July 31, 2022 . . .

(NOTE: We would like to thank Brother Dewayne Daugherty as our guest pastor for today’s Homecoming sermon)

“The Forgiveness of the Father” or “A Look at the Father’s Perspective of the Prodigal Son”

Luke 15:11-24 gives us the well-known story of a younger son who probably felt that living in his older brother’s shadow was getting old, so he asked the father for his inheritance so he could strike out on his own. The loving father was willing to give his child whatever he wanted even though he knew that it might not be what was best for him. When things went bad for the young man, he knew that his father would at least treat him better than the world had. He remembered his father’s compassion for his servants and that he would gladly live at least as good as they did. Meekly returning home, the young man was welcomed with open arms, a robe, a ring, and the best food. The son was lost and was found. Forgiveness and rejoicing were abundant. When Jesus told this parable, he wanted to convey to His followers that God, our Father, is the same. We so often fall short of what He wants for us, knowing that, when we strike out on our own, we will likely make many mistakes. But He always wants what is best for us and takes us back with joy. Our Father in heaven loves us and always accepts us back. Coming home to our Lord is a true homecoming worth celebrating!

July 24, 2022 . . .

In John 9:1-12, we read about the time that Jesus gave sight to the man who was blind from birth and could only survive as a beggar. As Jesus passed by this man, the disciples asked him whose sin caused this man to be blind. The answer the Lord gave contradicted the thinking of the time. Jesus told them that this man’s blindness was not from someone’s sin but was from God so that His work should be made manifest in this man. It may seem strange sometimes, but everything happens as a plan of God. God is sovereign. As it says in Romans 8:28 “…all things work together for good to them that love God…”. Through the act of restoring this man’s sight, Jesus introduces him to a new birth. Jesus came so that all of us may receive a new birth through Him. This can be hard to explain to others. It’s like the wind blowing; it can change directions in a moment. When you are born again and give your life to Jesus, you act differently. How does this apply to us in 2022? We are often blind to our sin and that of others. We have work to do while we are here on Earth as we head toward eternity. There is a way to a beautiful hereafter. Trust Jesus. He paid the price for your sin and for mine. Praise God!!

July 17, 2022 . . .

I Peter 1:17-21 We continue with the first letter of Peter to the scattered Christians who were seeking safety from persecution. They needed to be reminded of where they must place their hope and that their special relationship with God, as believers of the resurrection, defines what type of life they should try to maintain. Don’t we all need that type of encouragement in our walk with Jesus Christ? As Christians, we have been called to walk, talk, and live differently. Verse 15 reminds us that as God is holy, He has called us to be holy. It involves our minds, actions, and our work as we journey through this life awaiting God’s coming impartial judgement. We must realize how precious our redemption is and how it was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. It is the blood of Jesus that saves you, changes you, and transforms you. Nothing else can save you. God’s gift of the blood of Jesus Christ and the resurrection changes our destiny. It gives hope where there was none. Living the Christian life is not an easy road to travel, but it’s worth it. Where does your hope rest?

July 10, 2022 . . . .

I Peter 1:13-16 Read these verses and then consider this . . . Wherever your mind is, your actions will follow. A Christian life is full of movement. God is always leading us on a journey and while there are mountains and valleys along the way, we are kept by the power of God. There are 5 principles that can help you through this journey. 1) Get your mind ready for action. God wants you to grow and become more like Jesus. Peter tells us, “gird up your mind” and be ready to perform the actions that will deliver you to God. 2) Think clearly. Be sober and have clear balanced judgment not clouded by muddy waters. 3) Keep your hope fully on the front burner (what God wants). Be careful of competing loyalties. Fix your hope on the right thing. 4) Resist your former lifestyle. As you are born again, put on a new lifestyle. The old lifestyle is futile. God has called us to a new lifestyle. 5) Be holy…because God is holy. Be more like Jesus in every way. Holiness is the only acceptable goal of the believer. Be prepared to fight the battle between a holy lifestyle and a carnal lifestyle. Submit your will to God’s will. Where is your mind today?

June 26, 2022 . . .

I Peter 1:8-12 . . . Living in a non-Christ-like world is challenging. When a Christ-follower is praying or seeking comfort in troubled times, they say the words, “In the name of Jesus Christ,” who is our symbol of God’s love. Love has always been a great focus in a Christian’s faith. Many people ask, “How can you love someone you have never seen?” (Verse 8) Remember, we have been selected by God, we are passing through this life on our way to our eternal heavenly home, and we are providing witness to lead others to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. But what does love look like? This love of Jesus is an increasing love, a securing love, a rejoicing love, a glorifying love, and a persevering love. We have not seen Jesus, but we believe that our salvation is secured through his love for us. The prophets Isaiah, Micah, and Daniel (Verse 10) wrote about “this salvation”. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies. God’s love, grace, and mercy is why He sent Jesus . . . sent for the salvation of all humankind. Even the angels wonder about this amazing love (Verse 12). Do you seek joy in times of suffering? There is a name that means “LOVE” and it will give you peace. Come to Jesus!

