Is sin real? It's an importnat question, and despite what you may hear, most people believe in sin - some list of things that should never be done. Christians understand that sin is an offense against a holy God, and that we have all done the wrong thing. But the good news is that God's response to sin is not to allow us the consequeneces of our actions, but to lovingly rescue us. We look to the cross and live!
As we open the season of Lent together, we're going to take a look at the defeated enemies of the Christian: Temptation, Sin, and Death.
All of these are still part of our lives, but have been dealt with by Jesus at the cross. We begin with the story of the Fall, the temptation of Adam and Eve - then look at Jesus, and at us. The stories that temptation tells don't change - and once we know them, we can flee from them.
The People of God are a People of Transformation!
As we leave our series, we come back to the fundamental truth - Christians Grow. The Transfiguration of Jesus leads to a transformation in the disciples. It's still true - we are changed by seeing the glory of God.
This means we can look back and laugh at ourselves, grateful for our growth. it also means that our best days are always ahead of us.
The People of God are a People of Mission
Jesus came with a purpose - that the salvation of the Father would be known to the ends of the earth. The prophets and apostles sometimes fell into the trap of dreaming too small, and so do we. Jesus came to bring salvation to every tribe , people, and nation - and we continue that work as His body in the world. We are characterized by the motivation to bring His glory and salvation to all people.
There is a lot of talk about Revival in the Church! We'll always welcome it, but it's often misunderstood. Most often, revivals have been the result of a return to the Word of God, either by new access (like translation) or new focus.
2 Kings gives an account of the reform (revival) under King Josiah, who rediscovered the Law after decades of neglect - and called the people of God back to what we are - people of the Word!
There is conventional wisdom about what religious people should look like, say, and do. The message of the cross for salvation might not fit with that conventional wisdom - and that's ok! It's not stupid if it works. Throughout the scriptures, we find God calling HIs people away from conventional wisdom and into a place of trust.
It means that the People of God may appear foolish (and that's ok).
Jesus' first teaching was "Repent". The call to repentance has been constatnly part of the church for our entire history - but what does it mean? Does it make sense to yell it?
The People of God are a people of repentance. We are ready to admit our faults, change our direction, and follow our Lord together. Repentance brings us to God, brings us together, and keeps us together.
*This is part 2 of the "Family Resemblance" sermon series.
The People of God are a people of Jesus!
We are kicking off a new series this week, looking at the family resemblance of the family of God. Our faith unites us, and should grow us all in the same direction, so that we have similarities to one another, because we are all like Jesus.
It begins with faith. The exclusive claims of Jesus as the means of salvation are the basis of the Christian faith. In today's sermon, we examine those claims made in John 1, and affirmed in 1 Corinthians 1.
Who am I? It's a fundamental question that all of us ask, and our answers will shape the way we interact with the world. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a Servant of God (Jesus) that would overthrow oppressors and gently raise up the hurting. How can He be both strong and meek? The answer lies in His understanding of the divine call and idenity. In the same way, our own understanding of God's call and identity will give us confidence to be both strong and meek as the situation requires.
We're so glad you've joined us for today's sermon!
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Happy New Year! As we move to the end of the Christmas Season, we remember that the promise of Jesus is for all people - including the astrologers from a far land. God has invited all people into His covenenat by faith! The wrath of Herod, collaborating with the religious leaders, could not prevent it. As we move into this year, remember that God's will is for our salvation and His glory!!