In this sermon, Peter explores what it means to follow Jesus. He came to be an obedient servant and this is the model for us all to follow. “If anyone will come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” [Mark 8:34b]

On this first Sunday of Lent, Jan Waterschoot delivered the following message: Since Christ bore witness through His suffering on the cross and was vindicated, we, too, can bear witness through suffering and trust God to vindicate us.

We should not be surprised if at times the Christian life is not easy. Jesus and John the Baptist both suffered. All the Apostles suffered. We too face difficulties and frustrations as individuals and families [health, work, finance, relationships]. We face problems as congregations.When difficult times come it’s helpful to remember our past experiences of God’s love and care. To remember times when we experienced God’s help and felt that God was close is a deep encouragement.

As we enter 2021 still in lockdown, in a chaotic and often overwhelming world, Mark Hill reminds us that no matter what happens, we need to center ourselves on Christ. In doing so, we follow the example of Jesus, who centered himself on God.

During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan preached on how love is the essential element in our relationship with God and each other. To follow Jesus means to live a life of unconditional love for all – friends and enemies. The fractured worldwide church needs prayer and love for each other as Christ loves us. Unity in Christ, one Body, one Church.

Preaching from Jacob’s encounter with God in Genesis and the gospel of John, Peter unpacked why we want to share our faith and encouraged us to invite others to “Come and see.”

Preaching from the story of John the Baptist and the crowds that went out to him in the wilderness, Peter showed us how people from all walks of life recognized their separation from God and wanted to be reconciled to their Creator. John did not preach for personal gain. When pointing to Jesus, he told his listeners that he would not be worthy to untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals. God used John in a powerful way to convey the message of repentance that prepared the way for Jesus, who reconciles us to the Father. Sincere repentance leads to a changed life.

Wise men came seeking Jesus – and they still do! The wise men who came to Bethlehem followed a star that had told them of the birth of Jesus. God had spoken to them in a language they could understand. So we who seek to follow God’s lead need to have patience and faith, but also be active and follow the clues we are given. When we give Him our gifts and lives He will use these for His purposes.

Examining the birth of Jesus, Peter pointed out that God chose to reveal His plans to some very unlikely people. Though of low social standing, these people (Mary, Joseph, the shepherds) were part of God’s faithful remnant. Contrast this with the leading figures of the time such as King Herod and the Pharisees. God wants a kingdom of self-giving love and chose the people who would respond to His message of grace. The important thing is not the means the Lord uses to speak to us but when he manages to get our attention how we respond to God’s love.

Our new interim pastor, Peter, spoke this week on our ability to choose whether or not to accept God’s invitation. Focusing on the life of Mary and the invitation she received that would turn her world upside down, he challenged us to respond with the same humble acceptance.