Rivercrest Presbyterian Church - Sermons

As Jesus heads towards Jerusalem, He is met by ten lepers. Leprosy is a struggle as it removed people from society, made them outcasts and unclean, and separated them from their families. Their hope was in Jesus alone, so they ask Him for healing. Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, a bold act, and they are cleansed as they go. One of the ten turns back, kneels before Jesus, and gives thanks. This is the posture of believers saved by grace, not from worldly problems, but sinful soul issues.

The spiritual entitlement of the rich man in the parable comes from pride, produces indifference, and leads to torment. Yet Jesus teaches this parable with the rich man in contrast to a man named Lazarus, someone polar opposite to the rich man. The entitlement and prideful life has no place in the kingdom of God, and by His grace He reverses our sinful heart to one of humility and gratitude.

In a parable often misunderstood, Jesus teaches about eternal perspective, priority, and purpose. Christians are to be clever stewards of worldly possessions for the glory and kingdom of God, serving Him only. 

To describe God's nature, character, and essence Jesus teaches in parables of lost things. The care of God is so great and so complete towards wandering and lost people, for He will seek them, find them, and rejoice over bringing them back to Himself. God will do this for all of His elect, not letting any fall away. And this is all by grace, therefore, we are to be a rejoicing church in His rejoicing kingdom over His wonderful salvation.

Jesus is invited to a meal with Pharisees and challenges them as they watch Him closely. He heals on the Sabbath, knowing that it would stir controversy, to show love, care, and humility. Christians are to serve those in need, the poor, the lame, the blind in order to be blessed. As we belong to God, may our lives be a reversal of worldly pursuits and accolades, but of selfless acts of faith.

God takes sin seriously. Because sin is injustice against God, He must uphold justice by punishing those guilty of sin. There is hope for everyone in the generous grace of the Lord, who calls us to repentance and faith while we're still here on earth, though we shouldn't wait to turn from sin and turn towards the saving power of Christ. 

Jesus graciously addresses the issue of covetousness and anxiety by reminding us that we are deeply loved and therefore cared for by our loving Heavenly Father. The Lord Himself is our treasure, He is our provider, our Good Shepherd. What then should we fear?

Jesus teaches on the severity of the gospel. It is true good news for all, yet it will not be received kindly by everyone. Followers of Christ are to stand firm on what is true and everlasting, able to withstand anxiety and fear because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Deeply cared for by God, Christians carry the good news wherever they go, and the Lord is with them always.

As Jesus is walking with His disciples, they ask Him an important lesson, "Lord, teach us to pray." With an example prayer and a parable, Jesus teaches us a fundamental aspect of Christian life. We pray because Jesus prayed, because He made it a primacy, priority, and promise for us - not to do when we feel like it or at our most desperate times only - but in a committed and persistent pattern for our daily lives. And the beautiful thing is that every prayer, every knock, every ask is heard and aligns us to our Father in Heaven for our good and His glory.

As Jesus is in Mary and Martha's home, He begins to teach. With Mary at His feet and Martha anxiously hosting, Jesus' focus is on His ultimate priority. He is the Word that speaks, shapes, stirs, and secures. Often we forget God has spoken, and the importance of carving out intentional moments with the Lord. Mary did the best thing, Martha chose to do a good thing but was filled with anxiety and missed the Word right there in her home. What's best for all of us, is to be spending time at the feet of Jesus - something that will never be taken away from us.