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Old Testament Lesson
Esther 7:1-10
We see again in this passage that God intercedes to save His people. He does not promise that things will always been easy, but he does promise that He will be with us, no matter what, and that He has a plan for our lives and for whatever happens. He saved His people in the story of Esther and He will be by our side in out times of trouble as well.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 19:11-20
We see in this passage it is not enough for us to know about Jesus, we must know Him ourselves; these people tried to use the name and power of Jesus without knowing Jesus. Likewise, we must know Jesus. It is not enough for us to know about Jesus, enough for us to know folks that know Jesus, we must know Jesus ourselves.
Gospel Lesson
Luke 4:14-30
We see that Jesus' sermon wasn't too well received. They even wanted to throw him all the cliff. I've never preached a sermon (that I know of) where folks wanted to throw me off a cliff. But, He was going to preach God's Word, because He was God's true Word.
He knew that He was salvation and He was there to ensure that all that heard Him would be true to God's commands. In the same way, we hear Him know. Do we obey? Do we follow? That is what Jesus wants us to do. Obey. Follow. Do you today?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ordinary Time: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Esther 6:1-14
We haven't read all the story of Esther, but we see in this, Haman thinks he is going to be honored, when in reality, the evil he has done will soon be coming back to him. We reap what we sow. I heard a great sermon once where the preacher was saying that we reap what we sow, but sometimes, we sow, and then we hope for raining, thinking that we will not reap it. But, we will. If we do evil, at some point, evil will come back to us.
Now, God does make the rain fall on both the righteous and the unrighteous, and good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. But, if you are living a life of hatred, it will come back to you. Likewise, if you are living a life apart from God, it will come back to you. Today, we see the beginnings of Haman's downfall. This downfall was caused by his own sinful actions.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 19:1-10
We see that Paul continued to preach to do what God wanted him to do, even when folks left. He continued to be faithful, even when things didn't work out perfect. He continued to obey and serve God, even when things didn't go like he may have wanted. Friends, all we are called to do is be faithful. God will take care of the rest. We are called to work, the results are up to God. Today, your calling from God is simply this: be faithful.
Gospel Lesson
Luke 4:1-13
We see the importance of the Bible in this passage. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He quoted the Bible back to the devil. He knew the Bible well enough to be able to recall it when it was needed. Do you know the Bible well enough this morning to do that. Temptation will come. Knowing the Word is the best defence against it.
Also, notice that the devil quoted the Bible to Jesus. But, Jesus knew the true meaning of the passages that the devil quoted. Lots of folks quote the Bible. Many, many, many take it out context. It isn't just enough for us to be able to quote the Bible, but we must be able to know what it actually means. The only way we can do this is digging deep within, and studying. And, studying with God's people: Bible Study at church, Sunday School, things such as this.
Right now, I know that each person that reads this will claim to love God and claim to love the Bible. But, does your love for the Bible move beyond words to action? Do you merely talk about how much you love the Bible, or do you actually read it, as an individual, and within the church?
Esther 6:1-14
We haven't read all the story of Esther, but we see in this, Haman thinks he is going to be honored, when in reality, the evil he has done will soon be coming back to him. We reap what we sow. I heard a great sermon once where the preacher was saying that we reap what we sow, but sometimes, we sow, and then we hope for raining, thinking that we will not reap it. But, we will. If we do evil, at some point, evil will come back to us.
Now, God does make the rain fall on both the righteous and the unrighteous, and good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. But, if you are living a life of hatred, it will come back to you. Likewise, if you are living a life apart from God, it will come back to you. Today, we see the beginnings of Haman's downfall. This downfall was caused by his own sinful actions.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 19:1-10
We see that Paul continued to preach to do what God wanted him to do, even when folks left. He continued to be faithful, even when things didn't work out perfect. He continued to obey and serve God, even when things didn't go like he may have wanted. Friends, all we are called to do is be faithful. God will take care of the rest. We are called to work, the results are up to God. Today, your calling from God is simply this: be faithful.
Gospel Lesson
Luke 4:1-13
We see the importance of the Bible in this passage. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He quoted the Bible back to the devil. He knew the Bible well enough to be able to recall it when it was needed. Do you know the Bible well enough this morning to do that. Temptation will come. Knowing the Word is the best defence against it.
Also, notice that the devil quoted the Bible to Jesus. But, Jesus knew the true meaning of the passages that the devil quoted. Lots of folks quote the Bible. Many, many, many take it out context. It isn't just enough for us to be able to quote the Bible, but we must be able to know what it actually means. The only way we can do this is digging deep within, and studying. And, studying with God's people: Bible Study at church, Sunday School, things such as this.
Right now, I know that each person that reads this will claim to love God and claim to love the Bible. But, does your love for the Bible move beyond words to action? Do you merely talk about how much you love the Bible, or do you actually read it, as an individual, and within the church?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sermon Podcasts
Ordinary Time: Tuesday, September 25, 2006
Sorry my postings have been a little sporadic recently, hopefully (knock on wood) things will be back to normal in the weeks/months to come. Please remember my wife Holly in your prayers. She is 33 weeks pregnant and just been placed on bed rest for two weeks.
