Cumberland Presbyterians see baptism as a sacrament. We baptize because God has taken one look at us… created in God’s image… and has said, “That’s my Son, that’s my Daughter, They are created in my image, and they are VERY GOOD. God has made covenant with us that says, I choose these humans. The baptismal waters are a seal of that covenantal relationship between God and Humans!

Based on Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Mark 1:4-11, & Acts 2:1-5
Originally Preached January 10th 2021  

God wanted to make very clear to God’s people what his word really did mean. God didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings. So, God sent His Son into the world to be a living testimony to the word of God… Jesus was God’s word in the flesh! Put simply, if you want to get to know God better, if you want to know the true character of God, If you want to truly see God’s love for humanity, get to know Jesus… The only way that can happen is by spending time in the gospels and internalizing them. 

Based on John 1:1-4

Joy is an interesting gift you know. It’s actually contagious. Joy is best appreciated when it is given away.

Based on Luke 1:46b-55

Suffice it to say, if ever a people need hope it is us. I don’t know if you have noticed, things aren’t going the way they are supposed to go. We are in the midst of a pandemic that is separating us from those we love. Because of Covid-19 we are all living in fear! We are in the midst of social unrest… political unrest… religious unrest… We are a divided people in almost every aspect possible. 

Based on Isaiah 64:1-9.

The theological implications of today’s text are profound. Jesus is saying, That God is more concerned about how we treat each other than anything else.

Based on  Matthew 25:31-46 

What are we doing with this gift of life God has given us? Are we living a radical, sold out life, of love and service to others? Are we  risking it all, putting everything on the line, to share the good news of a loving God to this broken world?

Based on Matthew 25:14-30

God is placing God’s healing of the world in the hands of Christ followers around the world...  God is expecting Christians, around the globe, to humble themselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways. Then and only then will God hear, forgive, and heal this broken world. 

Just before the last supper, the disciples of Jesus were bickering over who was going to be the greatest in Jesus’ kingdom. Who was going to sit at the left and who was going to sit on the right of Jesus. And Jesus, girded himself up with a towel and bent down and washed the disciples’ feet… every one of them…. including the feet of Judas! Such a wonderful example of perfect humility. 

Who is Jesus? He is love! Plain and simple… But Jesus is not the soft pillowy, warm and fuzzy, tingly kind love that we often associate with love. Jesus is RADICAL LOVE! Jesus’ Love takes us as we are but doesn’t leave us there!

Based on Matthew 22:34-46
Originally preached October 25, 2020 
at St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church

According to Jesus, the only thing that Caesar could lay claim to was the metal object that bore his likeness. And the things that God can lay claim to are the things that bear God’s likeness!

Based on Matthew 22:15-22
Originally preached October 18, 2020 
at St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church