LCC Sunday Messages

Ever failed at anything? Ever wish you had another chance to do something over? Maybe you wish you had another chance at a job, or an important test, or in a relationship. Maybe you wish you could take back something you said or something you did, a choice you made that you wish you hadn’t, a decision that you’ve come to regret. Ever failed God? Ever wish you could have a “do-over” with Him?

No doubt each of us has wished for and prayed for a second chance. This morning, we’re going to take a look at a disciple who was given a second chance and what this means for us.

Life is full of decisions. In today’s culture we are bombarded every waking hour with a myriad of choices. Some are innocuous enough; paper or plastic? Coke or Pepsi? Other choices, however are life changing. Eternity hangs in the balance.

How we choose to respond to Jesus is the most critical decision we will ever make. This Easter we are reminded of all He did for us. Because of His great love, Jesus endured the torture and mocking of the authorities and crowd, a crown of thorns upon His head. He willingly offered His life, allowing himself to be nailed to a cross, to become the once for all sacrifice for sins. And when all seemed lost, He rose again victorious trampling over death as the King of Kings! He is the one and only living savior, the mediator between humanity and God. He is the One! How then will we respond to Jesus? Will we choose the One who makes all the difference?

Buzzer beaters. Walk off homers. Hail Mary touchdowns. The last second goal. Few things are more exciting in sports. Fans leap to their feet and cheer wildly. 2,000 years ago another group of fans cheered for the entrance of their long awaited messiah. Yet, in short order some who had cheered him were calling for His death. Christ wasn't meeting their expectations. They loved the idea of a Savior, but on their terms. Today, we will discuss the events of Christ's Triumphal Entry and see the importance of hailing him as King everyday.

Charles Shultz’s Charlie Brown once said that he had developed a new philosophy: to only dread one day at a time. So, what’s bugging you? What have you been dreading or worrying about? According to Jesus, we should not be troubled about anything. Instead, He directs us to focus our attention in a different direction, on Him.

What matters most to God, what we are doing, or who we are becoming?

Jesus had some pretty strong words for those more interested in performing acts that made them look good than what was happening in their hearts.

Valentine's Day, President's Day weekend, and Chilli Church. Wow! Chilli Church or Chilly Church? It's cold out there today! Well, we can warm up at lunch with some delicious chili. Speaking of chili, one of the unfortunate side effects of eating chili for some is the inevitable heartburn. But did you know there is a good kind of heartburn? Seriously. Today, we will look at the love and passion that our hearts should burn for...a passion for Jesus!

Temptation, trials, and testing. Nobody likes to go through it. Yet, God has given us everything we need by His Son to live as an overcomer! Today as we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, we will learn how to conquer temptation, and how to overcome in the midst of any trial or testing.

This morning, we are blessed to have Matt and Elizabeth Van Wart and their family with us. Matt, a registered nurse employed at Calvert Memorial Hospital, will be sharing with us about his and Elizabeth’s calling to serve as medical missionaries in the east African country of Uganda.

Forgiveness. We all need it. Yet, have you ever found it hard to forgive? Although retaliation may sometimes seem easier, Jesus teaches that our demonstrating forgiveness to others when they need it is essential if we hope to receive it from God when we need it. This morning, we’ll be taking a closer look at what it is, and what it’s not, and what it looks like in action. We’ll also be tackling some hard questions about forgiveness such as: How can I forgive when I’m still angry and don’t feel like forgiving? If I’m having a hard time forgetting the hurt, does this mean I’ve never really forgiven? And what happens if I just don’t want to forgive?

Did you know that you are created in the image of God? We were created to resemble God. Yet I think we’d have to say that there are plenty of times we don’t feel or act very godly--especially when we’ve spoken hatefully, acted selfishly, or have been the recipient of either. Thankfully, we can ask God to forgive us when we sin. However, Jesus also teaches us that what we freely receive from God is to be passed on to others, and sometimes this is easier said than done.