Just a quick thought today; tomorrow a full post.
Just a quick thought today; tomorrow a full post.
"You may be as orthodox as the devil and as wicked."
John Wesley
One of my favorite quotes by Wesley. The devil believes correctly. The Word says that even the demons believe, and tremble at God (James 2:19). But, they do not obey. Today, the question is not do you believe in God. The question is do you obey. Today, just as the devil believes, so my way. But, likewise, just as the devil is wicked; if we do not obey, so shall we be.Thursday, September 21, 2006
Ordinary Time: Thursday, September 21, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Job 28:1-28
We see here in Job that wisdom is to be searched for; and it will not be found upon the earth. Wisdom is found only in God. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Lots of people know lots of things. But, very few people are wise. Wisdom is not about being good at your job; it is not about knowing where to find a good sale; it is not about knowing how to build something.
Wisdom is about sight. It is about seeing. It is about seeing things that correct way. It is about seeing things the way God would have you to see. Wisdom tells you that some one's worth is not their bank account, but rather there worth comes from being a child of God. Wisdom tells you that that the stuff of life is not as important as the stuff of heaven. Wisdom tells you that it is in the simple things of life; a child's smile, a warm word, a beautiful sunset, a loving family, a faithful church; in these things we find true contentment, and true joy. The world does not teach us that. Wisdom does. And wisdom comes only from God.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 16:25-40
We see wisdom in this passage. When the earthquake came, Paul and Silas could have left, but the did not. They knew that there was a purpose for them even being in jail. That purpose was that the jailer and his family may come to know Jesus as Lord. There is a purpose in everything. Sometimes, we don't know what it is, but there is some good that can come out of every situation in life. Sometimes we can doubt that, sometimes we can think that is not possible. But, if God can use the jailing of his servants for His glory, He will. Likewise, in your life, thing will come, things will happen that God can use for His glory, if you will allow. Today, Paul and Silas allowed God to use this situation for His glory, and look what happened. Today, will you allow God to use your life for His glory, will you allow Him to work through you and in you in a powerful and mighty way?
Gospel Lesson
John 12:27-36a
When Jesus is lifted up; He will draw all unto Him. When He is lifted up in our lives, in our church, in our family, all will be drawn to Him. When He is lifted up with our words, with our actions, with our conduct, with who we are; all will be drawn to Him. When we live a life that gives Him the glory; all will be drawn to Him. When we live for Him; all will be drawn to Him.
Today, does your life draw all to Jesus? In your life, is He lifted up?
Job 28:1-28
We see here in Job that wisdom is to be searched for; and it will not be found upon the earth. Wisdom is found only in God. There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Lots of people know lots of things. But, very few people are wise. Wisdom is not about being good at your job; it is not about knowing where to find a good sale; it is not about knowing how to build something.
Wisdom is about sight. It is about seeing. It is about seeing things that correct way. It is about seeing things the way God would have you to see. Wisdom tells you that some one's worth is not their bank account, but rather there worth comes from being a child of God. Wisdom tells you that that the stuff of life is not as important as the stuff of heaven. Wisdom tells you that it is in the simple things of life; a child's smile, a warm word, a beautiful sunset, a loving family, a faithful church; in these things we find true contentment, and true joy. The world does not teach us that. Wisdom does. And wisdom comes only from God.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 16:25-40
We see wisdom in this passage. When the earthquake came, Paul and Silas could have left, but the did not. They knew that there was a purpose for them even being in jail. That purpose was that the jailer and his family may come to know Jesus as Lord. There is a purpose in everything. Sometimes, we don't know what it is, but there is some good that can come out of every situation in life. Sometimes we can doubt that, sometimes we can think that is not possible. But, if God can use the jailing of his servants for His glory, He will. Likewise, in your life, thing will come, things will happen that God can use for His glory, if you will allow. Today, Paul and Silas allowed God to use this situation for His glory, and look what happened. Today, will you allow God to use your life for His glory, will you allow Him to work through you and in you in a powerful and mighty way?
Gospel Lesson
John 12:27-36a
When Jesus is lifted up; He will draw all unto Him. When He is lifted up in our lives, in our church, in our family, all will be drawn to Him. When He is lifted up with our words, with our actions, with our conduct, with who we are; all will be drawn to Him. When we live a life that gives Him the glory; all will be drawn to Him. When we live for Him; all will be drawn to Him.
Today, does your life draw all to Jesus? In your life, is He lifted up?
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sermon Podcasts Posted
My sermons from yesterday are uploaded on my church website. You can click here to go there and download or listen them.
Ordinary Time: Monday, September 18, 2006
Old Testament Lesson
Job 40:1-24
Job has the courage to question God, he has the courage to voice his compliant to God; which in the Old Testament is a rare thing. In this passage, we see God's response. Which is basically, who are you to question me? Were you there when I brought creation into being? Were you there when I did all that is seen and unseen? Do you not know that I am God?
