Sermons

Whatever happens in our life, in our land, or in our world is exactly the way that God had planned it to be. This is a hard teaching because many of the things that we see are hard to understand, if we can understand them at all. The story of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage demonstrates that God is always working and that he has plan. God's plan is born from his covenantal love for us. The Bible calls his love for us "hesed" which also means long-suffering love. God plans the details because he loves us. His detailed plan will bring about his glory, and his glory is our greatest good.

We are refugees in a foreign land. As much beauty as this world has to offer we are constantly reminded that this ain't it. God established a foothold on this earth in Canaan through his servant Abraham - but this was just the beginning. God had much more in mind than a land for Israel. God's intent has always been to dwell among us and to be our God. Jesus promises the homesick heart that he is preparing a place for us. But it all began when Abraham lived by faith and allowed God to use him to establish a foothold in the land.

No matter the trial, the test or the tribulation, those that belong to the Lord know that God has provided for every need in the person and work of Christ.

Abraham and Sarah had every earthly reason to be joyful when their firstborn son was born. They were very old yet God performed a miracle and enabled these faithful saints to enjoy a newborn baby when it seemed impossible. But their joy was not founded upon earthly reasons. They laughed on this great day because their joy was found in their Lord. They were joyful in God's Word, God's work in them and a faithful obedience that brought great joy.

It's the New Year, and this is the season for us to look ahead at all the things we wish to accomplish or change over the next twelve months. But have we slowed down to consider God's role in our plans? Or, more accurately, have we considered our role in his plans? We see very clearly in Scripture that as we go about our lives doing all manner of things, it is the purposes of the Lord that will ultimately stand. The Christian's chief end is to glorify and enjoy the Lord, and we do this by intentionally pursuing those things which God will use to transform us more into the image and pattern of his son, Jesus. He has given us, as his new creations, all the power we need to do this, so that no day, event, or plan is wasted.

Had God missed a detail in his plan when there was not one room available to Mary and Joseph. Certainly not. This was just the beginning of Jesus' road to Calvary.

God has not only made certain and precious promises but he has graciously given his church visible signs and seals to assure use, identify us, and remind us of who he is, and what he has done and will do for us.

God meets us on the road of affliction. In fact it is there that we find out what we're made of. Affliction either hardens us, breaks us or changes us. The good news is that God sees us and he hears us on the road of affliction.

Is the God of the Bible one who can be trusted? Is there reason for us to trust Him? When Abram was sinking into a deep depression and wondering if he had fooled himself into thinking that God had spoken a good word to Him, God condescended and made a covenant with Abram. God promised that he could be trusted no matter what suffering might over take Abram or his people. God has made promises to his church that often seem far away when we suffer. But God has sealed his promises in his Son Jesus. Indeed, God can be trusted for He is trustworthy.

There are moments in our lives, maybe even long stretches when God's promises seems far off. We are tempted in those moments to stray from our faith and trust in the Lord. But God even uses those moments to reveal Himself to us. When we stray we usually make a mess of things and we wonder if there is any chance of making it back home. There is no mess that God won't redeem.