June 19, 2022 . . .

Happy Father’s Day, Fellas! What can a man do to assure that his home is worthy of God’s blessings? If we take a close look at Psalms Chapters 127 and 128, we can find some helpful words that can guide us in this endeavor. And, this message is as important for women as it is for men. The Bible is full of noteworthy help for how to create a family life that follows God’s plan. Even in Genesis 2:21-24, we find that God created the first family, Adam and Eve, and that’s how He meant it to be. Noah had his instructions from God that did not follow the culture of his day. But God had a plan. Do we focus more on our cultural expectations or do we focus on God’s expectations? It is easy to fall into the habit of living like everyone else, always too busy with our own work or play to focus on our family. I hope that my message today will renew your fatherhood into one that will be blessed by God. Our children are a heritage and a blessing.   If we provide them with an example of what God has planned for us, they are like the “arrows in our quiver” against Satan. Let God build your home and He will guard your home. Fear God and walk in His ways and pray that your children will follow.  What more could any father ask for?

June 12, 2022 . . .

Who am I? Where am I going?  What is my purpose?  We dig a little deeper into I Peter 1:1-7 and the message that Peter gives to the early Christian pilgrims who had been scattered by God to preach the Gospel in the land that is now modern-day Turkey. He helps them know who they are. They were chosen, just as we are today. Just as it was for them, the Holy Spirit is here to help us be obedient and to lead us to the blood of Jesus, giving us new life; a new birth.  We are blood bought children of God. Our inheritance is Heaven. God has given us this incorruptible undefiled inheritance pure and clean because He loves us and mercifully sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us. We are passing through this world to our eternal heavenly home. Even though we go through difficult times for a while, we can rejoice because God has given us a way to get there through faith. . . a faith much more precious than gold. Grief is real and trials are real, but troubles strengthen your faith and give witness to Jesus Christ. We live for a purpose. And that purpose is to witness to Jesus and lead others to God. Amen!

June 5, 2022 . . .

Who am I?  Where am I going?  What is my purpose?  These are three questions that are explored in the first letter of Peter.  Read I Peter 1:1-12 where we see how we can begin to understand the answer to these questions. In this often ungodly world where we live, Peter reminds us that we are chosen by God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and brought into His inheritance through the cleansing blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are like foreigners in today’s world and are sent into the world to take the Word to others. That does not make us perfect. We sometimes fall into worldly habits and God asks us, “What are you doing and why are you doing that?” The ways we act, think, speak, and dress may not always reflect our Christian values. Your life is an example of God’s love. Whose light do others see shining through you? We are saved because of God’s mercy. We are called to make disciples of all those we meet. And, as my grandfather taught me when I was just a boy . . . Justice is getting what you deserve, Mercy is not getting what you deserve, but Grace is a blessing of getting what you don’t deserve. We are saved by a loving Father God whose mercy and grace are always there and who is waiting for us to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Praise God!!

May 22, 2022 . . .

Revisiting Hebrews 11:8-19, we continue to look at how we can build a life of faith. Remember that God promised Abraham many blessings and, through his faith and obedience, Abraham received the blessings. God speaks to us through the Bible. It is our job to listen and obey when we are called. Have you been too busy to hear? Whether you fully understand the what or why of it, if you are having a faith problem then you are probably having an obedience problem. We all have flawed priorities and usually are too attached to this world. Abraham knew this world was not his home and that he was just passing through. He obeyed God.  We often have struggles, trials, and temptations. And yes, our faith sometimes lapses. But God kept His promises to Abraham and He will keep them with you. Don’t look back to what you thought was good at one time, but look forward to the blessings that God has in store for you. It’s never too late . . . don’t wait! It begins with a step of Faith. Obey God’s call TODAY!

May 15, 2022 . . .

What is the type of soil in which your faith has been planted? In the parable that Jesus taught, there were 4 types of soil, but only 1 of those 3 was able to sustain true growth. That means 75% of what we think is creating growth of our faith is not. In Hebrews 11:8-19 we are reminded of the importance of true faith and find the first of 6 building blocks for faith. As you read these verses, ponder what they are saying to you. Romans 4:11 reminds us that Abraham is the father of those that believe, whether Jew or Gentile. God spoke to Abram, Genesis 12:1-3, and in hearing God’s promises, at the age of 75, Abram followed His command by faith. Are we so busy with our own things in life that we do not hear God’s call? Are we listening?  In the Old Testament God spoke directly to people through various ways. In the New Testament, we hear God’s voice through that of Jesus Christ, Hebrews 1:1-2.  We go to the Bible to hear God’s voice and it is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ, I Corinthians 2:10-16. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. We don’t “hear” God because we are distracted by other “sounds”.  Living by faith is a lifestyle . . . LIFE is our classroom, our teacher, our experiences. The BIBLE is our textbook.  Make an appointment with God to hear what He has to say to you . . . read your Bible and “listen” to God.