As much as we know about God, as much as Christ revealed to us; as much as the Bible points out and instructs, there is still much to God that we don't know. We don't know all mysteries; we don't know all reasons; we don't know all the answers. That is part of what Job teaches us. There are some things we don't know and will never know. However, we do know this. God is good, and He loves us. So, while we don't know everything, we know that God has our best interest at heart.
So, even when you don't know the answer, don't know why, don't understand, Job teaches us this. Trust. Faith is when we don't know and still trust. Faith is when we don't feel like praying and still pray. Faith is when we have no reason for hope, but we still hope. Today, may you have faith.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 15:36-16:5
Today, we see Paul and Barnabas part ways. One thing I like so much about Barnabas is that he believes in giving folks second chances. John Mark deserted them in a time of need; in a time when they were spreading the word. Paul did not want him to come with them again. He must have felt like you could not count on him. In times of ministry, you need folks you can count on, you need folks you can trust. Paul did not feel like he could trust John Mark after he deserted them that time.
But, Barnabas believed in second chances. That is why he went to Paul and befriended him. Barnabas knew that John Mark needed another chance. And so, he and John Mark went there own way to spread the Gospel. Who was right in this situation? Paul or Barnabas? I believe that for their own reasons, they both were.
Paul was motivated by spreading the gospel, and in mission work, you need people you can count on; people you can trust. Paul did not trust John Mark. Barnabas was motivated by the notion of the second chance; he was an encourager. Yes, John Mark let them down before, but who hasn't made a mistake. They both had noble goals, and honestly, God needed them both. If Paul was not who he was, those of us that are not Jews would not be Christian. And, if Barnabas was not who he was, we would not have the Gospel of Mark, for that is who John Mark was, the man that God used to write that Gospel.
Gospel Lesson
John 11:55-12:8
We see today Judas want to look righteous with his concern for the poor. Sometimes we want to appear righteous before other people instead of actually being righteous by worshiping Jesus Christ. We should be more concerned with our hearts than with putting up an image of holiness. If our heart is right with God, we will really be holy, we will live a holy life. However, if we are just trying to fool people, we will be found out, and if our heart is not right with God; we will stand before Him and have to explain why we appeared Christian instead of becoming Christian. And, standing before a Holy God and trying to explain why we just played church is not something we should want to do.
Job 40:1-24
Job has the courage to question God, he has the courage to voice his compliant to God; which in the Old Testament is a rare thing. In this passage, we see God's response. Which is basically, who are you to question me? Were you there when I brought creation into being? Were you there when I did all that is seen and unseen? Do you not know that I am God?
As much as we know about God, as much as Christ revealed to us; as much as the Bible points out and instructs, there is still much to God that we don't know. We don't know all mysteries; we don't know all reasons; we don't know all the answers. That is part of what Job teaches us. There are some things we don't know and will never know. However, we do know this. God is good, and He loves us. So, while we don't know everything, we know that God has our best interest at heart.
So, even when you don't know the answer, don't know why, don't understand, Job teaches us this. Trust. Faith is when we don't know and still trust. Faith is when we don't feel like praying and still pray. Faith is when we have no reason for hope, but we still hope. Today, may you have faith.
New Testament Lesson
Acts 15:36-16:5
Today, we see Paul and Barnabas part ways. One thing I like so much about Barnabas is that he believes in giving folks second chances. John Mark deserted them in a time of need; in a time when they were spreading the word. Paul did not want him to come with them again. He must have felt like you could not count on him. In times of ministry, you need folks you can count on, you need folks you can trust. Paul did not feel like he could trust John Mark after he deserted them that time.
But, Barnabas believed in second chances. That is why he went to Paul and befriended him. Barnabas knew that John Mark needed another chance. And so, he and John Mark went there own way to spread the Gospel. Who was right in this situation? Paul or Barnabas? I believe that for their own reasons, they both were.
Paul was motivated by spreading the gospel, and in mission work, you need people you can count on; people you can trust. Paul did not trust John Mark. Barnabas was motivated by the notion of the second chance; he was an encourager. Yes, John Mark let them down before, but who hasn't made a mistake. They both had noble goals, and honestly, God needed them both. If Paul was not who he was, those of us that are not Jews would not be Christian. And, if Barnabas was not who he was, we would not have the Gospel of Mark, for that is who John Mark was, the man that God used to write that Gospel.
Gospel Lesson
John 11:55-12:8
We see today Judas want to look righteous with his concern for the poor. Sometimes we want to appear righteous before other people instead of actually being righteous by worshiping Jesus Christ. We should be more concerned with our hearts than with putting up an image of holiness. If our heart is right with God, we will really be holy, we will live a holy life. However, if we are just trying to fool people, we will be found out, and if our heart is not right with God; we will stand before Him and have to explain why we appeared Christian instead of becoming Christian. And, standing before a Holy God and trying to explain why we just played church is not something we should want to do.
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