that it was for all people, then proceeded to minister to those in need.

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Hebrews 13

This chapter offers a rich tapestry of theological truths and practical exhortations that are essential for the Christian journey. From calls to enduring faithfulness and hospitality, to reminders to remember the persecuted and honor spiritual leadership, Hebrews challenges us to live lives marked by love, gratitude, and sacrificial worship. 

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Hebrews 12:14-29

The scripture declares that God is a consuming fire. Not only does this refer to the judgement upon Christ's return, but also to the reality that He burns through the dross in our life, and brings transformation, purification and empowerment. The call to holiness involves finding the very life that God has for us.